In a little more than a decade, coal seam gas mining has evolved into a major industry in Australia. However, I myself have only just recently been made aware of this industry. Whether that stems from the lack of coverage from the media, or my naivety is something I will be exploring through my research. Either way, the coal seam gas rush seems like it is definitely a cause for concern.
If you are unsure of what coal seam gas (CSG) is, it is basically a methane found in underground coal seems, where it is trapped by natural water pressure. It is then released by reducing pressure in the seam by drawing out contaminated water. CSG mining near populated areas is alarmingly problematic as it can threaten water systems and supplies, cause seismic activity, and can leave a permanent footprint on the land. Furthermore, the industry could produce as much greenhouse gas as all the cars on the road in Australia (ABC 2012)
Broadcasting corporations such as the ABC have maintained coverage of the issue since it first emerged on to the media scene, with regular articles being posted on their website. They provide readers with an in-depth analysis, which highlights the key matters surrounding the issue. Their informative style of journalism portrays true projections and elucidates the harsh realities of the booming industry. The Coal Seam Gas: By The Numbers section of the ABC website, provides both maps and graphs that are interactive and informative. Ultimately, I think this style of reporting enables readers to fully engage with the issue, as the information acts as a scope that viewers can utilise to easily and effectively understand the basic concepts of the issue that is coal seam gas mining.
Scouring around on the Internet, I was able easily find comprehensive amounts of information on CSG and all of its inherent and painfully obvious risks. Community based websites such as Stop-CSG-Illawarra have been formed to keep locals in the Illawarra community informed and up to date. Print media such as newspapers and news broadcasts on television does not seem to be as prominent as these news mediums mainly focus on shock headlines in order to draw their viewers in. Typically, stories such as the CSG one, tend to fade into the facets of every day life, and while communities may be aware of the issue, it will not be deemed as significant unless the media dictates it to be so.
Reference list:
ABC 2012, accessed 13/3/2012, http://www.abc.net.au/news/specials/coal-seam-gas-by-the-numbers/
The Internet, An Abyss 