The rally in Gloucester will be held in the Billabong Park at 1pm.

The event is timed to coincide with the conclusion of the NSW Rural Women’s Gathering, which is also being held in Gloucester, to allow delegates to that event to join the rally.

A number of community members have agreed to speak and a couple of prominent guest speakers have been invited to share their views. The program will include a comedy skit.

The rally will also see the launch of Project Blue in the Gloucester-Stroud Valley.

Project Blue is a “silent people protest” which is an initiative of the recently formed Manning Alliance.

The aim of Project Blue is to encourage the entire community to express its concern and opposition to coal seam gas exploration and development by tying a blue ribbon or something blue to their front gate, to their cars etc.

On “Blue Day”, Monday October 31, everyone is being encouraged to wear something blue and attend a public rally that will be held to coincide with the NSW Upper House Inquiry into Coal Seam Gas hearing in Taree.

“Gloucester sits at the headwaters of the Manning Valley and mining developments here have the potential to impact the entire Manning River catchment,” BGSPA chairman Graeme Healy said.

“Manning Valley residents are deeply concerned about AGL’s coal seam gas development and we want to support and participate in Project Blue.

“It’s an excellent opportunity for the community to demonstrate its opposition to coal seam gas exploration and development.

“The National Day of Action is an appropriate occasion for the local launch of Project Blue.

“We are encouraging everyone who has a concern about coal seam gas to join the rally.

“We suggest that they come early, bring a picnic, make a day of it and have some fun,” Mr Healy said.