Mayor rejects government’s Metgasco buy-back challenge

LISMORE City Council has rejected a challenge from MP Thomas George to pool its money with the State Government and buy back Metgasco’s mining licence.

Mayor Jenny Dowell. Picture: Cathy Adams

LISMORE City Council has rejected a challenge from MP Thomas George to pool its money with the State Government and buy back Metgasco's mining licence.

Mayor Jenny Dowell has flagged the search for legal options to stop the company carrying out seismic testing within the local government borders next month.

"The council wants it stopped, but I don't believe they're in a situation where they can stop it," Mr George said.

"However, they said they are prepared to spend money on legal fees to have it stopped.

"My challenge to Lismore City Council and Mayor Jenny Dowell is to join with the government and put whatever funds they have into purchasing back the PEL.

"We've been trying to purchase it back.

"Now we challenge the council to match the government's funding."

MORE: George: Forget Metgasco and buy back licence

Mr George said he was unaware how much money Metgasco had been offered in the State Government's failed buy-back proposal.

But the council does not to be part of the plan.

"We're not prepared to give any money to Metgasco," Cr Dowell said.

"That is a ridiculous suggestion, quite frankly.

"We haven't committed any money on a court case.

"We said we would ask our staff to investigate legal action and come back to council before making any decision.

"The licence has nothing to do with Lismore City Council and we would not contemplate participating in any kind of buy-off."

-APN NEWSDESK