NSW Aboriginal Land Council battles for CSG 'fair share'

CSG protesters in the Northern Rivers have an opponent many didn't expect. The NSW Aboriginal Land Council wants to prospect for gas in the area, saying its people need a share of the profits from coal seam gas.

CSG protesters in the Northern Rivers have an opponent many didn't expect. The NSW Aboriginal Land Council wants to prospect for gas in the area, saying its people need a share of the profits from CSG.

Sydney protests last month targeted the land council for alleged inadequate consultation.

But NSW Aboriginal Land Council CEO Geoff Scott claims protesters are ignoring the need for energy, and the economic realities for Indigenous people.

"Do you want to get benefit from it or do you want to continue to get the scraps off the table? Do you want to continue to rely on government for your livelihood?" he told SBS News.

"I think we owe our children better than that".

Mr Scott says he has held talks with the Tweed Byron Land Council and others, and will continue to do so.

Activist Harry Boyd has been fighting CSG in the Northern Rivers for several years, but fears CSG will come to the Northern Rivers regardless of how loudly many Australians protest.