A GROUP of Dubbo and Narromine women protesting against coal seam gas (CSG) mining are drawing on the long history of knitting as a tool for non-violent political activism.
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Dressed in yellow and black and flanked by protest signs, the Knitting Nannas Against Gas have sat outside Member for Dubbo Troy Grant's office in Talbragar Street every Wednesday since early December.
They are keen to dispel myths about "radical" CSG protesters.
"We knit, hand out information and urge people to have conversations about the risks CSG drilling poses to the environment, water and prime agricultural land," Gasfield Free Dubbo convenor Sally Forsstrom said.
"Women sat beside the guillotine during public executions during the French revolution.
"They wanted to protest about what was happening. The Knitting Nannas aren't prepared to remain silent while CSG encroaches on this region."
Margaret Evans of Dubbo is a regular participant.
"I am very concerned about fracking and the contamination of water," she said.
"I am worried about future generations. I will keep protesting even after the state election because CSG is an issue that isn't going away."
That sentiment is shared by Dubbo knitter Margaret McDonald.
"I am troubled by what has happened with CSG in America," she said.
"Large areas of land have been devastated and flames have come out of household taps because of gas leaking into water ways.
"The area around Dubbo is already mapped out for CSG but licences have not as yet been approved.
"We are told processes are in place to monitor CSG but how can you see what is happening underground. It is too late to stop problems once gas is bubbling up through water ways or livestock have been contaminated by waste from gas mining."
Helen Jeffery of Narromine became a Knitting Nannas when she found out there was a CSG exploration licence on the mixing farming property she runs with husband, Rick.
"Imagine your home being taken away from you along with all your assets and your only way of making an income," she said.
"I thought The Nationals stood up for country people but I don't believe that anymore."
Dutch-born Jacqueline Niewenhuis moved to Narromine 11 years ago and regards Australia as a beautiful but fragile country.
"CSG would be the ultimate environmental disaster," she said.
"People need to be aware of water quality and farming land. Everyone should be concerned about and discussing CSG."
