AUSTRALIA
Qld farmers take on coal industry
Rob McCreath
25 October 2008
Friends of Felton (FoF) organised two very successful film and information evenings in Pittsworth and Toowoomba on October 1 and 2. One hundred and ninety people attended, including several councillors.
The event was called “Coalmining in our backyard — How will it affect us? What can we do?” Rivers of Shame 2 was shown, which highlights the impact of mining on rivers, aquifers and local communities.
FoF chair Rob McCreath spoke of the impact of the coalmining industry on the Darling Downs and explained which areas are currently covered by exploration permits.
“Many people are blissfully unaware that virtually the entire Darling Downs is under threat from the mining industry. This land is amongst the very best in Australia, and we must act quickly to pressure the Queensland government to protect it from mining, before it is too late”, he said.
Dr Pauline Roberts from the Caroona Coal Action Group in the NSW Liverpool Plains highlighted how toxic coal is to human and environmental health. She argued that a large part of the state government’s mining royalties should be allocated to the health budget to cope with the long-term impact of the present mining boom.
Acland farmer Sid Plant spoke of his family’s experience of living next to the New Acland mine. He told the meeting of the constant noise from blasting and heavy machinery, saying he hadn’t slept properly at night for the first 18 months. He described the dust cloud that had aggravated his wife’s asthma and contaminated their drinking water.
