A proposed gold mine at Timbarra plateau has been the subject of controversy for some months. Environmentalists complain that the method of gold extraction involves the use of highly destructive chemicals such as cyanide which, if released into the environment, can kill vast numbers of plants and animals. The mine is situated in an area of enormous conservation value, in the middle of a rare high altitude wetland. Chris O'Reirdon spoke to activists about the campaign.
Question: What do you think are the most important issues about this mine and the protests?
Dan (Timbarra activist): The Timbarra plateau is a unique and beautiful place. It's extraordinarily diverse, with seven different types of forest, wetlands and over 25 endangered species.
Ross Mining are cutting the heart out of one of the most beautiful places on earth. It simply can't be allowed to go ahead. They're using cyanide extraction. Where this cyanide goes in is the catchment for the Timbarra and the Clarence Rivers. There are 150 fishing jobs downstream.
Question: How do you think the campaign can go on from here?
Karen Riley (Timbarra activist): I think there should be three levels. We've got media, political and direct action. At the moment I'm involved in direct action.
Politically we've got state elections next year, so we can put pressure on several politicians.
Media-wise, we are working on that. We got lots of bad media last week, so that is another reason we are here on Nutshell Road today — to make out that we are peaceful environmentalists, not the vandals they make us out to be.
Bob Carr was quoted the other day saying that he was an environmentalist. Now we picked up on the was. I don't have a lot of faith in him.
When it comes to state elections, I think he needs to be embarrassed. I think he needs to be exposed for what he is allowing to happen. He's just getting away with murder at the moment — environmentally.
Bernard Wunsch (Lismore Resistance organiser): "Cyanide" Bob Carr is currently attempting to subdue critics by convincing people that he has saved what he can and that protesters are just whingeing extremists. That argument doesn't wash with those who are worried by the current expansion of mining in conservation areas.
People have been excluded from the decision making. We must demand the right to decide what kind of environment we live in. We need to take the responsibility for protecting such important sites as Timbarra from the greed of mining companies and their system of profit. That is why so many young people are taking a stand and becoming active.