June2010
This (mining) life
As highlighted again by NSW Farmers Association last week, the evolution of the farcical NSW Mining Act continues well away from public gaze. Whilst the mining industry through the Minerals Council was freely consulted under former Minister Macdonald, the other major stakeholders, the farmers and landholders, enjoyed no such input. The operational ‘codes’ released by the Department in December 2009 seek to further dumb down mining operational procedures, even to removing EIS obligations . Furthermore, changes to Regulations in Section 62 further simplify mining processes by removing inconvenient impediments, for example dispensing with proximity limits to orchards and crops.
The replacement Minister Macleay has yet to visibly engage, but we trust he will give fair consideration, and full consultation, to ALL stakeholders.
Quirindi Office Opens
SOS Liverpool Plains have opened an office in Quirindi opposite the Post Office.
There is now a place in town where the community can meet and catch up on what’s happening with SOS Liverpool Plains.
Just like the blockade, the office is manned by a roster of volunteers who are passionate about protecting our most valuable agricultural assets, soil and water, from contamination and destruction by coal and gas mining.
Drop in, have a chat and sign the petition .
Sir Lunchalot Falls on Sword
Did he jump or was he pushed? Yes, the Minister for Mines is getting reincarnated again after Sir Lunchalot resigns over his dodgy Dubai expenses.
We look forward, again, to a minister with whom we can have constructive discussions and one who is actually prepared to visit the area!
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