On a clear winter day, Caroona Hall resonated to enthusiastic conversation as CCAG supporters again answered the call on the second anniversary of the Blockade formation. United, the gathering showed the fight and spirit behind the blockade is still present in the community.

CCAG president Sandy Blomfield spoke to the large gathering of blockade participants and supporters, reviewing our achievements and successes, in the ongoing struggle to fairly preserve our land and water.

CCAG today welcomed the first NSW Mining Minister to visit, tour the Liverpool Plains and engage directly with the community.

At Caroona Hall, Paul McLeay heard first hand community concerns on aquifer loss and contamination through gas and coal extraction, uncertainty for agricultural businesses, and health concerns linked with coal mining and transporting. Whilst the Minister was unable to satisfy our concerns, he pointed to new technology solutions, admitted ‘challenging’ issues, and took some issues on notice to report back to the community. He also noted that ‘development is good’. The Minister also agreed chequebook co-existence was not feasible ultimately, as the Mining Companies continue to use land purchasing as their preferred solution.

CCAG again called for No Mining or development until the Water Study is completed, a full public release of the Water Study upon completion, statuary exclusion of the flood … Read More »

Federal Minister for Resources & Energy Martin Ferguson, who visited the Liverpool Plains today, agreed with the CCAG and distanced himself from the NSW State Labor government when he confirmed that a water study should have been carried out before any exploration licenses were granted in the area.

During the visit he guaranteed $1.5 million in Federal funding for the 18 month long water study, tenders for which are currently undergoing assessment.   Hosted on the visit by Tony Windsor MP, the Minister made good on a pledge to see for himself the value of the area in agricultural terms.

We appreciate his visit and look forward to further discussions on how we can save this most productive land and its Murray Darling Basin water supplies from inappropriate mining development.