Nearly 1000 people attended a rally in Gloucester this week against the renewal of Gloucester Resources’ coal exploration licenses to prevent the devastation of prime alluvial flats at the foothills of the majestic Bucketts range, next to the town.

Picturesque Gloucester, whose economy relies on tourism and the production of dairy, beef and fish from its growing aquaculture industry, is a perfect example of a thriving country town with a sustainable mix of businesses, already contributing to the NSW economy.  Unfortunately, Minister Macdonald, in the final dash-for-cash from this Jurassic industry, sees only Gloucester’s minor coal reserves as “something to harvest” in line with the government’s 1994 report that “agriculture is the biggest threat to coal mining”.

Minister Macdonald, when approached by concerned Gloucester Mayor Julie Lyford, further suggested that “community opposition [to the mine] be hosed down”.  What is clear is that Minister Macdonald has totally misread another community prepared to fight for the protection its prime agricultural land and the food and water security for all Australians contained therein. >more..