In a rowdy, well attended Council Meeting last week, Liverpool Plains Shire sought Councillors support to accept Shenhua mine waste into Quirindi, reportedly for $400k over 18 months. Benefits specified were beautifying the main streets of Quirindi and Werris Creek. Critics claimed this income would scarcely cover costs of repairing roads damaged in transport of this toxic waste. Further meetings have highlighted lack of cost/benefit analysis and detailed costings.  

Gunnedah and Narrabri Shire Councils are having second thoughts; the latter reportedly halting acceptance of any further Santos waste. 

In a win for sanity, the  Quirindi decision is now deferred for further consultation on this vital public issue.