It appears that the rumours, for once, are true.  “Doona Vale”, bounded on three sides by State Forest, has been sold to BHP.  The motives of the owners, previously fervent supporters of CCAG, are disappointing, but clear.  Experience from other coal mine-devastated communities suggests this is the usual ‘divide and conquer’ modus operandi adopted by mining companies – including ‘handouts’ to some, but not all, community groups, as if splashing cash around can make up for the cracking of aquifers, dust, noise and pollution 24/7 of their coal mining operations.

However, maybe we have got the wrong end of the stick. Perhaps BHP have decided to go into farming? After all they’re buying fertilizer companies. Has it been acknowledged by them, at last, the vital part that the Liverpool Plains, and its underground water supplies, contributes to the food security and prosperity of our Nation? Perhaps, with any spare cash they’d like to buy Doona State Forest next to preserve its koala habitat in perpetuity and reduce world destroying CO2 emissions into the bargain? Or do they have other plans for this important place…..

Whatever the true reasons, we at CCAG, on behalf of the supportive community as a whole, will continue to value this area more than just dollars on a balance sheet. We will continue to lobby Governments, both state and federal, to do the right thing: to make sure mining does not destroy the environment, agricultural production, livelihoods, health and attachment of people to this national security asset. 

And you can bet your farm on that.