The CCAG met with the BHPB to discuss the issues and concerns expressed by the community affecting its future fate. Thankfully the exchanges have become more cordial in the five years that have elapsed since that fateful day in April 2006.
Still many issues remain on the “to do” list or the “taken on notice” but the first glimmer of engagement has been sighted.

Somehow we have morphed into the mine planning stage without the bat of and eye- thankfully, BHPB have agreed to wait for the outcomes of the Namoi Water Study; unlike the works of the other prospectors in the region.

The Hydrogeology 101 presentation had all been seen before and failed to address many of the concerns of the landholders- once again these concerns were taken on notice:- we eagerly await the answers!

It certainly appeared that some of the companies statements come with the tint of  “rose coloured glasses” . When it came to the figures of how many properties they had accessed or how many agreements they had-  we found that they had stated their success on the generous side to say the least.

Social License? Its is an incredible way off!  At least we have the first stage of sitting at the table and talking, albeit with an occasionally raised voice- at least the message is beginning to filter through. Over the din of confrontation- we may be beginning to get somewhere!