19 February, 2013
Water, wildlife and public health remain at risk from mining and gas expansion
Today's announcement by the NSW Government that new CSG activities will be prohibited within two kilometres of residential areas and sensitive rural industries is an important step in the right direction, but leaves many pressing issues unresolved.
“For residents concerned about CSG development in urban areas, the announcement represents a victory for common sense and local community action,” Nature Conservation Council of NSW Chief Executive Officer Pepe Clarke said.
“But for many others, this announcement will not deliver peace of mind. For a government that promised real change on mining and gas regulation, much unfinished business remains.
“Drinking water catchments are still not protected from CSG and mining, neither are important natural assets like the Pilliga Forest, which is set to be carved up and polluted by CSG development, and the Gardens of Stone, which is threatened by an open-cut coal mine proposal.
“Local communities in the Hunter Valley, including our world class thoroughbred industry, will still be threatened by air pollution from the rapid expansion of the coal mining industry.”
Mr Clarke welcomed the involvement of the NSW Chief Scientist and called on the NSW Government to announce its response to her report prior to the federal election on 14 September
“Given the comprehensive failure of the strategic regional land use process, and the litany of broken promises that accompanied it, the community is entitled to remain skeptical about the government's appetite for further reform,” Mr Clarke said.
“The government must seize the opportunity to respond to well-founded community concerns about unrestrained mining and gas expansion by placing a moratorium on CSG development and delivering real protection for public health, water resources and natural areas.”
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Coal and gas
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