12 March, 2013
New powers promise to provide greater protection for water resources
The Nature Conservation Council of NSW has welcomed the Commonwealth Government’s decision to empower the federal environmental agency to block large coal mines and coal seam gas projects if they jeopardise vital water resources.
“We still need to look closely at the proposed legislation, but at first glance it appears to be a very positive step by Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke,” said Chief Executive Officer Pepe Clarke.
“The real test will be whether these new powers produce better outcomes for regional communities and for the environment or simply add another process to the approvals system.
“If the Minister is serious about protecting water resources from harmful mining and gas developments, he must examine the water impacts of major projects that have not yet received the full final approval, including the coal seam gas field at Gloucester and the Maules Creek mine in the state’s north-west.
“The legislation must also be broad enough to include all unconventional gas projects, including shale and coal seam gas, which have potentially disastrous consequences for ground waters across the nation.”
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Coal and gas
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