12 December, 2013
Documentary highlights the campaign to save The Drip from the Moolarben coal mine expansion
The battle to save The Drip on the Goulburn River near Mudgee is one of six campaigns featured in a new documentary that highlights the devastating impact that coal mines and coal seam gas projects are having on local communities and iconic landscapes across NSW.
Icons Under Threat is a short film developed by the Nature Conservation Council of NSW to raise awareness of the terrible toll the coal and gas industries are having on communities, wildlife, and stunning natural areas across the state. Footage for the production was taken during a tour by senior NCC staff of iconic landscapes in April this year.
The communities of the Mudgee district and Ulan are fighting a protracted battle to stop the Moolarben coal mine significantly expanding its operations by developing new open-cut and underground coal mines. These new developments would destroy hundreds of hectares of native vegetation, divert creeks, undermine cliffs and threaten to drain aquifers that feed the iconic Drip.
“Icons Under Threat is being launchedat a critical stage in the campaign, when momentum is building to have the Drip and surrounding land added to the national parks estate and protected for its stunning natural values,” Mudgee District Environment Group chairperson Bev Smiles said.
“The continued development of Moolarben coal mine would sound the death knell for this extraordinary area, leave a permanent scar on the landscape, and stop The Drip forever. We hope the Icons Under Threat video will make more people aware of what will be lost if this project continues to expand. It will also hopefully encourage them to add their voice of protest to ours.”
NCC Campaigns Director Kate Smolski said the documentary exposes the devastation being caused by the powerful coal and gas industries. “It is all too easy for coal and gas companies to do their destructive business out of the public gaze,” she said. “Icons Under Threat shines a light on this important issue and highlights how badly the state government is failing communities and the environment.
“It is unacceptable for the government to permit unconstrained mining development that threatens the health and well-being of local communities, our precious native wildlife and iconic landscapes. Once these areas are gone, they are gone forever. We call on the government to live up to its promise to protect our water resources, farmland and special wild places from the destructive impacts of coal and coal seam gas.
“The desire to protect these places is widely shared. A recent poll by Essential Research shows an overwhelming majority (85%) of people in NSW think coal mining and coal seam gas expansion should not be allowed in sensitive environmental areas like state forests, parks and conservation areas.”[1]
Link to the video: nccnsw.org.au/icons-film
[1]The poll was conducted between April 30 and May 3, 2013 by Essential Research. The survey was completed by 1,100 NSW respondents.
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