[Greens-Media] BHP Billiton’s $250 million secret deal delivers a powerful blow to coal communities

[Susie Gemmell]

MEDIA RELEASE
4 August 2006

BHP Billiton’s $250 million secret deal delivers a powerful blow to coal communities


Today’s revelation that BHP Billiton has struck a secret deal with the NSW Government to pay up to $250 million in upfront fees and inducements to explore for coal in the Gunnedah Basin has sent shock waves through community and environment groups said Greens MP and mining spokesperson, Lee Rhiannon today. 

“In doing a secret deal with BHP Billiton, the Government has sold out the future of the Gunnedah Basin to fix its own financial mismanagement,” said Ms Rhiannon.

“BHP Billiton’s monstrous greed is now driving NSW Government policy.

“Not content that coal royalties may reach a record $500 million this year, Treasurer Costa has broken new ground by seeking business consideration fees from the mining industry for exploration.

“Environmental assessment, climate change targets and community concerns in the Gunnedah Basin have been obliterated by the lure of $250 million worth of up front payments from BHP Billiton.

“The outlook for coal communities is grim, given that BHP Billiton is set to announce a $13 billion profit in Australia this year.

“The Government should be standing up for coal affected communities as there is a dire need to assess the cumulative impact of coal expansion on rivers, water catchments, threatened species and the social cohesion of regional communities.  

“Under the new Government policy of accepting up front payments from the coal industry, community and environment concerns will be hung out to dry.

“I will be questioning Minerals Minister Macdonald and Treasurer Costa about this and other secret deals in the upcoming budget estimates hearings when Parliament resumes at the end of the month,” said Ms Rhiannon.


For more information:  9230 3551 ; 0427 861 568



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Susie Gemmell
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Mon, Thur, Fri)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile:  0431 458 102
Email   susie.gemmell at parliament.nsw.gov.au
Web    www.leerhiannon.org.au