[Greens-Media] Greens MP Lee Rhiannon calls for reversal of Anvil Hill coalmine approval following vineyard visit

[Lee Rhiannon]

MEDIA RELEASE 25 JULY 2007		 

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon calls for reversal of Anvil Hill coalmine
approval following vineyard visit

Following her visit to the Yarraman Estate vineyard today, situated
right beside the proposed Anvil Hill coalmine, Greens MP Lee Rhiannon
has renewed her call for the NSW government to reverse its decision to
approve the coalmine.

Ms Rhiannon visited Yarraman Estate as part of Pollies for Small
Business program.

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon said, *The visit gave me the opportunity to
see first hand how much the wine industry contributes to the Hunter
Valley economy.

*The Yarraman Estate and other wineries in the area play a vital role
in the local economy, attracting a large number of tourists. 

*While I was there some Queensland tourists dropped in. People
obviously travel here for the wines and the natural beauty of the area.


*Tourists may well be repelled in future by the massive scars created
by coalmines up and down the Hunter Valley.

*The risk of coal dust contaminating grapes is also significant.

*I was privileged to meet hard working staff from the Yarraman
Estate.

*The experience allowed me to fully appreciate why the wine industry
is now the third largest Australian agricultural export after meat and
wheat.

*It is disappointing NSW government ministers did not come here as
part of the Pollies for Small Business program to see for themselves the
importance of local wineries for business across the Hunter,* Ms
Rhiannon said. 

More information: Lee Rhiannon: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568.  




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Lee Rhiannon, MLC
The Greens
Parliament of New South Wales
Macquarie St 
Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Email lee.rhiannon at parliament.nsw.gov.au
Web http://www.lee.greens.org.au/

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