[Greens-Media] Govt should close the door on BHP Billiton's Caroona ambitions

[Lee Rhiannon]

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - Media Release - 6 August 2008

Govt should close the door on BHP Billiton's Caroona ambitions 

Greens MP and mining spokesperson Lee Rhiannon today called on the Minister for Mining Ian McDonald to publicly commit to reject any application by BHP Billiton to mine for coal at Caroona, even if limited to the ridge country surrounding the Liverpool Plains.

"The NSW government must do the right thing by NSW and the environment and close the door to any future coal mining operation in this area," Ms Rhiannon said.

"The Caroona coal mine might be in the long term interests of BHP Billiton, but it's not in the interests of the people of NSW.

"BHP Billiton has momentarily agreed to back off mining the flood plain not because it cares for the environment or farmers but because it doesn't have the right technology.

"If the Caroona mine goes ahead the Liverpool Plains food bowl may well die.

"NSW is already failing to meet greenhouse emission targets and food prices are rising. 

"The Iemma government needs to say no to any new coal mines in this area or NSW.

"The Greens congratulate farmers and families who supported the blockade of BHP Billiton's exploratory work for putting a dent in the company's plans, but the fight is not over.

"Mining the ridge country will still impact on water supplies and farming operations and could well result in substantial subsidence.

"State and Federal governments should take the responsible step of funding an independent, catchment wide study of the aquifer structure and surface water of the Namoi Valley.

"Water and farming land are priceless commodities to secure a future for our children.

"Trashing the Liverpool Plains to boost the profits of a multinational like BHP Billiton just doesn't make sense," Ms Rhiannon said.

For 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
lee.rhiannon at parliament.nsw.gov.au
http://www.lee.greens.org.au/
http://www.democracy4sale.org/ 

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