[Greens-Media] Alert: Western NSW mining and water forum

[Susie Gemmell]

Media Alert 
21 August 2008

Western NSW mining and water forum  

What:        Mining and water forum – building community action
Hosted by Greens MP Lee Rhiannon
When:       10am – 3pm, Monday 25 August 2008
Where:      Environmental Learning Facility, Orange Showgrounds, Leeds
Parade, ORANGE

 
Greens MP and mining spokesperson Lee Rhiannon is hosting a community
forum in Orange to bring together local mining communities in Western
NSW to develop strategies for collaboration and campaigning. 
 
“Locals across Western NSW are independently battling mining
developments. This forum will provide inspiration and support to develop
unified campaign strategies,” said Ms Rhiannon.
 
“Mining in NSW has exploded in recent years and rural communities are
starting to question the wisdom of sacrificing our water security for
short term mining profits.
 
“There are over 100 heavy metal mines in NSW, excluding coal. 
Recently 83 new exploration licences were issued in NSW, with 17
licences granted between July and December 2007.  
 
“Mining expansion will drain rural water supplies, damage natural
water aquifers and expose the countryside to the risk of dangerous
chemical spills. 
 
"The Iemma government is captive to the mining industry, despite the
huge costs to local water supplies, the natural environment and people's
health.
 
Orange City Greens Councillor Jeremy Buckingham, who will host the day,
says:
 
"Western NSW is awash with mines which are putting enormous pressures
on our health, the natural environment and scarce water supplies.
 
“Radical and urgent action is needed if we are to deal with the
runaway expansion of mining in Western NSW which is jeopardising the
integrity of our environment and water sources.
 
Confirmed speakers include:
·         Orange City Councillor Jeremy Buckingham
·         Bev Smiles - Western NSW environmental campaigner
·         Tim Duddy - farmer against BHP Billiton's expansion into the
Liverpool Plains
·         Chappy Williams - traditional elder, campaigner against Lake
Cowal gold mine
·         Harry Howard - campaigner against Broula King Gold Mine
·         Ian Wright - PhD research into impact of mine drainage on
Grose River
 
For more information:  
Lee Rhiannon - 9230 3551, 0427 861 568; Jeremy Buckingham - 0439 460
691
 
Please reply to request a media background package.

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Susie Gemmell
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Mon-Wed)
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