[Greens-Media] Greens put Watermark motion to NSW Parliament

[Lee Rhiannon]

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - Media Release - 28 August 2008

Greens put Watermark motion to NSW Parliament

Greens MP and mining spokesperson Lee Rhiannon gave notice of a motion calling on the government to conduct an independent water study into the potential impact of coal mining on the Upper Namoi Water catchment before accepting $300 million in exploration fees from the China Shenhua Energy Company [full motion below].

"The Greens used the opportunity created by Treasurer Costa's recall of NSW Parliament to debate electricity privatisation to bring the issue of China Shenhua Energy Company's coal exploration plans before the NSW Upper House," Ms Rhiannon said.

"The China Shenhua Energy Company has 30 days from 15 August 2008 to pay the government a $300 million exploration fee to secure its exploration license.

"The government should delay pocketing the $300 million exploration fee and order an independent hydrological study of the Upper Namoi Catchment to address concerns arising from the Watermark and Caroona coal exploration projects.

"Farmers, environmentalists and local councils believe an independent water study is essential to ensure the integrity of underground and surface water reserves that are so critical to the Liverpool Plains area," Ms Rhiannon said.

Full text of motion

(1)	That this House notes:

(a)	that the Government has accepted a $300 million offer from China Shenhua Energy Company for an exploration licence to investigate the Watermark coal exploration area on the Breeza Plains,

(b)	that this $300 million fee is due to be paid within 30 days from 15 August 2008 to secure this licence, and

(c)	that landholders, environmentalists and local Councils have repeatedly asked the Government to fund an independent hydrological study of the Upper Namoi Catchment as a result of concerns arising from the adjoining BHP Billiton Caroona Coal project.

(2)	That this House calls on the Government to fund and conduct a full independent water study of the potential impact of coal exploration and mining on the Upper Namoi Water catchment before any deal is struck with the China Shenhua Energy Company and before accepting any exploration fees.

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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