[Greens-Media] Higher coal levies should flow to communities and workers

[Alison Orme]

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - 6 November 2008

Higher coal levies should flow to communities and workers

Greens MP and mining spokesperson Lee Rhiannon today welcomed the government's move to increase coal royalties. She called for a significant proportion of the money to flow to services for coal communities and to retrain coal workers so NSW can make the transition away from coal to clean, sustainable industries (p.3, Sydney Morning Herald).

"Slugging billion dollar coal companies is long overdue. But the government must resist the temptation to pocket the windfall and neglect coal affected communities," Ms Rhiannon said.

"The NSW government has an ethical responsibility to allocate some of the substantial economic gains from the mining boon to coal communities and workers.

"Coal mining might be the goose that laid the golden egg but it creates significant collateral damage to communities and the environment in coal regions.

"Coal mining damages human health, pollutes our water, destroys farming land and degrades the natural environment.  Research has now identified its negative impact on the psychological well-being of local residents.

"The Premier should earmark a proportion of coal royalties for a 'just transition' away from dirty industries to sustainable industries like clean green manufacturing, renewable energy and tourism.

"NSW can be a global leader if the Rees government chooses to invest in retraining and support for research into new industries. 

"Making a just transition to a new economy needs action, backed by funding. 

"The government has made itself a devotee of false gods like clean coal, but the solution lies elsewhere.   

"Funding programs to help communities make a transition to clean, sustainable industries which assist the important fight against climate change, should be a top priority of this government. 

"The additional money raised from this royalties boost is an important vehicle for ensuring this occurs," Ms Rhiannon said. 


For more information: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568


Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Wed-Fri)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au