[Greens-Media] Bickham Coal Mine rejection a drop in the ocean

[Lee Rhiannon]

Greens MP and mining spokesperson Lee Rhiannon - 14 May 2010 - Media Release

Bickham Coal Mine rejection a drop in the ocean

Greens MP and mining spokesperson today welcomed the Premier's rejection of the Bickham Coal Company's open cut coal mine in the Upper Hunter, congratulated the community and local horse breeding industry for their win and expressed hope it signals a more sustainable direction in government policy.

"This is a great win for one community, but it only has wider significance if it is the start of a genuine shift by the NSW government from its addiction to damaging coal mining to investing in clean, sustainable energy production," Ms Rhiannon said.

"Knocking back this mine because of the $2.4 billion thoroughbred industry is a drop in the ocean, with many other mining proposals throughout NSW threatening precious water supplies and local industries.

"A true beginning will occur when the government gives appropriate weight to the impact of all coal mine proposals on local communities and the environment.

"This is the first and only time, which we are aware of, that the NSW Labor government has rejected a coal mining project in the face of community objections.

"The Minister for Planning has on his desk proposals for many other coal mining projects, including the massive BHP Billiton's $600 billion Bulli Seam long wall coal project which presents a real risk of damaging Sydney's water catchment.

"BHP Billiton and China's largest coal company China Shenhua are currently exploring for coal in the Liverpool Plains, manouvering to mine the black soils of Sydney's food bowl.

"In Western NSW mining proposals on the books include Xstrata's Baal Bone and the Coborra coal mine.

"This government has initiated the biggest expansion of coal mining in the state's history, at a time when climate change tightens its grasp on the planet.

"Premier Keneally should not stop at Bickham but now turn her eye to the other coal communities around the state hoping that today's decision signals the end of their fight to preserve their health and quality of life," Ms Rhiannon said.  


For more information: 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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