[Greens-Media] PARNELL: Lib backflips sell out farmers

[Parnell]

Media Release
Friday 29th October 2010


Lib backflips sell out farmers in Mining Act changes

The SA Liberals have reversed their support on 2 key amendments to the Mining Act that would have strengthened the rights of farmers when miners encroach on their land.

"Rather than levelling the playing field, the Liberals have now ensured that it is tipped back in favour of mining companies over farmers," said Greens MLC Mark Parnell, who successfully moved the original amendments.

"Farmers looking for a fair go in their dealings with mining companies have now been dudded by both Labor and Liberal.  In the economic pecking order, our primary producers will continue to come second to mining companies.  This is no way to treat our farmers", said Mark Parnell.

This back-flip by the SA Liberals waters down amendments that they supported in the Legislative Council only last month.  The amendments were designed to level the playing field in disputes between mining companies and landholders over access to "exempt land" including cropping land, orchards, plantations and areas close to houses and farm buildings.

One of the reforms that the Liberals have now backed away from was a requirement that "exceptional circumstances" must be shown before mining companies can encroach on exempt land.  Now, all that is required is the imposition of conditions and maybe some compensation.  What farmers wanted was the right to say "No" to mining companies.

The Liberals also backed away from their previous support for allowing farmers to require that a mining company buy their land, rather than the farmer having to put up with ongoing disruption and uncertainty.  Following the Liberal backflip, this provision will no longer apply to mining exploration activities, even if these activities (including drilling) substantially impair the owner's use of the land.

The Mining Act reforms now rejected by the Liberals were key demands of farmers prior to the State election.  They will be debated again soon in the Legislative Council.


For further comment contact Craig Wilkins on 0434 007 893


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