[Greens-Media] Greens introduce bill to prevent mining in the Central Coast catchment

[Max Phillips]

JEREMY BUCKINGHAM MLC - THE GREENS NSW

MEDIA RELEASE

4 March 2014

Greens introduce bill to prevent mining in the Central Coast catchment

The Greens NSW spokesperson on mining Jeremy Buckingham today introduced legislation into the NSW Legislative Council to stop mining and exploration in the Central Coast drinking water catchment saying it will test Premier Barry O'Farrell's credibility.

The Central Coast Drinking Water Catchments Protection (No ifs, no buts, a guarantee) Bill 2014 prohibits mining and exploration activities in the seven drinking water catchments of the Central Coast - the Mangrove Creek Dam, Mardi Dam, Ourimbah Creek, Wyong River, Porters Creek, Mangrove Creek Weir and Mooney Mooney Dam catchment areas.

"This bill gives Premier Barry O'Farrell and members of his government the opportunity to fulfil their clear election commitment to the people of the Central Coast that mining and exploration would not occur their - "no ifs, no buts, a guarantee".

"Before the last election Barry O'Farrell made a clear promise to the people of the Central Coast," said Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham.

Former Resources Minister and Member for Gosford, Chris Hartcher, wrote a letter to residents of Yarramalong and Dooralong stating:

"If necessary, special legislation will be introduced into the Parliament to protect 
the Wyong water catchment."

Mr Buckingham said: "This will be a test of whether Premier Barry O'Farrell is a man of his word, or whether he'll say one thing to voters and do another thing in power.  It goes to the heart of his credibility.  

"By saying one thing and then doing another, Barry O'Farrell has undermined any confidence that people had in his government's ability to protect their communities."

"Barry O'Farrell is Premier of this state.  He made a commitment and he can't now pretend he is powerless to do anything.  This bill provides an opportunity for action instead of excuses."  

"I intend to move this bill by contingency on Thursday," said Mr Buckingham.

Contact: Max Phillips - 9230 2202 or 0419 444 916

Video footage of Barry O'Farrell delivering is 'No ifs, no buts' guarantee is available here. 

Attachment 1: The Central Coast Drinking Water Catchments Protection (No ifs, no buts, a guarantee) Bill 2014
Attachment 2: Bill briefing note
Attachment 3: Chris Hartcher's letter to Central Coast residents


Max Phillips
 
OFFICE OF JEREMY BUCKINGHAM MLC
Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: 02 9230 2202 | Fax: 02 9230 3341 | Mobile: 0419 444 916