A Hunter Valley farmer believes its now up to the state government to prove it can strike a balance between coal mining and other land users in the region.
Mr Peter Dixon-Hughes, from Denman is a member of the NSW Farmers executive council that has met with the NSW Planning Minister, Tony Kelly to demand a moratorium on new mines and coal seam gas development. Mr Kelly told the farmers that weren’t possible.
The NSW Minerals Council estimates 50 potential projects are in the pipeline for the state worth about USD 13 billion and creating 5,000 new jobs, many in the Upper Hunter.
Mr Dixon-Hughes said the government's forthcoming strategic mining plan for the region must address farmer's concerns. He said that "It is about striking this balance between agriculture and mining and making sure the two cohabitate.
Mr Hughes said that "Now, there's been a lot of talk but its not resulting in a lot of action and that's where we need to have a bit of a pause and really start doing some regional planning."
Hunter Valley thoroughbred breeders have backed the farmers call for a moratorium.
John Messara from Arrowfield Stud wants the government to reconsider its rejection of the request.
Mr Messara said that "I think its a rational approach, we're not saying what ultimately a proper independent view of all this will find, we're saying that we're at a tipping point now. We, in the Hunter Valley, particularly with the coal mines and before its too late, let us have a pause, let us look at the competing land uses, let us get some proper independent look at this thing and decide how we go forward."
The prominent thoroughbred stud owner remains optimistic the state government will act on independent recommendations from the Bickham mine controversy.
(Sourced from ABC online.com)
Sunday, October 31, 2010
NSW government under pressure over Hunter Valley mines
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