There is all manner of commentary on Wild Rivers at the moment. There is also widespread concern with the rapid spread of mining exploration and development in Western Queensland. Communities are worried about the long term impacts of large scale mining developments on the landscape, and in particular, our water sources. This includes both surface water and the magnificent Great Artesian Basin which is the freshwater source which enables our communities to exist. Water is the common heritage of all humans, plants and animals. We all need access to clean, fresh water.
Australia also happens to be one of the driest continents on Earth, and we need to take care of our precious and irreplaceable water resources. Mining threatens to deplete our finite water resources. The Wild Rivers Act is one of the few tools we have to protect these water sources.
Australia also happens to be one of the driest continents on Earth, and we need to take care of our precious and irreplaceable water resources. Mining threatens to deplete our finite water resources. The Wild Rivers Act is one of the few tools we have to protect these water sources.
Karen,
ReplyDeleteThe wild rivers act only controls mining in an FMA or HPA. It can occur 1 meter outside either of those areas.
So it is possible to have an open cut mine 501 meters from the defining centreline of a HPA.
This type of Press Release plays fast and loose with the truth, which doesn't surprise me.
The Coopers Creek proposal was riddled with inconsistencies and poor research in our area, in my opinion. My submission to the DERM stated such.
Alan MacDonald.
"This guide does not relate to exploration for gas or petroleum"
ReplyDeleteThat's a huge loophole they have left in there.
Be careful.
Look at the Chinchilla and Tara experience with Coal Seam Gas drilling.
Denis Wilson
Australian Water Campaigners.