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Cobbora mine steals region’s water
Wednesday 26 May 2010
Greens MP and mining spokesperson Lee Rhiannon, who will speak at a public meeting in Mudgee this evening to discuss the proposed $1.3 billion Cobbora coal mine in Western NSW, said its four gigalitre water needs risked destroying the region’s water supplies.
Ms Rhiannon is also concerned about the NSW government assessing its own mining proposal.
Ms Rhiannon will be speaking at the Cobbora mine public meeting which runs from 6-9pm, Mudgee Soldiers Club, cnr of Mortimer and Perry Sts Mudgee on Wednesday 26 May.
"This open cut mine, set to supply three power stations, is a massive project. Local communities have a right to be concerned about its impacts and I look forward to hearing from them direct at the public meeting," Ms Rhiannon said.
"Surface and groundwater supplies will be heavily compromised by the mine, potentially destroying the local agricultural industry and, in turn, tourism.
"With 1.5 gigalitres being drawn from the Cudgegong River and the same amount from the underground aquifer, it is no wonder there is considerable community unease.
"The Greens support a call for the appointment of a hydro-geologist to review the impact of the mine on water supplies.
"Because the government is both the owner and approving authority of this mine, independent review and assessment is critical.
"The government is repeating a practice, so often seen with other Hunter coal mines, of turning a blind eye to the havoc mines wreck on natural water sources.
"The environment, water security and other regional industries such as agriculture are so often viewed by this government as the poor cousin of the coal and power industries.
"This region has a $200 million agriculture industry and a $250 million tourism industry.
"The government will no doubt keep boasting about the jobs this mine will supposedly create, but remain silent on the long term impacts on water security and employment in other local industries.
"This is a big government owned mine, set to run for 21 years and forecast to dig up 30 million tonnes of coal a year and produce 20 million tonnes of useable coal.
"If the Keneally government avoid community fears about the impacts of the mine it risks facing voter backlash in the area," Ms Rhiannon said.
For more information: Lee Rhiannon 0427 861 568
http://nonewcoal.greens.org.au/
