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Kenneally implicated: US coal giant's mine plans threaten water supplies
Saturday 30 January 2010
Commenting on the decision of Peabody Energy to proceed with a $70 million expansion plan for its Metropolitan coalmine in the Illawarra, Greens MP and mining spokesperson Lee Rhiannon said the project will put southern Sydney and Wollongong's water supply at risk.
Premier Kristina Kenneally approved this mine when she was planning minister.
"Ms Kenneally should never have given the go ahead to the US mining giant's plans that could crack the dam floor of the Woronora Reservoir," Ms Rhiannon said.
"Peabody have a notorious record in Australia and overseas. They are a ruthless employer, with an appalling environmental record.
"Peabody should not be mining in water catchments that millions of people rely on for their water supplies.
"Sydney Catchment Authority and the NSW Department of Water and Energy suggested changes be made to the plan to mine under Woronora Reservoir before it went on display.
"Ms Kenneally failed to accept the advice of these two government departments.
"At the time the Environmental Assessment for this project was released I commented that the Greens were concerned that Peabody had played down the subsidence impact on local cliff faces, water courses and Aboriginal heritage sites.
"Peabody are part of the international coal rush with mining companies fast tracking projects to take advantage of record coal prices.
"The price Peabody has received for its coal has increased in less than one year from $US129 per tonne to $US200.
"Peabody will put its greedy corporate interests before those of NSW throughout the life of this project.
"On both local environmental grounds and because of the greenhouse gas emission implications this mine should not proceed," said Ms Rhiannon.
For information: Lee Rhiannon - 9230 3551, 0427 861 568
