Stop coal mine expansion under Sydney water catchment

“Premier Morris Iemma needs to recognise the enormous economic and environmental costs caused by new coal mine projects,” Ms Rhiannon said.

“The Environment Report leaked to the Greens warns that subsidence is a ‘major issue’ causing damage in the southern coalfields.

“Plans put to the Australian Stock Exchange reveal that the coal company Gujarat NRE will mine within 500 metres of the Cataract Dam wall if the Planning Minister Frank Sartor gives approval.

“The NSW government should put protection of local waterways and the local economy before the demands of this giant coal company.

“Premier Morris Iemma needs to say ‘No’ to the demands of mining companies.

“The massive Gujarat underground coal mine plans for the southern coalfields will cause irreparable damage to Sydney’s water catchment.

“Earlier long wall coal operations in this area have resulted in the river beds of the Georges, Bargo and Cataract Rivers cracking and massive water loss. The Cataract River ran dry in 1994.

“The NSW Mineral Council’s spokesperson, Lancia Jordana, is being misleading when she states that this subsidence causes ‘no loss of water quality’ and ‘no loss of water’.

“The threat of runaway climate change and the damage caused to waterways provides clear grounds for Premier Iemma to rein in coal industry operations in NSW.

“The leaked report from the Environment Department gives backing to this position,” Ms Rhiannon said.

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[via Lee Rhiannon MLC Media Release Saturday 31 May 2008 link]