Mining of our natural resources provides real windfalls of easy money for our governments and huge profits for the mining companies.
For proper accountability and sustainability of our land and water resources it is critical review, assessment and approvals are independent of governments and mining companies as they have a real conflict of interest.
Our nation has had a real wake-up call re coal seam gas mining as have had other countries around the world. This industry requires urgent extensive detailed scientific review, particularly on hydrological and contamination issues.
Governments are monopolised by city representatives who are not affected by the serious consequences of mining in regional communities.
The irrefutable evidence re contamination of groundwater, both chemical/gas and reduction of water levels and land subsidence impacting on our citizens can no longer be ignored.
Serious community concerns were ignored and treated with contempt by the Qld Government until it was exposed by 60 Minutes and further exposed by 4 Corners. The documentary, Gasland provided a much longer history of this industry in America with the serious impacts of this industry and its consequences not rectified and improved today.
Mining is short term. Our farming, fishing, tourist, wine, thoroughbred etc are lifelong industries. And water is our most vital natural resource for the survival of mankind.
Governments have a moral obligation to the citizens of our nation, their health and wellbeing and must acknowledge that there are areas where mining and our many other industries can simply not co-exist.
L Smith,
Tweed Heads
