Antinuclear

Queensland govt limiting people’s ability to object to mining

Controversial changes proposed for Queensland mining ABC Rural   By Virginia Tapp and Cassandra Hough  12 Mar 14, Queensland’s Department of Natural Resources and Mines has released a discussion paper looking at reducing notification requirements for new mines.

Minister Andrew Cripps is proposing that only those directly affected have their say on a mine proposal in its early stages……

The Lock the Gate Alliance has reacted strongly to the discussion paper, saying it threatens everyone’s democratic right to have a say on new mining developments. The alliance’s Ellie Smith also believes it favours the miners.

“We definitely believe that landholders should not be made to stand up by themselves against huge multi-national mining corporations,” she said.

“Community groups should be able to stand with landholders and object to mining leases on their land.”………

Cecil Plains landholder David Hamilton still has concerns about any change which might limit one’s ability to object to mining applications.

“The impacts of a mining operation don’t stop at the farm gate. Neighbours are impacted, people downstream are impacted, and I think they should all have a right to have a say, and I would like to see more detail on the proposal.” http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-03-11/qld-mining-laws/5312262

March 12, 2014 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | General News