The Bundaberg and Burnett community have banded together to launch a parliamentary petition against Fox Resources’ MDL3040 application and proposed underground coal mine. *
The petition has asked the House to do ‘everything in its power to prevent MDL 3040 from commencing in the Burnett Electorate.’
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said now’s the time to send Fox Resources a clear message.
“There’s no place in our region for projects that could potentially have such perverse and serious outcomes,” said Mr Bennett.
“That’s been the message from the community from day one and will continue to be the message until we get this MDL overturned for good.
“The MDL covers prime agricultural land, there are serious concerns it could threaten one of Australia’s largest food producing areas, underground aquifers and the pristine environment.
“While I acknowledge extractive industries plays an important role in boosting the economy and creating jobs, this MDL is not welcome in the Burnett considering the risks, potential negative impacts, and community concerns,”
The recent Supreme Court ruling overturning the Resources Minister’s decision to reject the MDL was on the grounds that it was not in the public interest, and it did not address community concerns.
Mr Bennett said the community has made it abundantly clear that they do not support coal mining in the region.
“Our first parliamentary petition gained 5,300 signatures and was successful in lobbying the Minister to not approve the MDL,” he said.
“We’re not afraid of a fight here in the Burnett, so let’s double that number!”
Principal Petitioner Alan Corbett said the MDL must be stopped.
“An operating coal mine would end up decimating prime agricultural land, polluting the air and water, damaging residents’ health, depleting scarce water reserves, curtailing Bundaberg’s tourism industry, threatening the Southern Great Barrier Reef, and destroying community harmony,” he said.
“Many who have recently moved to this area will be shocked that Fox’s proposal is still on the cards.
“A coal mine in a food bowl? Are you kidding?
“We must have legislation that protects land with high-value agricultural, environmental or tourism potential in our state from development.
“Really, it’s a no-brainer!”
* https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Petitions/Petition-Details?id=3962
ENDS.
05/10/2023