Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett is fighting for Burnett residents who are opposed to a destructive coal mine proposed for fertile agricultural land north of Bundaberg.
Mr Bennett said the mine proposed for the Avondale area would wreak havoc on the region that is home to high value small crops, macadamia farms and areas of environmental significance.
Western Australian organisation Fox Resource applied for the Mine Development Licence, MDL 3040 to the State Government on October 8.
It is expected the department will take six to 12 months to grant the Mining Development Licence.
The inferred resource is more than 174 million tons of metallurgical coal while it is understood the company can take samples of between 40-70 thousand tonnes.
Burnett MP Stephen Bennett said the proposal is absolute madness.
“The MDL area covers valuable cane and macadamia growing country, and is on the Kolan River – a vital marine breeding ground for the Southern Great Barrier Reef,” he said.
“It would not only threaten one of Australia’s largest food producing areas, but the large underground aquifers and the pristine local environment.
“That is why I’m calling on everyone to put pen to paper and sign our petition to stop this mine from being approved.
“We are calling on the State Government to urgently oppose it and not let it proceed under any circumstances.
“Over my dead body will I let this mine go ahead in our region.
“Surely Fox Resources don’t genuinely expect environmental approvals to be in their favour?
“Any government decision must reflect our communities desires and expectations.
“There is no question about it, an MDL has no place in the Burnett.”
04/12/19