January 28, 2015
A Queensland council today unanimously passed a motion prohibiting coal-related mining exploration on council land.
The motion, passed by the Southern Downs Council – which covers the Stanthorpe and Warwick areas – bans coal and CSG exploration on council roadsides, easements and other council lands.
It also resolves to strengthen protection for priority agricultural land and priority residential areas.
The motion was moved by Cr Jamie Mackenzie.
“Council does not approve coal mines. That is a State Government responsibility,” Cr Mackenzie said.
“(But) just like the Scenic Rim Regional Council in 2012, we are taking the message to the State Government on behalf of the region that alarm bells are ringing about the potential impacts of resource sector development on the ‘right to farm’, slippage, amenity, the road and rail network, fragile underground water supplies and on the environment.
“In my view, there needs to be a balance between economic development and preserving the environment.
“We all would like to see the mining sector develop in appropriate parts of Queensland and for agriculture to prosper .
“Unlike Central Queensland, the Southern Downs Region features comparatively dense rural settlement so mining would be on someone’s door step.”
Clean Air Queensland campaign director Michael Kane attended the Council meeting, held at Stanthorpe, and applauded the decision.
“This is a historic decision by the council to protect residents from the coal and coal seam gas industry,” Mr Kane said.
He said coal and coal seam gas companies were coming to the Southern Downs with at least nine exploration leases currently active.
Mr Kane has been a vocal campaigner against the Acland coal mine and rail transport of coal through residential areas.
He said the Southern Downs Council had “obviously learnt the lesson from the disaster that the Acland coal mine has been for Darling Downs residents”.
“This decision only protects the areas that council are primarily responsible for, and more work needs to be done at the State Government level,” Mr Kane said.
He called on neighbouring shires to follow suit.
- Related link: The Southern Downs Regional Council’s motion (66kb PDF)
