The Caroona Coal Action Group (CCAG) congratulates National Party MP Kevin Anderson on winning the seat of Tamworth in the recent state election and looks forward to working with him to protect the unique agricultural land and precious water resources of the Liverpool Plains.
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Many farmers on the Liverpool Plains have put their faith in Mr Anderson and promises made during the course of his campaign to hold everyone accountable and pursue further water studies and analysis in relation to the Shenhua open cut mine near Breeza.
Mr Anderson repeatedly assured the community of his commitment to the region, including its economic sustainability and long- term jobs.
It is obviously critical that no development is allowed to proceed that will threaten the viability of the hundreds of jobs already linked to its thriving agricultural industry.
The Liverpool Plains community met with both the Premier and Deputy Premier during the course of the campaign, with the Premier stating that he was taking a personal interest in the proposed development.
At the same time, our federal minister, Barnaby Joyce, has continued to state his opposition to the proposed mine and helped to vigorously pursue referrals to the Independent Expert Scientific Committee for Federal Assessment.
CCAG also congratulates newly elected MP for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen on his election.
CCAG will be seeking urgent meetings with both Mr Anderson and Mr Johnsen in relation to the Planning and Assessment Commission (PAC) process.
Following concerns raised by Shenhua, 19 of the 24 initial PAC recommendations were dismissed by the final PAC, and questions raised through the Namoi Water Study and Gateway Panel remain unanswered.
Government commitments to protect agricultural land and water are clear, and with so much uncertainty this project cannot be allowed to proceed.
Susie Lyle
Chairwoman
Caroona Coal Action Group
