PEOPLE illegally protesting at mining sites could be whacked with fines larger than those faced by multi-million dollar mining companies caught damaging the environment.
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The NSW government has proposed that protesters caught trespassing on mining sites receive a $5500 fine, up from $550.
In contrast, Boggabri Coal, Whitehaven Coal and Santos have all received smaller fines for impacting the environment or operating outside their approval.
In October 2015, Boggabri Coal was fined $3000 for illegally clearing more than seven hectares of native vegetation, while Whitehaven copped a $3000 fine for not implementing its approved biodiversity management plan.
Santos was fined $1500 for contaminating an aquifer near its Narrabri Gas Project, which was found to have uranium at levels 20 times higher than safe drinking-water guidelines.
Greens mining spokesman Jeremy Buckingham said the legislation was “an absolute disgrace”.
“Mines are getting a slap on the wrist while protesters are getting the book thrown at them,” Mr Buckingham said.
“These fines are a bug on the windshield for mining companies – it makes no difference to them.
“It’s clear the government is punishing farmers and communities who are opposed to coal and coal seam gas.”
Pilliga Action Camp spokeswoman Namoi Hodgson said the government was going out of its way to protect big mining companies.
“It’s outrageous the government is so clearly siding with the interest of mining and resource companies, at the expense of everyday people who are standing up to them,” Ms Hodgson said. “It’s absurd that someone standing on the wrong side of a fence to protect land and water could be fined more than a company damaging the land and water.”
Front Line Action on Coal spokesman Phil Spark describe the legislation as “draconian”.
“This is something you would expect in a communist country; this should not happen in Australia,” Mr Spark said.
“The protesters aren’t doing it for fun, they’ve exhausted all other avenues to have their voice heard.
“The government should listen to what is being protested about and listen to their concerns rather than treat them like criminals.”
The bill came before the state’s lower house for a vote today.
