Whitehaven's contractor, Leightons, attempted to move equipment on to the site to start work on a shared spur railway line, but was prevented from operating by a group of people who peacefully blocked the entrance road.
“I am extremely disappointed that Barry O'Farrell is pushing to pass legislation that puts economics above environment and people. We are not here today simply to disrupt work. We are here to stand and protect the Leard State Forest, vulnerable and endangered species and critically endangered White Box community in a tier 1 protected area. This is the tip of the iceberg. This project will impact on health, water, air quality and the local farming community” said Roselyn Druce of Maules Creek.
“This unique forest and the rich agricultural lands that surround it are too precious to be bulldozed and blown up” said Stephen Watson, hobby farmer from Maules Creek. “The Maules Creek coal mine will pour dangerous coal dust onto local communities, drain water from a vital food bowl and destroy habitats for koalas and other threatened species. Its impacts will last forever,” concluded Watson.
“Local communities, farmers and everyday people are standing up for our right to clean water, good health and a future for the land that sustains us all,” said local farmer, Anne Marie Rasmussen.
The proposed mine would:
- destroy the last remnant of critically endangered woodland
- reduce the water table by 5-7 metres and contaminate local waterways
- dump 18,000 tonnes of dangerous coal dust on local communities
- emit 30 million tonnes of CO2 per year
"This proposed coal mine is a threat to our farmland, the health of our families and our water supplies. Our community has been farming here for six generations and we'd hope to continue for at least another six generations - but this mine threatens all that,” said adjoining farmer, Roslyn Druce.
Contact:
Anne Marie Rasmussen – 0438 282 409
Stephen Watson – 0438 282 409
Roslyn Druce – 0427 826 188
Greenpeace Media Officer, Julie Macken - 0400 925217
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