The Mayor of the Scenic Rim has vowed to fight against coal and coal seam gas mining in his region.
Mayor John Brent has committed to do everything in his power to ensure mining does not proceed under his leadership and labelled the State Government’s ad hoc handling of the issue “erratic”.
The Scenic Rim is not only a recognised "food bowl" with some of the state's richest agricultural land, but includes within its borders many national parks and environmentally sensitive areas.
Much of the region is covered by exploration mining permits including areas around the towns of Beaudesert, Boonah, Rathdowney, Kalbar and Aratula.
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Mayor John Brent |
The Mayor pointed out that he recognises the mining industry’s value to the nation and supports coal seam gas mining in areas where it is compatible with the location and does not impact on underground aquifers.
"But it's not good economic management to allow mining anywhere without considering the impact on the bigger picture. Other industries have to be considered too," he said.
"This is not the right area for coal and coal seam gas mining. It is not consistent with our region and has the potential to damage our current industries and our local economy."
Cr Brent said the issue will be a factor for both major parties at the next state election and neither party should take the region for granted. "I am committing to take this fight to both the current State Government and any future government," he declared.
The population of the Scenic Rim is projected to be one of the State's fastest growing over the next twenty years and Cr Brent said the region will prosper without mining.
"Since amalgamation three years ago, Council has been building the local economy through jobs and developing local industry.
We’ll continue to do that in a way that is consistent with our region and in-line with the views expressed by residents in our
community plan.”
The Scenic Rim Regional Council was the first Queensland council to make a stand against CSG. Mayor Brent is the first Mayor to take such a hard-line stance.
He has asked local community groups to work together and remain focused on the objective. "We must fight this battle the right way. We have a legitimate argument to make and I'll be making that argument through the proper channels," he said.