The historic and picturesque little farming community of Felton East, just 30 kms south of Toowoomba, finds itself entrapped in Queensland’s mineral exploitation legislation – and is starting to feel their farms and lives are doomed with no way out.
The legislation in effect makes mineral exploitation projects all but unstoppable.
But the Friends of Felton group, headed by President Rob McCreath and supported by the former Mayor of the Cambooya Shire, Bob Free. points out dramatically that this is not just Felton East’s problem.
It’s very much a future problem for the City of Toowoomba and its people.
The huge project will take 750,000 tons of coal a year out from under Felton’s fields at start up - and 12 million tonnes when fully operational. It will be many times bigger than the Ackland mine and one of the biggest in the entire State.
Probable impact on Toowoomba
These are the almost certain consequences for Toowoomba:
Ø A massive increase in heavy road transport through the centre of Toowoomba City and down the already stressed Range Crossing. Already, coal from Ackland has increased traffic flows.
Ø The project’s demand for labour will strip Toowoomba businesses of their most skilled workers.
Ø .The demand for and availability of water is uncertain and remains unidentified
Ø Pollution threats still have to be identified but they will almost certainly affect a far wider geographical area.
Ø This intrinsic farming area, bordering the pretty Hodgson Creek, will be all but destroyed – drastically altered from its present pristine beauty.
Ø Farming families, some going back generations, will be displaced..
Ø One of Queensland’s most productive agricultural areas will be reduced or lost.
Ø So acute will be the need for skilled workers, we are likely to see an inflow of overseas workers on industrial work visas, altering the demography of the district.
Ø The little Felton East village will undoubtedly be replaced by a township of dongas and dormitories to house the workforce.
Ø The consequent effects of these changes will affect Toowoomba’s business structure and lifestyle. A huge industrial site will be the city’s near neighbour.
Ray Hopper, the MP for Darling Downs, is active in assisting the Friends of Felton group which is putting together community briefing notes.
Families may demonstrate at Parliament
A demonstration in the Parliament House forecourt could be considered – a parade of farmer families with their horses, cattle, pigs and chooks to bring the issue right home to Members of Parliament, both Government and Opposition.
Toowoomba North Member of Parliament, Kerry Shine, is in the literal cleft stick over this. . As the State’s Attorney-General he has no option other than defend the legislation which is designed to progress the State’s industrial growth and wealth.
But as a top-level Cabinet Minister, his advocacy arguing to protest this critical issue affecting his near-neighbours, appears compromised. This is one of the inherent difficulties of being promoted from a rank-and-file Member to Cabinet. Shine is also Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland.
If you want more information or to offer the Friends of Felton your support, telephone President Rob McCreath on (07) 46910195 or Bob Free on (07) 4695-8232. The blog internet site for Friends of Felton is www.friendsoffelton.blogspot.com
Toowoomba and Darling Downs political and social commentary. Print copies of this newsletter may be ordered from Toowoomba's Office Works, phone 4699-5300
Story Tips
Please email comments, story ideas or news tips to hughbingham@bigpond.com.
Hugh Bingham
Blog Archive
About Hugh Bingham
Bingham is a career journalist with experience in State and Federal politics. He has been Editor of the Sunday Truth, the Sydney Sunday Mirror, Associate Editor of the Sydney Daily Mirror, and has reported overseas for The Australian.
In retirement he turned farmer in the Felton Valley, near Toowoomba, breeding Appaloosas and winning best foal and filly at the 1992 State championships.
Now 80, Bingham takes a keen interest in current affairs, especially politics and social issues. Bingham has tutored U3A groups as diverse as poetry, memoir writing, and classical music.
In retirement he turned farmer in the Felton Valley, near Toowoomba, breeding Appaloosas and winning best foal and filly at the 1992 State championships.
Now 80, Bingham takes a keen interest in current affairs, especially politics and social issues. Bingham has tutored U3A groups as diverse as poetry, memoir writing, and classical music.
Posts
