Felton Valley coal mining update

The Ambre coal and synthetic fuel company is quiely preparing for its open cut mine operation in the pristine Felton Valley. As this is election year, public debate will undoubtedly hot up – and not before time.

Friends of Felton is certain to ask all political candidates, particularly sitting Members of Parliament, whether they will oppose Ambre’s planning or vacillate.

A startling map has been published showing clearly the company’s intending layout for the first stage of its so-called Clean Coal Project. It proposes to mine coal and build dams, levee banks, and petrochemical plant infrastructure running along side Hodgson Creek, in the headwaters of the Murray Darling. Hodgson Creek readily floods over a wide area.

As the Friends of Felton point out with alarm, recent experience in Central Queensland with flooding of mine sites such as the Ensham mine should serve as a lesson to Government decision makers.

Ensham mine was allowed to pump out flood water into the Mackenzie River, resulting in the contamination of a large part of the Fitzroy river system with salts, hydrocarbons, selenium, and other minerals. The quality of Rockhampton's drinking water supply has been badly affected.

There is no doubt about the future outcomes for the Friends of Felton: It says unequivocally that the Ambre Energy "Felton Clean Coal Project" is a recipe for environmental disaster. It presents an unacceptable risk to the Murray Darling river sytem. FOF calls on Premier Bligh to reject it immediately

During the 2009 election campaign still to come, politicians can expect to be asked:

While some of the candidates are well known in the area, others are not, and it may be difficult for voters to make an informed choice. On past experience and practice, the Chronicle newspaper has been reluctant to devote space to allow each of the candidates to outline their background, relevant experience, and the platform on which they stand for election?

Each should be asked to respond to a number of questions regarding current challenges faced by TRC. Here are a few for starters -

1. Are you in favour of the development of a large open-cut coal mine, petrochemical plant, and power station in the pristine Felton Valley farmland, only 30 kms from Toowoomba?

2. Are you in favour of coal mining at Wyreema, Hodgson Vale, and Pittsworth?

3. If you answered "yes" to either of the first two questions, please explain what value you place on the protection of the natural resources of the Darling Downs- namely land, air, and water. Further, are you concerned about the social impact of such developments at a local and regional level?

4. Would you support the implementation by TRC of an Environmental Plan which would prohibit new coal mines, and instead promote the development of renewable energy infrastructure - a Plan which would allow Toowoomba to grow as a green city, surrounded by top quality food production areas with high tourism potential, populated by strong and cohesive local communities?