Thursday 6 March 2014

Local news

PAC meetings

There were two Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) meetings last week on Moolarben Mine Stage 2 (Tues 4.3.2014) and Moolarben Mine Stage 1, Modification 9 (Weds 5.3.2014). Current RSWUA secretary, Jolieske Lips, spoke at both - objecting on the basis of water issues.

On Tuesday 11.3.2014, RSWUA and Jolieske will be speaking at a PAC hearing on Cobbora Mine, again objecting on the basis of water issues. 

What has this to do with RSWUA? It is all about raising awareness and letting the government know that detrimental impacts on water resources by mining is unacceptable.

Cabinet to visit Lithgow

On Monday 12.3.2014 there will be a visit by Cabinet to Lithgow: 12.00-1.30pm at Civic Ballroom, Tony Luchetti Showground, George Coates Ave, Lithgow. RSWUA members have been invited and it would be great if a few members could go and let the government know that water resources are more important than coal. Unfortunately none of the committee are able to make that date.

Sale of Tarwyn Park

Other news is that the iconic 'Tarwyn Park' in Bylong Valley (of Peter Andrews and Natural Sequence Farming (NSF) fame) has been sold to the Korean coal company Kepco - a heart-wrenching decision for the Andrews family, but what choice did they have with a huge open cut coal mine planned up to their boundary. A key example of what a mockery the Gateway process is.

Sydney forum on CSG mining

And the prospect of coal seam gas (CSG) mining is raising its ugly head in the Captertee Valley. On Tues 25th March there is what looks to be a very informative forum on CSG in Sydney. Water and legal issues will be discussed and you will hear the latest science relating to CSG and the management of the CSG industry in NSW. The event will include workshops on the hydrogeological science of CSG and the adequacy of currently existing legislation and regulation, as well as a Public Forum in the evening from 6:30pm.

The evening Public Forum will include the following experts in science and the law relating to CSG:
• Andrea Broughton, Principal & Hydrogeologist, Groundwater Solutions International
• Dr Gavin Mudd, Senior Lecturer, Environmental Engineering, Monash University
• Dr Phillip Pells, Principal & Geotechnical and Groundwater Engineer, Pells Consulting
• Ian Coleman, SC, Adjunct Professor School of Law, University of Western Sydney
• Marylou Potts, Director, Principal & Solicitor, Marylou Potts Pty Ltd

You can see the full day's program here. To register please fill out this registration form and return to info@landwaterfuture.org.au. Registration is essential as numbers are strictly limited.

Next CCC meeting

Finally, the next Inglenook CCC (Community Consultative Committee) meeting is coming up on Tues 25th March 2014. If there are any issues or questions you would like raised, please email the Association at runningstream2850@gmail.com

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