Warwick to debate mining concerns

GROWING public concern about coal mining in the region has prompted a Toowoomba action group to organise a public meeting and information session in Warwick later this month.

The Toowoomba Coal Mine Action Group will hold the forum at the Warwick Cowboys Clubhouse on Saturday, August 27, to brief landowners about their aims and exploration permits current for the Warwick and Stanthorpe areas.

Spokeswoman Jill Wiltshire told the Daily News yesterday the group was pleased to have secured the venue for the session and a “call to arms” for Warwick residents.

She said the Toowoomba Coal Mine Action Group was established in response to news that an Exploration Permit for Coal had been approved for the area around Gowrie Junction and Kingsthorpe, close to Toowoomba.

The group believes that if that location were to be approved for mining it would have a huge bearing on Toowoomba and the surrounding districts. A similar session was held in Toowoomba on August 1, in conjunction with the Lock The Gate Alliance of farming families concerned about extensive mining rights which could be granted across the Darling Downs and the loss of top-quality agricultural land.

Related action groups include Coal for Breakfast, Friends of Felton, Future Food Qld and the Western Downs Alliance. A range of Exploratory Permits for Coal are in place across the Warwick and Stanthorpe areas held by mining exploration companies on the search for new coal sources, both for coal-fired power generation and coal seam gas extraction. The permits do no confer mining rights but mining companies can conduct exploratory digs at will.

What: Coal mining information afternoon.

When: Saturday, August 27, 2pm to 4pm

Where: Warwick Cowboys Clubhouse, Queens Park www.twmbacmag.wordpress.com