THE Toowoomba Coal Mine Action Group (TCMAG) yesterday confirmed it would hold an information session in Warwick at the end of this month to help address growing concern about the expansion of coal and coal seam gas (CSG) mining throughout the state.

Exploration Permits for Coal, Petroleum (CSG and UCG – underground coal gasification) and Minerals cover much of the Southern Downs local authority area, with granted coal permits alone covering Killarney, Yangan, the town area of Warwick itself, through to the Eight Mile, Allora and Leyburn, extending as far south as, and including, neighbouring Texas. These coal permits surround Stanthorpe and many properties in that area are covered by permits for minerals exploration.

As a result of learning more about the extent and impacts of mining, a couple of local residents have joined forces to create the Southern Downs Protection Group page on Facebook. It has been established in an effort to raise awareness within the community and alert residents to the fact that there may already be exploration permits granted to mining companies over their properties.

The Toowoomba Coal Mine Action Group (TCMAG) has organised an information session to be held in Warwick and residents are invited to come along to hear a range of speakers share their experiences and to learn more about the current mining permits in the Southern Downs.

The free public meeting and information session will be held at the Warwick Cowboys Clubhouse, Queens Park, Warwick on Saturday, August 27, 2011 from 2.00 – 4.00 pm.

For more information regarding the meeting and these issues, please contact James Wiltshire of TCMAG 4638 0455 or 0420 557 805 or Southern Downs Protection Group at sdpg@live.com.au