_ct1880x930.jpg "YELLOW ARMY: Lock The Gate representative Julie Devine and Senator Glenn Lazarus join the community to display the anti-mining message.")
YOUR SAY: Shutting the gate on mines
THERE have been some strong comments from readers in support of shutting the gates to mining on the Southern Downs, following a community meeting in Goomburra at the weekend.
A survey of Allora, Berat and Goomburra residents found 92% were against mining in their area.
Marianne Irvine from Pratten congratulated the people who took part in the survey.
"At last, the southern Downs has joined with other regions where communities have also stood up to say "no coal or CSG mining here"," she wrote.
"Community protecting community - well done Allora, Berat and Goomburra residents for caring enough to want to protect its values and future for future generations.
"What a welcome revolution - to have the very first coal and gas field free declaration in the Southern Downs!"
Darryl Evans questioned the position of the Mayor and councillors on the issue.
"If there is a 92% support for NO! Will the Mayor publicly endorse his support that the council he leads will adopt a NO CSG or Open Cut coal Mines?" he wrote.
"The Council can't really stop the mines it's a Federal and State Government that will over ride the Mayor, but a symbolic stance NO! to Mining publicly as a council position would reassure the residents they have the support of their Mayor."
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Other readers were more critical of the group opposing mining.
"As long as their not hypocritical and using gas in there houses.... Then fair enough," Michelle Campbell wrote.
terry01 from Harristown also questioned the group
"I wonder how the same group would feel with a multitude of wind generators on their properties?"
What else readers had to say:
MarianneIrvine -Pratten: My only sadness was that long time (and much loved) Southern Downs Protection Group Treasurer Maureen Shearing passed away recently.
Maureen would have been so very proud to have this happen in Berat, as she was a strong opponent of any sort of mining invading this lovely agricultural region. We trust you were looking over us on Saturday, Maureen, and smiling your support!
DarrylE30781 - Rosehill: Has the paper asked the individual Councillors their position on this matter?
Mark Hoffman: Meanwhile they are probably driving a car powered by gas showering by gas heater and cooking with gas. What survey?
