Coal action group airs concerns to Nationals
Posted
Representatives from the Caroona Coal Action Group held a meeting with Nationals' MPs at AGQUIP in Gunnedah yesterday, to discuss the mining issues facing land-holders on the Liverpool Plains.
The action group has expressed concerns it has been let down by the Nationals in trying to get the New South Wales Government to fund an independent study into the effects of mining in the region.
But both parties say yesterday's meeting was an informative and robust discussion that has helped to map plans for future action.
Caroona Coal Action Group spokesman Doug Rankin says although there has been some problems in the past, he is hopeful that working together will yield positive results.
"Andrew Stoner cited issues of communication as being one problem, we held the view that we needed representation and support on this issue," he said.
"We felt that they did drop the ball on a few occasions. But look, we want to move forward with the National party.
"Andrew has given us some undertaking that they get fully focused on the issue and support the Caroona Coal Action Group, especially in the need and the call for an independent study."
The Tamworth-based Nationals' MLC Trevor Khan says the party's position on the need for a hydrological study has not changed.
He says the meeting was a good chance to hear the concerns of the Caroona Coal Action Group face-to-face.
"It was a very informative and constructive meeting held with the group. They have a number of concerns with regard to BHP's exploration on the Caroona licence, but our role was to meet with them and hear their concerns and express the way we see it going forward," he said.
