Stanthorpe is set to host a meeting to discuss the potential impacts of mining following what organisers have hailed as a successful meeting in Warwick on Saturday.
Despite the heavy downpour, about 60 residents attended the information session at the Warwick Cowboys Clubhouse, Queens Park.
A number of speakers provided details on the potential for mining to start on the Southern Downs and the adverse impacts this may have on food resources, water quality, biodiversity, property values and our quality of life.
Maps including current mining permits in the area were also on display.
The main points of discussion from Saturday’s meeting were the need for residents to be aware of the potential for mining in the area and that time is running out to have your say on this issue.
The Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation – the Queensland Government agency responsible for granting exploration and mining tenements under the Mineral Resources Act 1989 – is seeking your comments about how we can best strike the balance between exploration for coal and minerals on the one hand and urban living on the other.
The Exploration and urban living: striking the balance survey is available at mines.industry.qld.gov.au/mining/exploration-urban-living-balance.htm with submissions closing on September 16.
The date for the Stanthorpe meeting was unavailable at time of print. Look out in the Southern Free Times as further details become available.
Story: Rebecca Brown