Passionate community representatives from across regional Queensland have converged on the Bunya Mountains for a weekend of strategy and planning, determined to protect farmland and communities from coal and gas mining.

The continued rampant pillaging of the Darling Downs by the coal seam gas industry will be disastrous for Australia’s attempts to reduce carbon emissions, according to Lock the Gate Alliance.

Hunter communities and Lock the Gate Alliance have welcomed a policy statement today by NSW independent MPs Alex Greenwich, Joe McGirr and Greg Piper to introduce a ten year adjustment strategy for NSW coal mining communities.

Lock the Gate Alliance has expressed its disappointment over the continuing carve up of prime agricultural land for the benefit of greedy gas companies on the Darling Downs.

Mining companies have outbid farmers from the Namoi Valley at an auction for Zone 4 groundwater, further disadvantaging landholders during a time of extreme drought.