Brisbane’s water supply could be under threat if mining is allowed in the Somerset Region, says the Lock the Gate Alliance (LTG).
LTG’s National President, Drew Hutton said the state government was demanding mining go ahead in the region despite the concerns of residents, businesses, farmers and the Somerset Regional Council.
Mr Hutton said the Somerset region experienced small earthquakes and flooding which would carry polluting mining slurry into the river systems and two major dams, the Somerset and Wivenhoe Dams.
“This is not just an issue for the people of the Somerset Region but for the whole of Brisbane that relies on water from Wivenhoe and Somerset Dams for their everyday needs,” he said.
“Mining this region would be a disaster waiting to happen.”
Other Queensland towns had already experienced water contamination, water loss and land degradation because of coal and coal seam gas (CSG) mining including Blackwater, Chinchilla, Dalby and Miles, he said.
Mr Hutton will address concerned locals and Council representatives at a community meeting at Toogoolwah, near Esk tonight.
WHERE: Alexandra Hall, Cressbrook Street, Toogoolwah
WHEN: Monday, February 17: 7pm
WHO: Lock the Gate Alliance National President, Drew Hutton
WHAT: Community meeting to discuss the threat of mining to waterways
CONTACT: Kate Dennehy 0419 432 624; Julie Devine 0481 267 010