The State Government is blatantly playing off landholders against the might of multinational mining companies, says Lock the Gate Alliance (LTG).
LTG’s spokesperson for the Wide Bay-Burnett region, Vicki Perrin said the government was making it harder for farmers to stop mining companies taking over their land.
The Natural Resources and Mines Minister, Andrew Cripps this week released the Mining Lease Notification & Objection Initiative discussion paper.
Ms Perrin said Mr Cripps was trying to hood-wink farmers into believing “proposed reforms” would help local businesses and communities.
“These ‘reforms’ will only make it easier for mining companies to enter people’s properties against their wishes,” she said. “Any changes should provide greater protection for landholders not less. The proposed legislation is fatally flawed if it doesn't allow landholders to say no to mining companies coming onto their land.”
The proposals, if adopted, would restrict communities from helping landholders fight proposals in the Courts and would allow some major works closer to homes.
“Lock the Gate encourages farmers, businesses and communities to fight for their rights and stand up against these proposals,” Ms Perrin said.
LTG will hold community meetings to discuss the issues.
The Standardised consent framework for restricted land discussion paper is available here
The Mining Lease Notification & Objection Initiative discussion paper is available here
Submissions can be made to the Modernising Queensland’s Resources Acts mailbox at: [email protected] or PO Box 71 Mary Street, Brisbane 4001 until 5pm, Friday 28 March 2014.
Contacts:
Vicki Perrin, LTG spokesperson for Wide Bay-Burnett Ph: 0400 673 131
Kate Dennehy, LTG Qld Campaign Coordinator Ph: 0419 432 624