Win! Bligh protects towns from mining

Friends of the Earth congratulates Premier Bligh on the move to protect urban areas from coal mining.

"It's very rare that we congratulate the Labor Government on their approach to coal mining, but with this one they've really got it right," said Friends of the Earth spokesperson Shani Tager. "Finally they've realised that coal mining comes at a cost. They've provided certainty for residents, they've made the same rules apply to coal seam gas extraction and they've given some of the power back to communities through their local council."

"There is sad side to this story, and that is all the thriving rural towns of under 1000 residents which are under threat. Premier Bligh needs to extend the same level of certainty to all Queensland towns, not just the large ones. This measure will not protect Acland, Wandoan, Taroom or Alpha from being subsumed by coal mines."

"Towns are the lifeblood of regional Queensland and losing them isn't worth the quick buck," said Ms Tager.

Friends of the Earth and thirteen local objectors are currently fighting Xstrata's Wandoan coal mine in the Land Court. The approved mine pit is 600m from the town.

see the Qld ministerial media statement here.

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• Friends of the Earth vs Xstrata's Wandoan mega mine