Former MP threatens to come out of retirement if mining licence is given the green light

A former politician has revealed why he will run for the seat of Bundaberg at the next state election if the Fox Resources MDL3040 is given the green light.

Moore Park Beach resident and former NSW MP Alan Corbett said he will run in the next state election if the state government allows the MDL3040 to progress to the next stage.

A man who was formerly a New South Wales government MP is considering running at the next Queensland state election should a proposed mining development license progress to the next stage.

Moore Park Beach retiree Alan Corbett, who was the founder and MP for the A Better Future for Our Children Party for eight years, has revealed he will run for the seat of Bundaberg in the 2024 Queensland State Election if the MDL3040 for Fox Resources gets the go ahead.

Mr Corbett and his late wife moved to Moore Park Beach in 2010, attracted to the sea breeze, clear air and lifestyle.

Like a lot of others in the community, Mr Corbett is concerned about what a coal mine could do to the region.

“People come up for lifestyle choices, for health reasons and the peace and quiet,” he said.

“A coal mine, coal dust, noise, pollution, the effects on the environment, the effects of the community – coal mines are corrosive to communities, they tear communities apart and people against each other.

“So I felt strongly enough to add my weight to the pressure that’s been applied to the state government.

“My emphasis on politics has always been the welfare of children, that’s how I got elected, if we’re going to change society for the better we have to focus on our kids.

“The fact we could have hundreds of kids being exposed to coal dust doesn’t sit well for me, so it’s principally for the future of the children and grandchildren in the area that’s driving me to do it.”

Mr Corbett said the Bundaberg region was “not a region for coal mines”.

He said while there were concerns about health and lifestyle, people were also worried about the impacts a coal mine would have on the tourism and agriculture industry.

“I haven’t come across anyone who is for it other than the individual person that works in the coal mining industry that would rather have one closer to home,” he said.

“Yes it would bring jobs to the region, but we would also lose jobs in agriculture and horticulture.

“I think one of the worst things is the image, we have this food bowl that produces 25 per cent of Australia’s fresh produce sitting next to, surrounded or in a coal mining area. That’s a critical aspect.”

In April, Bundaberg MP Tom Smith wrote to Resources Minister Scott Stewart opposing the MDL3040.

Burnett MP Stephen Bennett has also opposed the application.

Mr Corbett said it was encouraging to know that both Mr Bennett and Mr Smith were against the mine.

He said he’d never thought he would consider running in an election again after a previous campaign in 2017.

“I hope I never have to, I’d only do this very reluctantly,” he said.

“But when it comes down to a choice between breathing clean air and breathing coal dust I know where I want to be.”

In April Resources Minister Scott Stewart told the NewsMail he had spoken with both Mr Smith.

“All mineral development licences must address specific environmental and native title requirements before they are granted,” he said.

”It is important to highlight this type of licence does not authorise mining at the site.”

A spokesman for Mr Stewart told the NewsMail there was no update on the progress of the application.