Opinion: Region’s ag sector under threat from proposed coal mine

“Surely the economic benefits which are generated from the exports of the macadamia industry as well as the agricultural and horticultural industries far outweigh any coal royalties governments may receive from this proposed mine?”

An MDL (Mineral Development Licence) which would allow more extensive coal exploration is currently being considered by the Queensland Labor Government.​

China, with its billion plus population covets Australian macadamia nuts.

A large proportion of these highly sort after nuts are grown in one of Australia’s most environmentally cared for regions which include North Bundaberg to Moore Park Beach and the areas around the Kolan River.

Currently all of this area is under threat from a proposed coking coal mine.

A lot of drilling has been done over recent years to pinpoint ideal mining locations.

An MDL (Mineral Development Licence) which would allow more extensive coal exploration is currently being considered by the Queensland Labor Government.

This proposed mining operation is being touted to the Government with royalties of $15 million per year for a period of 20 years.

If approved we would be one step closer to a dirty, polluting coal mine being built on prime agricultural land.

Surely the economic benefits which are generated from the exports of the macadamia industry as well as the agricultural and horticultural industries far outweigh any coal royalties governments may receive from this proposed mine?

We can eat macadamia nuts, fruit and vegetables, but we can’t eat coal.

Cheryl Hay, Moore Park Beach