Clarence Catchment Alliance reach new petition milestone

A petition containing the names of over 10,000 Clarence Valley residents opposed to mining in the region has reached a new milestone.

The Hon Catherine Cusack MLC has officially accepted over 10,000 signatures opposing mining in the Clarence Valley. Picture: Richard Dobson

A petition containing the names of over 10,000 Clarence Valley residents opposed to mining in the region has reached a new milestone.

On Friday afternoon, NSW Legislative Council Member the Hon Catherine Cusack met with members of the Clarence Catchment Alliance at Lawrence Hall to officially hand over the document.

The petition calls for a to stop exploration and new mineral mining in the Clarence water catchment. Australian and international evidence proves that mineral mining besides waterways has a horrific track record. The chemicals used in the process as well as acidic tailings in high rainfall areas pollute waterways.

The Clarence Catchment provides drinking water for the Valley and neighbouring shires, as well as water for the agricultural, pastoral, fishing industries, and tourism. Our rivers and waterways are home to endangered species, unique ecology and are of high spiritual and cultural significance to local Traditional Owners.

“Getting the 10,000 plus signatures has been a two year undertaking by volunteers of the Clarence Catchment Alliance, which is a non-political community organisation, and their supporters,” a spokesperson from the Alliance said.

“In recent months, the Clarence Valley Council has passed two motions against mining, which gives parliament a precedent for action.”

Having received the signatures, Ms Cusack is now expected to present the petition to the NSW Legislative Council for debate in parliament.

Clarence Valley Council mayor Jim Simmons, councillor Dr Greg Clancy, and general manager Ashley Lindsay were also in attendance.