Big Questions On Coal Use

Newcastle Herald

Monday October 9, 2006

LEADER

THE coal industry is accustomed to seeing new mining proposals meet considerable opposition. Nearby residents don't like the thought of having to put up with noise and dust from a mining operation, with rural industries such as wineries and horse studs adding water concerns to that list.

But there is a sizeable new group of opponents to the Anvil Hill open-cut that is planned for west of Muswellbrook. Environmentalists have decided to make the project the focus of their concern that the expanding use of coal will add to greenhouse gases, global warming and climate change.

As Friday's deadline for making submissions on the Anvil Hill environmental impact assessment neared, a large group of green protesters set up camp alongside the mine lease area, declaring that they were ready to draw a line in the sand and stop the project.

The fact that the protesters and their aims are supported by famed Canadian scientist David Suzuki, who is in Australia promoting a new book, could give them a higher profile and more credibility than might otherwise be the case.

Likewise, Muswellbrook Shire Council appears to have a longer list of questions than usual. Although a staff report will recommend to the council tonight that the mine be supported, that support will be conditional on a substantial list of concerns being addressed. The issues include security of rural water supplies, noise and road safety.

As a result, the mining company involved, Centennial Hunter, will have a lot of work to do before an expert committee appointed by Planning Minister Frank Sartor to help in the assessment process begins public hearings in Muswellbrook on October 17.

Mr Sartor, who will be the consent authority for the mine in view of the state significance tag attached to the project, likewise has a duty to do more than just use a rubber stamp to give it approval.

The coal industry, and especially its export sales, might be helping to keep the NSW economy afloat, but there is growing disquiet in the Hunter about the modest amount of revenue that seems to be coming back to the region which has to put up with the considerable downsides of coal mining and transport.

While there is substantial scientific debate as to the role coal is playing in climate change, the benefits-versus-disadvantages equation is easier to work out. And the equation does not favour the Hunter as much as it should.

Women make waves

ONE of the biggest challenges facing Surfest was met with the announcement last week that the women's competition will be lifted from a lowly two-star event on the international calendar to a top-ranked five-star contest. Thanks to sponsorship from liqueur maker Midori, prize money for the women's contest will be more than doubled to $33,615. It is ironic that the women's contest now has a major sponsor for 2007, while the men's event does not. But that will surely follow. The women's pro announcement gets the next Surfest off to a good start.

© 2006 Newcastle Herald

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