HUNTER Valley horse studs, wineries and tourism operators have ramped up the campaign against coal, today launching a media offensive calling for a halt to mining near their key assets.
Communities have joined the fight, launching a video that highlights horse racing, wine and tourism’s contribution to the region, hitting back at the mining industry’s promotion of its employment and economic contributions.
An online video campaign and print advertisements are branded with the slogan: Don’t undermine us!
President of the Hunter Valley Thoroughbred Breeders Association Dr Cameron Collins said horses, tourism and viticulture industries had supported Hunter Valley communities for generations.
“They are tough and resilient but there has never been such a threat as mining now poses in the Hunter Valley,” Dr Collins said.
A range of prominent figures have backed the campaign:
Chairman of Events NSW, John Quayle, president of the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association, Andrew Margan, chairman of the Australian Turf Club, Michael Crismale, and jockey Kerrin McEvoy are joined by prominent trainers Gai Waterhouse, Bart Cummings, Peter Snowden, Chris Waller, John O’Shea, David Hayes and Mark Kavanagh.
Their focus is on Anglo American’s Drayton mine, which is seeking government approval to extend its open cut towards the Coolmore and Darley thoroughbred studs.
Dr Collins said the government had pledged to balance the benefits of mining with the needs of the community.
“This is the first test of the government’s promises, new policies and processes to protect us - we hope the government listens.”
The NSW Planning and Assessment Commission (PAC) recommended against Anglo’s proposal to extend the Drayton mine last year, before passing its findings to the government for consideratoion.
However, a newly appointed team of experts have been appointed to the PAC panel, which is yet to make its final determination.
The Thoroughbred Breeders Association said it contributes $2.4 billion to NSW’s economy and $5b nationally while employing thousands of Hunter Valley residents.
Anglo said it needs to extend the Drayton mine to secure continued employment for 500 employees and a further 300 jobs would be created during the construction phase.
Mining the coal from the extension area would generate $35m a year for NSW and would also inject about $70m into local businesses, according to Anglo.
Mike Foley
Senior journalist for The Land.
Senior journalist for The Land.
