Govt backs BHP Billiton, overturns court decision on Caroona coal exploration

The Mining and Petroleum Legislation Amendment (Land Access) Bill 2010 is due to be introduced into the NSW Legislative Assembly today. The government's briefing note provides more detail.

"The ink on the March Supreme Court decision is barely dry yet the government is again doing the bidding of the coal industry by validating the current questionable access arrangements for mining companies," Ms Rhiannon said.

"BHP Billiton, hand in hand with the Minerals Council, must have burnt a path to the government's door after Justice Schmidt of the Supreme court ruled against them.

"The Greens will oppose this legislation which effectively walks all over the Liverpool Plains community and we expect the Coalition to do the same.

"In 2006 BHP Billiton paid $125 million to the government for its Caroona exploration licence, more than 10 times the asking fee.

"The $125 million BHP Billiton gifted to the NSW government for the opportunity to explore for coal is now reaping returns.

"Using legislation to overturn a Supreme Court decision underlines the priority this government gives to mining interests above communities, food security, water and the natural environment.

"The Minister for Mineral Resources Ian Macdonald has effectively upset due legal process and saved BHP Billiton a mint by circumventing the need to pursue an appeal.

"This new bill puts the pressure back on Caroona farmers to continue their long battle. The Greens will support them in this fight.

"The farmers have already showed enormous capacity in holding a 615 day blockade to protect this much loved rich farming land and defend NSW's food bowl," Ms Rhiannon said.

The Caroona Coal Exploration area is located about 50km Southeast of Gunnedah and 30km Northwest of Quirindi. The area covered by the exploration licence is approx. 350km2.

For more information: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568.