A new ruling by the NSW State Government will make it easier for miners to develop farm land.
Despite a court ruling that banned the development of a coal mine on the Liverpool Plains, the State Government has put forward a legislative amendment that will mean miners only have to negotiate with the primary owner of the land.
The amendment to legislation, which has the potential to be enforced retrospectively, is already facing opposition from the Greens, who describe the movement as a mockery of due process.
The court has previously blocked mining companies from developing the land, finding in favour of agricultural interests who had challenged BHP’s exploration of a coal deposit at Caroona.
However, the Government is trying to force through legislation that will see only the primary land holder, and not those with other entitlements to an easement or mortgagees, give approval for the use of the land for exploration or mining.
While the amendment has seen support from the Minister for Primary Industries Ian McDonald who said “the state government has an obligation to facilitate exploration for the benefit of the people of NSW,” it has come as a blow to farmers within the area who see it as removing their rights.
The legislation will be put to parliament this week.
Add a comment