Greens to introduce legislation to protect Margaret River

Submitted by Louise Sales on Thu, 22/09/2011 - 11:03

The Greens in the Legislative Council moved today to protect Margaret River from the threat of coal mining and gas extraction.

Greens WA spokesperson for Planning and Tourism, Hon Lynn MacLaren MLC, said “while the Government only makes noises about protecting Margaret River, we have acted to protect all communities from the threat of mining by amending the Mining Act 1978.”

“Currently local planning schemes are overridden by the powers of the Mining Act. Our proposed legislation restores the power of local communities to determine their future,” added Ms MacLaren.

“There is a place for mining but WA’s favourite holiday destination is not it. Margaret River is an important centre for tourism and wineries and needs protection from mining. The livelihoods and lifestyles of thousands of people in the South-West region are at stake here,” said Ms MacLaren.

Intention to introduce the Bill was announced today by  Giz Watson MLC who is the Greens spokesperson for the South West.

“The Margaret River community is unified in their opposition to coal mining, their voices are reflected in the local council but currently the Mining Act leaves them powerless to protect their clean and green region,” said Ms Watson.