Letter from Lynn MacLaren MLC to Norman Moore MLC

Submitted by Louise Sales on Wed, 18/05/2011 - 15:20

Hon Norman Moore MLC
Minister for Mines and Petroleum
via email
 
Dear Norman
 
I write in support of the people who are campaigning to save their way of life in Margaret River. I know, like me, you also value the region for the viticulture, the natural environment and the many stunning attractions and enjoyable activities that attract so many visitors to the region year after year.
 
As Minister for Mines and Petroleum you have repeatedly argued for the rights of that industry, and due to the granting of a mining lease, the rights that lease affords. However, it was ‘on your watch’ when the lease was renewed. An atmosphere of fear was affecting the community and yet you chose to renew the lease. Now, this community is in a state of emergency – on constant alert and fear that at any point in time everything they love about the region will be put at risk by the coal mining industry.
 
Recently the Minister for Transport made a decision ruling out the temporary transport of iron ore for export from the Fremantle inner Harbour. It was a decision based on common sense, not the rights of mining companies. It was courageous and has been warmly welcomed by the Fremantle community who are reeling after the breakdown of environmental protection following years of resistance to the transport of lead carbonate through their city port. Likewise, the Minister for the Environment recently announced a decision to require Cockburn Cement to reduce emissions by installing more effective filters on two of its stacks. Again, the community welcomed the decision.
 
In a sport analogy of American baseball, ‘you are up to bat,’ Minister Moore… the decision to defend the groundwater table and existing land use of the Margaret River region is, in part, yours to make.
 
Regards
 
Hon Lynn MacLaren MLC
18 May 2011

(The word “license” in the original version has been corrected to “lease” following advice from Minister’s Moore. He also provided advice that the Mining Act actually restricts the Minister’s power to deny the first 21-year lease renewal. So, clearly, the Mining Act needs to be amended.)