Mines Minister blasts hypocrisy of Margaret River vineyard owners

Media Release:  November 18, 2010

WA Mines Minister Norman Moore has intimated that Margaret River vineyard owners are hypocrites for wanting to stop coal mining in WA's premier tourism region because most of the wineries were built on the proceeds of mining.

The Minister was responding to a speech made by Greens WA Tourism spokesperson Lynn MacLaren MLC about the need to protect the wine region from inappropriate development.  Mr Moore claimed that "most of the vineyards ... that the Member wants to protect have been built on the proceeds of the mining industry, probably most of them if the truth be known".

The Minister also said that the Hunter Valley had 'perfectly good wines and perfectly good coalmines' and said there was nothing pristine about Margaret River, adding that it used to be cow country.

"Mr Moore's tirade against Margaret River makes me very concerned about the future of the region. The government evidently thinks that coal mining, vineyards and tourism are a good mix," said Lynn MacLaren MLC.

"Mr Barnett and his Ministers are not listening to business owners and residents in the South West and they are ignoring environmental and scientific red flags about the effect that underground coal mining would have on the Leederville aquifer, which is crucial to water supply in the region" she added.

Ms MacLaren' speech and Minister Moore's reply were made during a motion on Government Tourism Policy on Wednesday evening.

"It's exasperating to say the least. Residents in Margaret River are desperate to stop this mine and comments like those made by Minister Moore are a slap in the face," said Ms MacLaren.

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