Bridging The Divide - Kingaroy - Day 2
October 5, 2016After a long and productive day of meeting with farmers and concerned citizens, touring parts of the region, stuffing our bellies with wholesome country produce and star gazing in the ‘warm’ open air observatory, we (the tour group) arrived at Camp Archookoora by around 10:30pm on Saturday evening and settled in for the night. Having been woken early in the morning by a group of loud currawongs on Sunday, I wandered around the campsite to gather my bearings. It was so refreshing to be in a place without a city skyline and bustling traffic!
Our first destination for the day was Crane Wines - “a small, visitor friendly, family owned and operated boutique winery, B&B accommodation and vineyard”. After taking in the magnificent views, we all headed to the Cellar Door where Bernie and Judy warmly welcomed everyone. Between descriptions and tastings of each wine, we discussed the potential damage that would occur should the creation of the proposed open cut coal mine proceed. The main takeaway message was that if the coal mine goes ahead, the crops at Crane Wines will be compromised (because of the coal dust settling both on the vines and in their rainwater tanks) and that tourism will decline significantly in turn jeopardising the existence of the business.
Next on the agenda was a tour of Crumpton and Son’s peanut processing plant at Crawford, hosted by Darren Crumpton. Every part of the process was covered, from the moment peanuts arrive, are sorted and shelled, to the stage where they are stored in giant cold rooms and delivered to suppliers across the country. Of course, peanuts were purchased and a few of us even scored some mandarins from the Crumpton’s backyard!
On our way to Whipbird Cafe in Coolabunia, we passed through the town centre and caught a glimpse of the picture perfect, noticeably large peanut silos. Fresh, colourful fruit platters awaited us at the cafe where a casual, yet information dense forum was held over lunch. Numerous problems and suggested solutions were thrown around by all members in attendance (Kingaroy Concerned Citizens and Bridging The Divide Tourists). It was also the perfect opportunity to network with each other and reflect on the weekend’s immensely productive proceedings.
A massive thank-you to all involved with the arrangement of this tour, especially Annette and Cassie!
Kingaroy is the largest town in the South Burnett and is central to this diverse and beautiful region. The town is surrounded by picturesque farmlands interspersed with low rolling hills and has an emerging tourism industry with wineries, star gazing and a wide range of recreational activities. Kingaroy is a town that is threatened by a proposed open cut coal mine just 4.5km from the CBD in Coolabunia.
10 Things You Should Know About the Mine:
- The Mayor, and both State and Federal Members have expressed their opposition to the location of this mine.
- It is to be positioned very close to Kingaroy near the end of the Airport.
- Kingaroy Concerned Citizens Group (KCCG) has info and statistics about the possible impact of a coal mine on Kingaroy land prices.
- KCCG will present detailed information about dust and its likely impact on residential areas all around Kingaroy.
- The latest proposal by the company has the prospect of trains taking coal by rail through Kingaroy to ports like Bundaberg.
- The company states there is likely to be “on-tenement access to the Stuart River to potentially dilute treated water discharges of mine-affected water.”
- The company says that the issue of mine water upstream from the town water supply (Gordonbrook Dam) will be an “emotive issue” for the town.
- The coal mine dust is likely to affect community health and drinking water in tanks collected from roofs.
- The initial mine location is likely to be the first in a series of mine stages, which includes a tenement that extends out to Brooklands.
- The company has not yet said that it has a market for its coal.
10 Things You Need To Do To Stop This Coal Mine:
- Check out, like and share using the KCCG Facebook Page
- Express your opposition to the location of the mine, and write, email, phone or meet with your local, state or federal representatives.
- Research coal mine related topics, especially about dust, noise and water.
- Donate funds to KCCG so they can respond to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), acquire information, and hold meetings.
- Join KCCG or other groups responding to the prospect of the mine being approved in the proposed location.
- Join one of the groups set up to respond to the mine application.
- Write, phone or meet with Moreton Resources and tell them you do not support or give them social licence to mine near Kingaroy. MRV: Phone (07) 3831 6088 or 0478 152 219
- Speak to your neighbours to see whether they are aware of and understand the mine, its effects and its location.
- Buy a “No Kingaroy Coal Mine” sign, display it on your fence or car, and buy one for your neighbour too!
- Write a letter to the editor or ring up a local news service explaining how you feel about the mine.
Below is a video which provides perspectives of the local community regarding the impacts of a proposed open cut coal mine 4km from Kingaroy. This short film includes interviews with local Kingaroy farmers, landholders, business owners, residents and the Mayor. Many thanks to Mark and Rey - Independent film makers, for your time and generosity towards making this film.
Useful links:
How Gasification Works - How Stuff Works
Plans lodged for thermal coal mine near Kingaroy in South Burnett region - ABC News
Mine could destroy tourism - South Burnett Times
Why ‘dark sky’ status could boost South Burnett tourism - South Burnett Times
Crowd Votes Down Mine … Again - SouthBurnett.com.au
Bridging The Divide Inc. Facebook Page
Knitting Nannas Against Gas Facebook Page