A new group opposing water mining in the Tweed Shire breathed its first fire last week
The road between Murwillumbah and Uki was sign-bombed by members of the direct-action group the Water Dragons before first light this morning.
Led by activists working behind the scenes, the Water Dragons painted more than 100 signs opposing water mining in the Tweed catchment and posted them all to everyone know their message loud and clear.
Spokesperson for the group Juliet Green, said they have had enough. ‘The Water Dragons was formed to start a direct action campaign to stop this industry.
‘It has been decimating groundwater while we are in drought.
‘This is just the start of a direct action campaign. We are putting the water miners, the Tweed Shire Council and the NSW State Government on notice.
Ms Green said the industry will be one of the key issues in the upcoming council election next year.
Activist group Tweed Water Alliance supported the action. Spokesperson Pat Miller said the TWA support the Water Dragons. ‘It’s heartening to see other groups forming in response to this industry,’ she said. ‘The writing was always on the wall for them and now other groups such as this are doing the writing for us.
‘We’re suddenly not alone. We will support them because the community opposition is huge. The TWA will continue the political lobbying and we wish the group well in their non-violent direct action.’
The Tweed Water Alliance’s sign claiming 99% of Uki residents oppose water mining has been reinstalled at the eastern entrance to Uki village. ’Removed on the basis of one complaint, the edited sign now complies with the Tweed Shire Council’s demands.’
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
