Nationals and Labor didn’t sign Clarence anti-mining pledge

The Clarence Catchment Alliance (CCA) have been seeking the support of all candidates running for the seat of Clarence to physically or digitally sign the ‘anti-mining pedge’ for the Clarence catchment. 

This is of particular relevance for Clarence as the ‘NSW Government, on behalf of the Hon. Anthony Roberts Nationals MP and Minister for Planning, and the Hon. James Griffin Liberal MP and Minister for Environment and Heritage stated: “The NSW Government is aligned with the NSW Minerals Strategy and is therefore not proposing a prohibition of mining activities in the Clarence Valley at this time” in a letter received by the CCA on 16 March, 2023. 

Missing commitment

There are ‘Two key signatures missing from anti-mining pledge’ said a spokesperson for the CCA. 

The Nationals candidate Richie Williamson, who is predicted to win the seat, did not attend the event or take up the offer by the CCA to sign the pledge digitally.

‘Although on record verbally as “anti-mining in the Clarence”, Richie’s decision to not sign may be due to his party’s support of, and promotion of investment in, mineral mining in regional NSW,’ said the CCA spokesperson. 

‘Leon Ankersmit, Labor candidate for Clarence was in attendance but did not sign the pledge. He is on record verbally, as supportive of the CCA’s call to ban mining here, but party politics stopped him from committing in writing which was disappointing.’

For a detailed response regarding Dr Ankersmit’s choice not to sign the anti-mining pledge see Dr Ankersmit’s response to The Echo’s question here. Richard Williams did not respond to The Echo’s second round of questions that asked about his position on both the anti-mining pledge and his position on a thermal waste incinerator at Casino. 

Candidates signed the anti-mining pledge along with a number of other state members of the upper house and ​​Traditional Owners.

The signing event took place in Yamba on Friday, 17 March and the CCA was ‘thrilled with the support received during their “ban on mining in the Clarence Catchment pledge signing” event.

‘The event provided a public platform for candidates from all over the Clarence catchment, state and federal MPs, Elders, and community leaders, to sign the pledge presented by the CCA, committing them to the common goal of banning mineral mining in the Clarence catchment.’

The following individuals publicly signed the commitment:

Sue Higginson – NSW Greens Member of Legislative Council

Greg Clancy – Greens Party

Brett Duroux – Indigenous Australia Party

Nicki Levi – Independent

Debra Novak – Independent

Mark Rayner – Legalize Cannabis Party

William Walker – CEO Yaegl Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation

Dianne Chapman – Manager Yaegl Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation

Tihema Elliston – Coffs Harbour – Legalise Cannabis Party

Tim Nott – Coffs Harbour – Greens Party

Vanessa Rosayro – Lismore – Animal Justice Party

Alison Waters – Lismore – Animal Justice Party

Individuals that were unable to attend, but signed the pledge digitally are as follows:

David Shoebridge – Senator for NSW Greens

Kevin Hogan – Federal Member for Page Nationals

Cate Faehrmann – NSW Greens member

Janelle Saffin – Member for Lismore Labor

Tamara Smith – Member for Ballina Greens

Troy Cassar Daley – Country Music legend

Aunty Lenore Parker – Yaegl Matriarch

Uncle Ron Herron – Yaegl Elder

Frances Belle Parker – Artist

Surfers for Climate

Surfrider Australia

Revive the Northern Rivers

Clarence Valley – Koala Working Group

Elizabeth O’Hara – Northern Tablelands Candidate Greens

Susie Herder – Tweed Candidate Animal Justice Party

‘The CCA wishes to thank each of the signatories, and those members of the public that attended last Friday and hope that constituents of this beautiful region use their vote to protect local water and the rivers the community so heavily relies on.’