The Clarence Catchment Alliance (CCA) have made it clear that mining in the Clarence catchment does not have the support of the people. This is particularly relevant considering the Federal Labor recently ‘gifted $50,000 to Corazon Mining to continue drilling operations at the junction of the Mann and Clarence Rivers.
Clarence Rivers. Corazon site top left. Photo supplied
At last week’s meet the candidates for the seat of Clarence all four candidates told the CCA that they supported their position against mining in the Clarence catchment.
‘With all voicing strong support for the Clarence catchment to be declared off-limits to mining, and the 100% support received from federal candidates for the seat of Page last year, the will of the people is now abundantly clear,’ said a CCA spokesperson.
‘Add the Clarence Valley Council’s call to State Parliament to halt mining, and support received from the neighbouring councils of Bellingen, Byron, Coffs Harbour, Glen Innes Severn, and Kyogle, this again reinforces the lack of social licence for anyone actively planning to mine or explore for minerals in the area.’
combined fishing fleet in NSW. Photo supplied
Action is key
The CCA are calling for all the parties that are supporting their candidates in the seat of Clarence to confirm their position on mining in the catchment.
‘The Clarence Catchment Alliance, and others in the electorate, are acutely aware that words alone are not enough, especially where party politics are concerned, and a candidate must have the support of his/her party colleagues, or the words are worthless,’ they said.
‘Given regional NSW has been earmarked as a mineral mining exploration hot spot by the current NSW Government, party as well as candidate policy and views must be considered on this issue. We would expect the successful candidate to make a commitment to proactively campaign on the issue once elected and have sought assurances from their party that that will be the case.
‘The Clarence Catchment Alliance will be seeking feedback from each candidate on their party’s support.’
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