The Clarence Catchment Alliance (CCA) have been pushing for the protection of the Clarence River Catchment from mineral mining for many years and with the recent support of the NSW Nationals leader Dugald Saunders they say they are one step closer.
Clarence MP Richie Williamson (Nationals) tabled a motion on 26 March, 2025, calling on the NSW government to urgently declare the Clarence electorate mining-free. It recognises the Clarence and Richmond Valleys’ outstanding natural beauty and environmentally sensitive areas, and calls for their protection from mineral mining.
CCA Coordinator Shae Fleming said, ‘We are thrilled and deeply grateful that Mr Williamson not only kept his word but personally sending us the motion as soon as it was submitted. It sends a clear message that the Clarence is no place for mining.’
The motion follows Mr Williamson’s commitment during a December 2024 meeting with the CCA, where he acknowledged the catchment’s high flood risk, importance as a drinking water source, and the vital role it plays in supporting agriculture, aquaculture, tourism, cultural values, and biodiversity.
Saunders shift
In a surprising shift, NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders confirmed during a Loving Life FM interview on 30 March that he is backing the motion; reversing his earlier position when, as a speaker alongside Chris Gulaptis, he opposed the community’s 10,000+ signature petition during its debate in Parliament in 2021.
‘It’s a small but significant step in a very big issue,’ said Ms Fleming.
‘After eight years of community advocacy and minimal support from the Nationals in the past, we’re genuinely encouraged by this development. It’s a step toward meaningful change.’
The Clarence Catchment supplies drinking water to over 100,000 people and is one of the most floodprone regions in NSW. It is home to endangered species, old growth forests, productive farmland, First Nations’ cultural sites, and a thriving regional economy built on clean water – not mining.
‘We want to be very clear,’ added Ms Fleming.
‘We are not politically aligned and do not campaign for political parties or candidates. Our campaign is powered by the community. We welcome support from any leader willing to amplify our voices and help deliver real, lasting change. We have garnered local bipartisan support from many state and federal MPs and a newly appointed NSW Minister.
‘The CCA calls on the NSW Government and all Members of Parliament to declare the Clarence Catchment mining-free, ban all future mineral exploration and mining across the region, and cancel or refuse to renew existing exploration licences and mining leases in local areas that supply drinking water and rivers that support critical local industries like farming, fishing, and tourism.’
Two key changes sought
They also urge urgent changes to two key laws. First, an amendment to the NSW State Environmental Planning Policy (Resources and Energy) 2021 to prohibit mineral exploration and mining in all parts of the Clarence LGA, and in the headwaters of the catchment that feed these systems.
The second is an amendment to the NSW Mining Act 1992 to ban mineral exploration and mining in major urban drinking water catchments, culturally and environmentally sensitive areas, flood-prone and landslip-prone regions, like those found Clarence Catchment.
The CCA is also urging local residents to submit a Stakeholder Statement via the CCA website (www.clarencecatchmentalliance.com.au/get-involved) to formally register their opposition to mineral mining in the catchment.
‘These statements are critical in demonstrating that there is no social licence for mining in the Clarence and will strengthen the case for permanent protection,’ said Ms Flemming.
‘Our long-term mission is to help set a legislative precedent, not just for the Clarence or the Northern Rivers, but for all communities across NSW and Australia working to protect irreplaceable water catchments from mineral mining.’
Find out more, submit a statement and meet the CCA at the Clarence Cane Harvest Festival this Saturday, April 12. If you’d like find out more join the CCA on the day please email [email protected].
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