Up in arms
THE State Government has failed to ally the shock of Mirboo North residents’ in the wake of a new coal exploration licence being granted last week.
Mantle Mining received the licence to explore for coal around Mirboo North.
Mantle Mining is a small Melbourne based mining exploration company with interests in two coal exploration projects in Queensland and Victoria, and two gold exploration projects in Queensland.
According to a report by lobby group Environment Victoria in October 2013, the company has no operating mines and is said to face significant financial challenges as it has no profitable projects to cross-subsidise its exploration program.
The report stated that at the end of the 2012-13 financial year, Mantle recorded a loss of $5.9 million and had only $1.8 million, mostly cash, on hand.
A spokesperson for Minister for Industry, Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio said the licence did not mean the government would support the development of a coal mine at Mirboo North.
The minister’s spokesperson said, “These licences cover low impact exploration only – no mining can take place.
“Any intention to move to a mining licence requires full and open community consultation where local residents and other interested parties can have their concerns considered by the regulator in assessing a licence application.”
Nevertheless, the granting of licences EL5428 and EL5338 has been like a slap in the face to Mirboo North.
The community is known for its fervent opposition to coal seam gas (CSG) and coal mining, with lobby group Coal and Coal Seam Gas Free Mirboo North boasting that 95 percent of residents oppose CSG and coal mining.
Group member Denys Menzies of Mirboo North said, “I am stunned by this regressive action. Until now I assumed the Andrews’ Government would be all for renewable energy.”
Fellow member Marg Thomas said people felt upset and let down by the government.
“When there is such a groundswell of sentiment for a future where our power is generated by renewable energy, this instils a lack of confidence in people that the government will protect us,” she said.
“Sixty two communities across Victoria have declared themselves coal and gas free zones.
“Occurring at the same time as an inquiry has begun into the health effects of the Latrobe Valley open cut mine fires, this granting of an exploration licence is a big contradiction.”
The Greens’ energy spokesperson Ellen Sandell said the granting of the licences was disappointing and irresponsible.
“The Labor Government has approved four new licences to dig up farmland and towns for coal,” she said.
“Globally, the age of coal is over. The future is in renewable energy. By encouraging more coal exploration, the Labor Government is staking Victoria’s future on a polluting, toxic industry that communities don’t want.
“We should protect our pristine farmland and keep our towns clean and healthy, not create giant new coal mines in the most beautiful parts of our state like South Gippsland.”
Ms Sandell said the farmers and residents of Mirboo North had declared themselves coal and gasfield free.
“They do not want coal mining to destroy their farmland and town. Labor must revoke this licence and commit to building renewable energy, not expanding coal mines,” she said.
“The Greens are calling for an immediate moratorium on new coal mining and exploration licences.”
Environment Victoria also demanded the immediate introduction of a moratorium on new coal mines and mining and exploration licences for coal.
Environment Victoria’s Safe Climate campaign manager Dr Nicholas Aberle said, “The Andrews Government has not yet articulated a clear policy direction on the future for coal in Victoria, so it’s no surprise that bureaucrats are still rubber-stamping licences for speculative coal companies.
“An immediate and permanent moratorium on new coal mines is needed while Victoria develops a clear vision for its energy and economic future.
“Exploration licences also create great concern and distress for local landowners and communities. With a mining licence over their land it is impossible to plan for or invest in the future.”
Hands off: Mirboo North residents raised placards in favour of a coal and gas free environment last week.
Short URL: /?p=15268
Posted by 
