BIG RIGS @ RUNNING STREAM

About twenty concerned landowners turned out to witness the arrival of three big rigs at an open day held yesterday by Centennial Coal at the Running Stream Hall. The rigs were carrying demonstration models of the sort of equipment proposed for use in the company's coal exploration project. An 8.5 tonne  exploration drill, a 9 tonne sump and an equally hefty rod handler were hauled into the grounds shocking many landowners with their size. Project Manager John Sandona (right) and driller James Fleming (left) explained to the gathering how these diesel operated machines work. But many of the people gathered were more concerned about the damage the vehicles did to the carefully maintained Community Hall grounds and could only imagine what similar traffic would do to their own properties.

To date the Association is aware of only one landowner who has signed an access agreement with the coal company. The rest of the owners of the proposed 28 drilling sites have yet to finalise deals and some are considering taking up the call from the Lock The Gate Alliance to deny access.
In a timely coincidence, NSW Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham was doing a tour of the region and stopped by to express his support for landowners, many of whom are feeling overwhelmed by the coal company's activities in the area. Mr Buckingham recently called on Parliament for a moratorium on new coal mines until the full impacts of the industry are assessed.
Mr Buckingham met with locals, including Councillor Esme Martens who is also calling on government to change legislation and include water as a compensable commodity where mining is concerned.
Afterwards Mr Buckingham and his entourage drove up to the top of Mt Vincent where they were most impressed by the stunning views back towards the Capertee Valley. Accompanying them was RSWUA President Jolieske Lips who showed them an example of misplaced development at the site of a power pylon that had to be relocated due to excessive water seepage. In its place is a covered hole full of crystal clear water. This, she predicted, would happen in the case of many of the proposed drilling sites.
Perhaps the battle against coal in this area will be won by water itself?