Coal mine cops flak from farmers

GRAVE CONCERNS: Wandoan landholder Anne Pitkin, whose property is on the Xstrata mining lease, fears the mine will kill the close-knit community.

THE huge Wandoan coal mine will kill the close-knit community and ruin a “perfect lifestyle”, according to one resident.

Affected farmers and concerned community members are appalled the State Government's co-ordinator-general last week gave Xstrata's $3billion project conditional approval.

Wandoan resident Anne Pitkin, whose 555ha property 7km from town is on the mining lease, is worried for the future of the area.

“I feel devastated Xstrata can be allowed to walk in and take over 70,000acres of prime land,” Anne said.

“This is only the first round, with three or four more mining leases eventually being applied for.

“You are killing our close-knit community that existed well before Xstrata intruded into our perfect lifestyle.”

She agreed the mine would destroy some of Queensland's prime farming land.

“For far too long now the government has given primary producers the rough end of the stick,” she said.

“BUT this time it is Xstrata digging the hole and expecting us to live in it with nothing better than barren land and poisoned or polluted water to look forward to.

“No amount of top dressing will ever bring back this pristine grazing country and fertile farming land.

“Xstrata don't seem to realise they are playing with real people's lives, and this is a terrible thing happening to our farming community.

“Xstrata has caused much anxiety, frustration and insecurity in knowing that the land we love, and that we have put most of our lives into to protect, is now going to be destroyed, making it good for nothing forever.”

Anne said the billions the project would reap would have too high an impact.

“Once you destroy our land you will never ever get it back,” she said.

“No amount of money is worth the destruction you are going to do to our land, lives and future generations.”

Farmer Colin Boyce, criticised the mining giant.

“XSTRATA are offering handouts to education, health and the community organisations so people will not object to this mine,” Mr Boyce said.

“Don't be fooled.

“In fact, they are the perpetrators of the destruction of the social fabric and economy of a small rural community.”

An Xstrata Coal spokesperson said Xstrata representatives had worked closely with the Wandoan community since 2007.

“Our contributions to the community through the Wandoan Community Fund are helping local community groups and services,” the spokesperson said.

“Our operations are also providing jobs and boosting the local economy through our patronage of local business.

“We are also working closely with landholders directly affected by the proposed new mine.”

Details about the project will go to the Commonwealth for the next stage of its assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.