Liverpool Plains water study welcome, but Greens mining bill still needed

Over 150 farmers from the Liverpool Plains and Gloucester regions will rally outside NSW Parliament this morning, from 10.30am, in support of a
Greens bill that protects the state*s prime food-producing land and its water sources from damage caused by mining developments.

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon said, "While the Greens would welcome an independent catchment-wide groundwater study in the Liverpool Plains region, prime agricultural land still needs protection by law.

"If Mr Macdonald makes the water study announcement today it will be seen as a cynical attempt by his government to deflect interest away from the protest outside the NSW parliament in support of the Greens Bill that was developed hand in hand with these farming communities.

"A water study is important but it provides no guarantee that the current coal projects at the planning and exploration stage will not proceed, forever damaging these prime agricultural lands described as 'Sydney's food bowl'.

"Food security for NSW cannot be guaranteed by one water study. Prime agricultural land needs to be protected in law.

"If Minister Macdonald makes his announcement he needs to clarify how the study will be structured and funded.

"It is important any water study is independent and this demands it be publicly funded.

"The Greens Safeguarding Agricultural Land and Water From Mining Bill is needed to bring back balance between mining and agriculture in NSW.

"It is expected that debate on the Greens Bill will commence shortly after 11 am in the NSW Upper House," Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information - 9230 3551, 0427 861 568
Visit http://www.miningdirt.org.au/ for background on the Greens bill.
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