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The Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association is calling for an immediate moratorium on all Coal Seam Gas production and mining development in prime horse breeding and agricultural areas.
Some of the most important farming areas in the State, the Darling Downs and Scenic Rim, are under threat from mining leases and any exploration must immediately cease.
“Further independent investigations must be held into the affects CSG production and mining has on farming land,” said TBQA President, Basil Nolan.
“Our land is too valuable to destroy, once it’s gone it will take years to adequately rehabilitate – if it’s not lost forever.”
Some of the main concerns about mining encroachment on horse properties include the risk to underground water supplies due to chemical and saline contamination and the depletion of bore water.
“Mining may be financially lucrative to the State but so is farming and the thoroughbred industry, they provide hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars directly and indirectly,” said Mr Nolan.
Mr Nolan is concerned that if we allow mining to destroy farming areas will be limiting ourselves to only one industry.
He believes mining should be limited to unpopulated areas in the west and central Queensland and not encroach on our thriving agricultural areas.
“The NSW Government realised thier error when mining development threatened Hunter Valley Studs and they immediately stopped the progress.
“Let’s hope the Queensland Government also realises the dangers before it’s too late,” said Mr Nolan.
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