Another win for agriculture and tourism jobs over coal mining

The exclusion of coal and coal bed methane from Mecrus Resources’ exploration licence application is a big win for regional Victoria’s agriculture and tourism industries, Victorian Greens Senator Richard Di Natale said today.

“Mecrus Resources is the second mining company in Victoria recently to listen to widespread community concerns about coal and coal seam gas mining, and withdraw their exploration licence application in these areas,” Senator Di Natale said.

“Last month, Mantle Mining encountered deep community opposition to their plans to strip-mine for brown coal in the Geelong region, which would have severely impacted our local jobs in tourism and agriculture.

“Likewise, I welcome the decision of Mecrus Resources to put the long-term benefits of farming and natural heritage above the short-term profits of creating more polluting coal industries.

“Even mining companies are now recognising that our environment, our local jobs and our capacity to feed ourselves are more important to Victorian communities than coal.

“It’s time now for the Baillieu Government to do the same, and take steps to ensure no new coal and coal seam gas mining projects will threaten our farming land and jobs in Victoria.

“Putting an immediate stop to the proposed expansion of Alcoa’s brown coal mine in Anglesea would be a great start.”

Media contact: Elissa McKay 0457 901 600