“Keep The Scenic Rim Scenic” (KTSRS) is a community group that was formed in February 2011 in response to coal and coal seam gas mining threats at Mt Barney and Maroon. It is a sub-committee of BOSS (Boonah Organisation for a Sustainable Shire), and has committee members from across the region, as well as state-wide members.
In three intensive months, the committee has achieved many milestones and actions along the timeline of protecting The Scenic Rims environmental assets.
An information website www.keepthescenicrimscenic.com and Facebook site was launched to circulate current information and raise wider awareness on the internet. Please bookmark this website to stay in touch with the campaign, and link to Facebook from here.
The committee has personally met with Carabella Resources Limited – one of the mining companies with an exploration licence adjacent to Mt Barney. Whilst at great pains to point out that these 2 leases were not their priority, at no stage did the Carabella representative indicate that they wouldn’t renew them for future exploration, nor what the time line would be for future exploration and mining.
The committee’s main objective is to maintain the Scenic Rim as a rural and scenic landscape. This will be achieved by opposing any inappropriate mining or development.
On 13 March, the committee undertook a deputation with both the Hon. Kate Jones and the Hon. Sterling Hinchcliffe to request a moratorium on coal and coal seam gas mining adjacent to World-Heritage listed Mt Barney National Park, and within the Scenic Rim.
Innes Larkin, owner/operator of Mt Barney Lodge said “Carabella Resources Ltd is planning to explore and potentially mine coal in a region of national significance – this area has been listed as the third most biodiverse region in Australia.
“We intend to send a clear message to the State Government to protect our shared environmental assets and halt coal exploration immediately,” Mr Larkin said.
KTSRS concerns and actions have been presented to Friends of South East Qld, Beaudesert Rotary and several community meetings including “Human Health Impacts of Open-Cut Coal Mining and Coal-Seam Gas Mining" held recently in Beaudesert. Its aim is to raise awareness of the fight against coal mining in our region.
Innes Larkin said “it is heartening to witness the many alliances that the committee is forming on a daily basis with like minded groups across the state and nation.
“KTSRS has started a focused letter writing campaign and there is now the opportunity for all concerned to join in and make your say count.
“We urge you to take the first step and email KTSRS This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to join the email database.
“Then take a look at the website, and start writing some letters!!
“All of us can make a difference if we work together with a united voice, and say “NO” to coal mining in The Scenic Rim,” Mr Larkin said.
