Locking the gate

Gladfield dairyfarmer Allan Christensen will erect signs similar to this one on his property to ensure APEC Coal gets the message.

By ALENA HIGGINS

A COAL company’s claim that its proposed drilling operation in the Goomburra Valley will create “positive economic effects” is farcical, according to the president of the Southern Downs Protection Group.
Sarah Moles was expected to lead a public meeting at Goomburra Hall, east of Allora, last night to inform landholders of their rights.
It comes after a number of residents received a letter from APEC Coal last month outlining its “desire to commence negotiations of a compensation agreement“ for the possible drilling of one, 300m hole.
Ms Moles said recent history had shown coal mining was not a meaningful or long-lasting industry, with little benefits and grave environmental costs.
“The coal mining industry doesn’t give a toss about the fact that people have mortgages, they come in and get what they need then they lay people off, which is what is happening now in Glencore,” she said.
“Any person who thinks that by embracing mining it is somehow going to underpin the regional economy for years to come is seriously misguided.“
Affected landholder Allan Christensen has resolved to fight APEC Coal all the way.
“To hell with them,” the Gladfield dairyfarmer said.
“We’re not just going to let them in, that’s for sure. I’ve just received six Lock the Gate signs which I’m going to be putting up.”
He said the fact APEC Coal wanted to explore coal reserves in the area when commodity prices had plummeted was suspect.
“I think it is more of the (coal seam) gas they are chasing and that is a big no-no as far as I am concerned,” Mr Christensen said.
APEC Coal moved to allay fears that its actions would cause environmental damage.
“The exact nature of the drilling operation will be discussed at our initial meeting and will be no different to the drilling of a water bore, with the hole filled and capped at the end of the drilling and all rubbish removed,” its letter to residents read.
A spokesperson for the company said the region would benefit financially from the activity as it would engage local businesses and crews would reside in Allora or Warwick while drilling took place.
Concerned residents can contact parent company Kaili Resources Limited at PO Box 20439, World Square, NSW 2002, or Ms Moles on 4666 6025.