It’s Carnival of Flowers time but, with worries over land security as the result of planned new mining projects, it’s not all rosy on the Darling Downs. Miriam Bauman reports.
Toowoomba’s 62nd Carnival of Flowers was officially opened by Premier Anna Bligh last Saturday before the Floral Parade made its way through the centre of the city. (The Carnival ends today.)
Among the stilt walkers, bands, entertainers, and community groups was the Friends of Felton, www.fof.org.au , a community group opposing Ambre Energy’s proposal to produce fuel from coal on a 2000 hectare site at Felton. According to Friends of Felton (FoF) there wasn’t any local consultation by Ambre Energy prior to the release of the Initial Advice Statement in December 2008 that declared its intentions. It is apparent that Ambre made its decision to attempt a large open cut mine at Felton without any reference to the social and cultural history of the district, its demographics or the preferences and sensibilities of residents. These people are concerned about the impacts on both the community and the environment.
Independent Australia
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