New South Wales Premier Barry O'Farrell has thrown his support behind the state's Planning Minister, as anger mounts over a policy designed to balance the needs of mining, farming and the environment.
Farmers and irrigators have raised concerns that the Draft Aquifer Interference Policy will not be effective because it has avenues exempting major mining projects.
The policy has been drawn up by the Planning Minister Brad Hazzard in consultation with mining, farming and environment groups.
However, the New South Wales Farmers Association argues the government is favouring mining and says the Premier must intervene.
Minister Brad Hazzard says the stake holders are not going to agree on all points.
"The Government's job is to try and strike the balance," he said.
"Clearly, aquifers are at the top of our mind, so are strategic agricultural lands, but we do have to find that balance."
ABC News
No comments:
Post a Comment