Upper Hunter town residents opposing more coal mining
Tuesday, 03 Nov 2009
It is reported that business owners in the Upper Hunter town of Denman have enough coal mines on their doorstep and do not want new ones to start operating near them.
The New South Wales Government is examining two separate applications for coal exploration licenses around the town, angering the Denman Chamber of Commerce.
Mr Craig Benjamin Chamber president said there are real fears mining will ruin the area. He said that "We've just drawn the line in the sand.”
He added that "We have enough mines in the area and, all due respect to the coal companies, this is our area, this is our little part of the world, and there other industries in this area apart from coal mining.”
Mr Craig Benjamin said "We're very proud of what we've done, particularly the vineyards, the olive grove and the horse studs. They're a critical part of our economy in this town and we've got to keep them here."
