more from the south burnett times

Yet another story from today's edition of the South Burnett Times - 13th August 2010.


A GOLDMINE OF LOCAL FUNDING

The presence of mining in the South Burnett has provided social and lifestyle benefits to the community.

South Burnett Regional Council mayor David Carter said many community events, organisations and projects, wouldn't exist if they were not funded by Tarong Energy's Community Partnership Fund.

"They do an enormous amount of community funding," Cr Carter said.

"And they're looking at expanding that so it covers the whole South Burnett; without them there'd be a major impact."

Tarong also fulfils smaller funding requests through its corporate sponsorship program and spokesman Jay Merritt said the company was trying to give back to a region that had supported it.

"It's a very important program because we want the community to know we appreciate their support," Mr Merritt said.

"We see that both our business and the community can share from the benefits of having the power station there."

But mining has its detriments.

Farmers continue to argue Cougar Energy's underground coal gasification project has negatively affected their lifestyles.

When ground water testing showed carcinogens were present the State government shut the pilot plant down disrupting farmers' businesses and livelihoods.

Some were told not to sell their cattle and many were forced to put their lives on hold while they waited for the results which came this week and showed contamination was no longer a threat.

Many now fear mining development leases covering much of residential Kingaroy could destroy the community.

Cr Carter said he was concerned about other companies looking to mine near people's homes.

"We need to talk to DERM because we don't want mining close to town." he said.

"We've got to be parof the ciscussion."

ENDS


However, there is a photograph - beneath it reads:-

A REAL CONCERN: Gary Tessmann and Damian O'Sullivan are still worried mining companies like Cougar Energy will come to Kingaroy and dig up the township which is covered by mining development leases.

ENDS