my two bobs worth, page-17

undedev,

Copper Chem has announced the potential loss of 30 jobs. There is a growing list of mining jobs being lost throughout Australia and north west Queensland is not immune.

It would appear that the high cost of water during the drought has been a determinant.

CuDeco has planned ahead with its water storage; capturing rainfall and underground water with its dewatering program.

A call has been made on the Queensland Government to have some vision and drought proof the area . According to report, a response satisfactory to Bob Katter and the Cloncurry Mayor is still awaited.

After mining eventually ceases in the north west region of Queensland as it will in other areas throughout Australia, agriculture will be even more important than it is today to jobs , the Australian economy and to feed the growing world population.

What is needed is a long term vision with a plan to drought proof other areas of Australia [ not just the north west of Queensland ]to ensure Australia's prosperity long after mining is a distant memory.