The NSW Farmers Association is concerned about safeguards with the NSW Government announcement that it will grant an exploration licence for a five-year period in the Gunnedah area to China Shenhua Energy Company.

NSW Farmers’ Association President Jock Laurie says the Association is calling for the State and Federal Governments to commission a fully independent, catchment wide study.

“This study needs to look at the underground and surface water flows of the Liverpool Plains prior to any further exploration or mining taking place, as we are particularly concerned by the Governments assertions that strict environmental regulation will prevent any impacts on aquifers,” Mr Laurie says.

“There is a need for full baseline data for ground and surface water throughout this area prior to further exploration activities."

This was decided at the recent NSW Farmers Association’s annual conference, with delegates agreeing the association should support and vigorously lobby the State and Federal Governments to commission this type of study.

Previous executive council meetings have also discussed mining issues and passed several motions regarding the potential impacts of mining related activities on land and water systems.

“There are concerns from our members about the impacts of coal mining activities on agriculture and the failure by Government to consider these impacts when deciding to release new mining tenements,” Mr Laurie says.

“We will be writing to the NSW and Federal Government’s in order to request the commencement of an independent, catchment wide study, as well as meeting with the NSW Minerals Council in the near future to discuss issues regarding mining and agriculture."