SOUTH East MPs Troy Bell and Nick McBride have spoken out against the Liberal Party’s mining act as not appropriately addressing the imbalance between farmers and industry.
In yesterday’s sitting of parliament, the pair indicated they would vote down the proposed amendments, with the Member for MacKillop citing the lack of community consultation with landowners as the impetus for his opposition.
Landowners packed out the state’s Lower House yesterday to witness a bloc of backbenchers oppose their party’s amendments and indicate they would cross the floor at the bill’s third reading.
Mr McBride, who is a primary producer, said he was aware “the appeals process under the Mining Act appears to be stacked against the farmer and landholders”.
“In court, mining companies have a very successful track record in appeals processes against the designation of exempt land,” he said.
“A fair process is required to enable landholders to operate on a more level playing field.
“It is my view we need a process for review of the Mining Act that is consultative and engages the people of South Australia in a discussion that values prime agricultural land.”
The Member for Mount Gambier backed Mr McBride’s concerns, saying there needed to be a greater consideration of the impact of agriculture in South Australia.
Mr Bell told the chamber of a family in the electorate in a legal battle with a mining company over access to their land, saying the ongoing battle had caused significant financial burdens,
as well as stress and anxiety.
He said the company had undertaken mining activity less than 500m from the family’s home and said the site had not been properly re-mediated, according to the family.
“We have a duty to represent our electorates and the people in my electorate are telling me they want the right to refuse mining or exploration on their land,” Mr Bell said.
“Our farmers are facing an increasing number of issues, including weather, fluctuating commodity prices, urban encroachment and drought, just to name a few.
“They have far bigger things to worry about than whether a mining representative will walk through their door with an agreement in their hand.”
Mr Bell also supported landowners having the ability to refuse the renewal of existing mineral leases on their property.
“In the Limestone Coast, people are very passionate and well educated about mining and exploration practices in their region,” he said.
“Agricultural land is a finite resource.
“It is vital to our state’s economy.
“There is only so much of it and once it’s gone or eroded through mining activities, it cannot be replaced or rehabilitated.
“On your own land, you deserve the right to say no.”
The debate will continue in parliament.
