Friends sure of mine ban

FRIENDS of Felton president Ian Whan’s confidence in the government’s commitment to stopping a coal mine in his valley has not wavered despite a weakly-worded response from the Mines Minister in Parliament.

Member for Condamine Ray Hopper put a Question on Notice to Minister for Mines Andrew Cripps asking if he would respond to Ambre Energy by written confirmation advising that the Felton area would be protected.

Mr Hopper also asked if he would confirm that Ambre Energy would not be granted a mining permit.

Mr Cripps said he was aware of community opposition to the Ambre project and the Premier had stated the government opposed mining in the Felton Valley.

“It is important in the process of determining mining lease applications that procedural fairness is afforded to the applicant and the government will ensure due process is followed,” Mr Cripps said.

“In terms of restrictions for future developments in the Felton Valley, the government is introducing statutory regional plans across the state, with the process for the Darling Downs and Central Queensland regional plans already started.”

However, Mr Whan said he had a letter from Premier Campbell Newman to former Friends of Felton president Rob McCreath declaring no company would have the right to develop a mining operation in Felton Valley.

“We have got Premier Newman’s response up our sleeves which is a far better response,” Mr Whan said.

“If we just had Andrew Cripps’ letter and no-one else’s, we would be less than impressed.”

He said he was grateful for the work Mr Hopper had done raising the issue in the LNP party room.

Mr Hopper said he was satisfied with Mr Cripps’ response.

“The response is realistic,” Mr Hopper said.

He said he was glad Mr Whan appreciated his efforts.

“It is me who has saved it and stopped it.”