Muswellbrook and tour of local mines
Judy and Wendy, representatives of the Denman, Aberdeen, Muswellbrook and Scone Healthy Environment Group Inc (DAMSHEG), kindly talked to us and took us around the local mines.
Muswellbrook is surrounded by mines, and the air quality is often very poor, as the town lies downwind from these massive open cut mines. They said that sometimes you can smell the sulphur, and they’re often not able to open their windows. There are also concerns that the sulphur in the air may react with dew, causing acid rain on crops but this needs to be investigated further and confirmed.
Judy and Wendy said they’re proud to be part of the major environmental court case about the expansion of the Mount Pleasant mine, but also expressed their sorrow about what has been allowed to happen in our lifetime. They said it’s difficult to live in a small community that is so dependent on mining and swim against the flow, causing them to feel isolated and maybe not see a future for themselves in Muswellbrook.
MACH Energy has bought up local land and immediately puts people under gag orders; real estate values are falling, so people are stuck. Property owners can’t be forced to sell under current laws, and not selling can block projects. Wendy is currently working towards revegetation instead of livestock on her property outside Muswellbrook, considering drought risks.
There’s a very long uncovered coal train passing through the town every 8 minutes, and a local access road has been moved upon the request of a mining company, adding up to an hour to local people’s travel time.
The health costs of mining aren’t accounted for, and there are no proposals to address biodiversity impacts.
At a mine site next to town, we could hear and feel the deep thudding of mining works. The mining company notifies the council of blasting and this info is published on a website, but that’s all.
Vines Restaurant at Hollydene Estate Winery
Lunch was delicious, a treat from Lock the Gate. It was great to have an opportunity to chat to other participants and have a bit of social time with them.
Bulga
During afternoon tea John Krey told us that the community of 400 people in Bulga are suffering from the impact of the Warkworth Mount Thorley mine which is adjacent to their village.
Bulga’s buildings haven’t changed much, but the community and environment have been severely affected.
John said that he’s tired and wishes he didn’t need to spend his energy on this fight, but the local community will keep an eye on companies, hold them to account and keep fighting.