Hunter horse industry: pressure mounts on coal

Some may have read the statement I posted earlier from the Hunter Valley thoroughbred horse industry.

Greens MP and mining spokesperson Lee Rhiannon said the NSW government must confront the future of the coal industry in the Hunter Valley or see the fracturing of local communities, the environment and business interests.

"The Greens welcome the Hunter Valley thoroughbred industry's campaign against the coal sector and agree with its demands for no new coal mines and a cap on coal exports.

"With the entry of the multi-million dollar thoroughbred industry, backed by Gerry Harvey, David is growing into Goliath.

"It is irresponsible for the NSW government to stand on the sidelines and watch an ugly brawl develop between the coal industry on one side and the thoroughbred industry, local communities, environmentalists and farmers on the other.

"When Parliament resumes Greens MPs will use our Climate Futures Bill to wind back coal and fast track NSW's renewable energy manufacturing industry.

"I will also reissue my invitation to the Minister for the Hunter Michael Costa to publicly debate the future of the coal industry.

"The Greens will continue to work closely with the local Hunter community to stop the rachetting up of the coal industry.

"Direct action will be a component of the Greens locally fought campaign, because everything must be done to combat climate change.

"At a conservative estimate, there are 13 proposals for new coal mines on the table in NSW and 9 proposals to expand existing mines.

"It is high time the social, environmental and economic costs of the continued expansion of the coal industry are taken seriously by the NSW government," Ms Rhiannon said.