The Mirboo North community will next month declare itself ‘coal and coal seam gas mining-free’, after a survey found the majority of householders were opposed to the practice.
More than 96 per cent of 861 respondents surveyed over the past 12 months said they did not want mining established in the area.
“That means there is no social licence for this type of industry in one of the most beautiful and productive areas of Gippsland,” Coal and CSG Free Mirboo North group member Phil Piper said.
Mirboo North is surrounded by exploration licenses for coal seam gas and faces an application for coal exploration over the entire town.
“Our area is a farming area and we’re developing a huge export industry Gippsland-wide really, there’s no room for gas mining in that scenario, because there’s the risk of contamination,” group spokeswoman Marg Thomas said.
It will be the largest township in Gippsland, following Poowong, Seaspray, Harmers Haven and Trafalgar South, to make the declaration.
“We hope to do this across Gippsland and this puts us in a strong position when the moratorium is lifted in 2015,” Ms Thomas said.
Poowong’s opposition to mining and exploration has effectively paid off, with Lock the Gate Victoria last week announcing that newly-adjusted coal and coal seam gas licences had excluded the town from the licensing area.
The licence held by ECI International has been narrowed down, but still covers towns including Mirboo North, Korumburra, Leongatha, Nerrena and Koonwarra.
While, licenses held by Seamair and Wassylko Staislaw, which also covered Poowong, have been relinquished.
Mirboo North will host a ‘declaration ceremony’ on 9 February at noon in Baromi Park.
The event will feature guest speakers from Lock the Gate, South Gippsland Shire Council, local business representatives and community members.
An art, photography, and poetry competition and exhibition themed ‘Our Precious Land’ will give the community a creative avenue to express their views on the subject.
There will be local artisans, produce displays and sales, gourmet food and a sausage sizzle.
Vegetarian food, homemade ice-cream and coffee will also be available.
There will be live music and children’s activities.
