the Australian Parliament, Jeremy Buckingham.

The politicians met with residents of Bulga, Maison Dieu and Jerrys Plains to discuss the impact of coal mines and exploration licences.

“Locals at Bulga already have to put up with unacceptable levels of noise and dust from Warkworth Mine,” Senator Rhiannon said.

“I heard from locals who have had the walls of their house cracked, who cannot shut their doors property and who endure sleepless nights listening to mine operations.

“Rio Tinto’s plans to expand Warkworth Mine onto Saddleback Ridge threaten to overshadow this delightful village.

“Some locals also spoke to me about the loss of more than 750 hectares of woodland and Aboriginal sites if the mine expansion goes ahead, risking habitat of the endangered swift parrot and regent honeyeater,” she said.

“At Jerrys Plains locals spoke of the damage mining is causing to local water resources and the day to day struggle with dust and dangerous coal trucks.

“Many locals I met were not anti-mining, they just want a government that stands up for the health of locals and is committed to protecting farming land against the runaway growth of coal mining,” she said.

Having visited the Upper Hunter many times as a NSW MP, Senator Rhiannon said the situation was

worsening.

“The bulk of the coal coming out of the Hunter is now destined for the export market as part of a massive coal boom which will see a tripling in the quantity of coal sent overseas,” she said.

“Thirty per cent of that increase is earmarked for NSW with many of the new mines and mine expansions happening in the Hunter.

“State and federal governments need to listen to local concerns and

prioritise food-producing land and the health of communities over the

runaway growth of coal mining.”