Greens call on catchment mining ban

THE Greens have challenged Premier Morris Iemma to protect NSW water supplies with an immediate ban on further mining within one km of rivers and creeks in all water catchment areas.

Following revelations about damage to the Cataract, Cordeaux and upper Georges River, conservationists have now found that the bed of the Waratah Rivulet in the Woronora catchment has been cracked by long-wall mining. Where there used to be a healthy flowing river, there is now only dry rock.

Greens Heathcote candidate Jill Merrin said much of Sydney's cleanest and most reliable drinking water catchments are in the Heathcote and Illawarra electorates. "The people of Sutherland Shire have now lost a large part of their water supply," Ms Merrin said.

"Not only are Southern Sydney and the Illawarra losing their high quality drinking water, but plant and animal species which rely on the river will be lost without normal water flows," she said.

"We are facing the worst water crisis ever in the Sydney region, but the NSW Government is letting mining companies expand their damaging practices, and more water is being lost."

The NSW Government recently approved further mining under these catchments, and another proposal to mine underneath the Woronora Dam will be submitted next year.

The NSW Government recently announced an inquiry into NSW Southern Coalfields. However, Ms Merrin said under new laws the NSW Government could approve mine expansions without any consultation.