Although councils aren’t responsible for the decision-making in relation to mining applications, Warwick resident Kim Olsen believes that councillors have a role in lobbying against this industry on behalf of their communities.
This is exactly what the Southern Downs Region Mayoral candidate would do if elected next year.
Mr Olsen spoke to the Southern Free Times on the issue after attending last week’s Southern Downs Protection Group meeting.
“I think having that sort of mining in this place would be detrimental to the shire and the environment. There is certainly a role in this for the council and that is lobbying to make it clear we don’t want these developments in our region,” he said.
“We do not need or want CSG (coal seam gas) operations ruining our land or water supplies. In addition, my research shows that the likelihood of any local individual or community benefitting from these operations is very low.”
Mr Olsen served one term as a councillor on the Warwick Shire Council about 12 years ago.
He said, if elected as Mayor, he would be inclusive of all people in the Southern Downs region, with residents in Allora, Leyburn and Wallangarra feeling forgotten by the current council.
His policy would be to regularly visit these and other small communities in the region each year.
Story: Rebecca Brown
