Greens candidate claims mines pose toxic threat to water
MORE mines could mean more threats to waterways, according to Queensland Greens candidate Jonathon Dykyj.
Mr Dykyj intends to stand for the seat of Dawson which includes Mackay in the upcoming Federal election.
He said toxic run-off from mines was jeopardising water supplies and food security with enormous mines planned for the Galilee Basin west of Rockhampton.
It follows reports by APN of Central Queensland mines breaking the rules of their environmental conditions, releasing excess water into rivers without facing any significant consequence.
Accusations have also been made about toxic water as liquid was pumped from the abandoned Mt Morgan Mine near Rockhampton.
In both cases, the Queensland Minister for Environment Andrew Powell has maintained the extent of the floodwaters diluted any mine water, rushing it quickly out to sea.
"Instead of fixing the existing and well-documented problems created by abandoned mines, both the state and federal governments are pushing full steam ahead for a massive increase in mining for our region."
The seat of Dawson is held by LNP member George Christensen with a margin of 2.4%.
