Coal excavation threat to region

RESIDENTS in the Somerset Region are fired up after discovering farmland will soon be tested for coal.

Brisbane energy company Loadstone Energy has been granted coal exploration permits for areas in Esk, Toogoolawah and Harlin.

Toogoolawah resident John Leach said the threat of coal mining in the region was “potentially catastrophic”.

“It would destroy the clean, quiet, rural amenity enjoyed by thousands of residents,” Mr Leach said.

Loadstone Energy boss Bruce Patrick confirmed the company would soon be testing for coal.

“If we are lucky enough to find coal we would look at creating a coal mine,” Mr Patrick said.

Somerset Regional Council Mayor Graeme Lehmann said he was strongly against coal exploration in the region.

“I want to see cattle grazing on that land, not an open cut mine,” Cr Lehmann said.