Barnett Govt to blame for “ludicrous” proposal to mine Perth suburbs

The Greens have labelled as ludicrous a proposal to mine the Bassendean foreshore and have blamed the excessive pro-mining culture fostered by the Barnett Government.

The comments were made by the Greens member for the East Metropolitan region Alison Xamon following reports that a mining prospecting license application had been received to mine the area surrounding Point Reserve in Bassendean, a popular river reserve situated in the heart of suburbia, for as yet unnamed minerals.

“Residents in Bassendean are entitled to feel outraged at this latest application,” Ms Xamon said.

“This proposal is to mine right in the middle of the Perth metropolitan area, only minutes from the city.  Bassendean is a lovely riverside suburb steeped in history.  If you can mine here then simply you can mine anywhere, apparently no-one’s suburb is safe.”

Ms Xamon said that aggravating the threat was the knowledge that the Environmental Protection Authority, currently swamped with the requirement to assess multiple mining proposals for environmental impact was frequently refusing to assess proposals just to keep up with the workload.

“People would be hoping that this proposal would get knocked on the head either because of rigorous assessment by the EPA or because common sense would prevail when it comes to mining near homes.

“But as residents who live in the metropolitan hills could tell you, proximity of homes to mines has been no disincentive, as increasingly bauxite mines and quarries have been making their way into the Perth area for years, being fought unsuccessfully by local residents.

“Apparently nowhere in WA is safe.  It is time for the Barnett Government to start making it clear to miners that WA is more than one giant prospective quarry,” Ms Xamon concluded.