Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland Association has called for an immediate moratorium on all Coal Seam Gas production and mining development in prime horse breeding and agricultural areas.

TBQA President Basil Nolan said some of the most important farming areas in the Darling Downs and Scenic Rim are under threat from mining leases.  “Further independent investigations must be held into the affects CSG production and mining has on farming land,” Nolan said.  “Our land is too valuable to destroy, once it’s gone it will take years to adequately rehabilitate – if it’s not lost forever.”

Some of the main concerns about mining encroachment on horse properties include the risk to underground water supplies due to chemical and saline contamination and the depletion of bore water.

“Mining may be financially lucrative to the State but so is farming and the thoroughbred industry, they provide hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars directly and indirectly,” Nolan said.  “Mining should be limited to unpopulated areas in the west and central Queensland and not encroach on our thriving agricultural areas.

“The NSW Government realised their error when mining development threatened Hunter Valley Studs and they immediately stopped the progress.  Let’s hope the Queensland Government also realises the dangers before it’s too late.”