Launch of the Community Guide to Mining Law Wednesday, 3 September 2014 – 5:30pm

EDO Tasmania will launch the Community Guide to Mining Law on Wednesday, 3 September 2014 at the Old Woolstore. The Guide is designed to assist the community to understand the assessment process for mining and exploration and how to have a say in decisions affecting their land.

The Guide’s author, Sarah Wilson, said:

“Based on the number of calls EDO Tasmania receives, it is clear there is a lack of understanding about the legal framework regulating mining proposals. Landowners and rural communities are keen to understand the laws that affect their lives and livelihoods, and how their concerns will be dealt with.”

Southern Midlands Councillor, Alex Green, agreed.

“When the application to explore for unconventional gas in the midlands was made last year, the community was nervous. Having heard about CSG issues in other parts of Australia, they really just wanted to understand what process would apply in Tasmania? How would their land and water resources be affected? Who would make the decisions? Could they have a say? This Guide helps to provide some of those answers.”

Ms Wilson stressed that the Guide is not an anti-mining publication. The Guide aims to raise public awareness about mining laws, and make sure communities have access to clear information about how to have their views heard.

EDO Tasmania is also running a series of workshops across the state to answer community questions.

“The Guide, and the supporting workshops, will help to empower rural communities to engage with the decision making process, to negotiate with mining companies and to secure more sustainable outcomes in their area,” she said.

Free copies of the Guide will be available at the launch and from www.edotas.org.au after the event. To register for the event, go to http://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/launch-the-community-guide-to-mining-law-tickets-12440258147
Sarah Wilson Communications and Education Lawyer, Environmental Defenders Office (Tas) Inc 131 Macquarie Street Hobart TAS 7000 Ph: +61 3 6223 2770 Website: www.edotas.org.au