The Mary River Catchment Co-ordinating Committee, the Greater Mary Association and the Fraser Island Defenders Organisation this week established a $25,000 Research Fund for student projects on the impacts of the Colton coal mine on the Great Sandy Strait.
In a short ceremony in Gympie, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed and cheques presented to the Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee that will administer the fund with the assistance of a Research Oversight Committee.
The three sponsors are hoping to double the fund to $50,000 during the coming year through fund-raising activities including guided tours of the Great Sandy Strait and donations.
Spokesman Dr John Sinclair said the group wanted to know whether there was sufficient evidence that the discharge of almost a million megalitres of untreated mine water annually into the Mary River so close to the river mouth would impact on the Ramsar listed Wetland of International Significance.
“If the research establishes that there are likely serious adverse impacts this will justify the proposed Colton Mine being made a controlled action under the Commonwealth’s EPBC Act despite both the State and Federal governments previously approving the mine,” he said.
Research cruises began this week to raise funds and awareness of the region’s beauty and marine life and the potential impact of the proposed Colton Coal Mine.
During this six-hour cruise, expert commentary will be provided by marine biologist Sue Sargent and local grazier and mangrove expert Lindsay Titmarsh, whose property fronts the Ramsar Wetlands downstream from the proposed open cut coal mine site.
Also on board will be Dr Sinclair who, as Fraser Island Defenders Organisation’s CEO for 47 years, led campaigns to stop sandmining and logging on Fraser Island and to achieve its World Heritage listing.
The first cruise held on 13 December was a sell-out but there are spaces left for the next venture on 23 January. The cruises will leave from Hervey Bay Boat Club at Urangun Marina. For more information or to make a booking please email lizdiggles4562@bigpond.com
