Local residents have formed Merriwa Healthy Environment Group in response to growing concern about the effects that coal mining and coal seam gas extraction are having, and will have in the future, on the health of us all. The impacts on air and water quality, and the social and environmental effects, are of major concern.
Merriwa and surrounds is a rural community on the Golden Highway. It is mid-way between Newcastle and Dubbo. Newcastle is 188km to the east and Dubbo 197km to the west and 150km from Tamworth.The Upper Hunter Shire Visitor Information Network states that: “It is well known for the production of some of the best quality produce in Australia. Wheat, barley, canola and sorghum are all grown as well as herbs, spices, stone fruits, strawberries, grapes for wine. Beef and lamb are major products. The Goulburn River National Park is a must for bush enthusiasts with bushwalking, canoeing, swimming, photography and wildlife observation being amongst some of the pursuits able to be undertaken”
It is a thriving rural community which has already seen a change in its dynamics with once productive farms being bought up by companies and not being used for farming. Each time this happens the structure of the town changes and the possibility of losing community members is increased. The tourist brochure depicted at this site has the slogan “A breath of Fresh Air.” and that is what MHEG is trying to preserve for future generations. This photo gallery on the right shows what Merriwa Healthy Environment Group (MHEG) is trying to protect. (