Mid Western Community Action Network (MWCAN) is a politically non-aligned group representing a broad cross-section of the Mid Western and Upper Hunter communities. It was established to promote effective, long-term planning and sustainable development of the region. Mid Western Community Action Network (MWCAN) has a full agenda, addressing issues such as the potential disruption and division of Mudgee, Rylstone, Kandos and Clandulla caused by coal trains passing through the towns from Cobbora, bound for Mt. Piper. These trains bring with them, noise and dust pollution, vibration and the potential for disturbed sleep for the many residents living near the railway line. The district’s water supply could be compromised, jeopardising its quality for use in agriculture and human consumption. The mining activity planned for the Bylong Valley area (Bylong/Coggan/Murrumbo) and Running Stream/Mt. Vincent area significantly puts at risk the prime productive agricultural land in that area and the Goulburn River is in danger of salt and sludge pollution.
We believe that:
Certain agricultural land is too valuable to be mined.
Long term sustainable tourism must be supported and opportunities for it enhanced rather than degraded.
Government processes, relating to natural resources, need to be timely, transparent and readily available to the general public (we support that part 3a of the Environmental Planning Act should be removed from Law).
MWCAN must achieve effective partnership with all levels of government with special attention given to Mid Western Regional Council.
Suitable infrastructure for the expanding community must be developed.
Renewable energy options must be supported in the Mid Western Region.
Water quality and availability in the Mid Western Region must be protected.
Certain landscapes are too aesthetically significant to be destroyed
Certain places are too significant to Aboriginal and European heritage to be mined.