The Oakey Coal Action Alliance Inc (OCAA) is a not-for-profit community group formed in 2011. Our members come from far and wide; we are regional farmers, graziers, croppers, veterinarians, doctors and community members. We share a common goal- we all agree that any future coal mine expansion at Acland, to Oakey’s north, is totally inappropriate land use on good quality agricultural land close to rural communities like ours.
We are not anti-development, but in fact just the opposite. We know there can be a better future for our district; for good community values again and the prospects of sustainable high value, irrigated agriculture, eco-tourism projects, new retail and residential opportunities. The vast majority of people (even pollies) admit there are far better places for mining than the heavily settled inner Downs. Oakey needs local farms and businesses, unpolluted air, safe roads and a water supply maintained for future generations.
Productive farmland, not coal mines. The Oakey Coal Action Alliance is a group of concerned community members who care about a sustainable future for our district. We feel strongly that coal mining should not be approved in densely populated and productive agricultural regions such as Acland or surrounding district. OCAA supports a future DINING boom, the important production and economic growth opportunity of the 21st century.
We are being asked to risk our best quality agricultural soils and our ability to continue to provide fresh food for Australia and many other nations. We are further asked to believe there is no DANGER to our underground water supplies despite the fact this has not yet been proven beyond doubt. Loss of our farmland and underground water will mean in the future there will be a need to import suspect imported food at greater costs. The health of our families for generations to come is absolutely paramount and we need to prevent air and noise pollution and contamination of soil and water associated with all stages of the mining, transporting and burning of coal.
OCAA has a vision for continued food production, protection of our water supplies and healthier communities. The inner Darling Downs is too precious to be ruined forever by being dug up and mined, therefore it is imperative our agricultural and best grazing lands are protected NOW.