Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House the proposal of Northern Energy Corporation Limited to establish an open cut, coking, coal mine at Colton on land described as EPC's 1082 & 923 in the Parish of Wallieburn, located with the Fraser Coast Shire.

We request the House to consider the impact that this proposed mine will have on the health and lifestyle of the residents of Aldershot, Dandathu, St Helens, Maryborough and surrounding areas, and the quality of air within this Fraser Coast district, which has a reputation, not only nationally but globally, as a pristine tourist friendly destination.

The proposed mind is only 3 kms from the residents of Aldershot who rely on tank water for drinking, 6 kms from St Helens, Aldridge High School and 7 kms from Maryborough Hockey Grounds.  We are also concerned about the impact this proposal will have on the surrounding environment including Saltwater Creek, and the Susan and Mary River systems.

We, the undersigned residents, therefore, request that the Department of Environment and Resource Management and the Department of Mines & Energy and DERM vote against this mining lease proposal.