TONY Windsor has called on the nation’s leaders Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten to join forces and agree to a sustainable long-term future plan for the Upper Hunter.
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Mr Windsor, who is running for the Federal seat of New England, believes leaders at state and Federal level have continuously ignored the “elephant in the room” as the Hunter’s coal industry retracts.
“In the Hunter we need to have a future plan where industries and investments are protected to ensure the ongoing viability of the centres of Scone, Murrurundi, Aberdeen, Muswellbrook and Singleton, so they can develop, prosper and thrive,” the Independent candidate said.
“Having been involved in the creation of the “water trigger” as an attempt to reconcile in a scientific sense, the conflict between water, agriculture and extractive industries, I see the need for a similar impact resolution process where dust and contaminants potentially impacting the thoroughbred industry, wineries and public health are properly scrutinised.
“The Segenhoe Valley for example has been the nursery to many of our iconic racing legends for over a century and the source of international attention in regard to excellence in breeding circles.
“There are legitimate concerns within the valley about the proposed Dartbrook and Mt Pleasant open cut coal projects and how they may impact on the ongoing viability and investor interest in the thoroughbred industry and those who rely on it.
“These challenges are not insurmountable but do require better planning and regulatory processes than currently exist which tends to encourage conflict and lack of trust from all sides.
“These are the challenges that I really enjoy resolving.”
