The Hon. Kristina Keneally
Premier of NSW
Parliament House
Macquarie St
Sydney 2000

Dear Ms Keneally,

I write to express my outrage at the damage being caused by mining to rivers, wetlands and aquifers throughout this state.

In the current situation, with a water crisis and climate change likely to impact negatively on every aspect of our existence, it is incredible that mining operations should still be allowed that could threaten this country's meagre water supplies.

Of particular concern is the fact that longwall coal mining is being carried out in Sydney's drinking water catchments. The alarming damage that has already occurred to Waratah Rivulet in the Woronora Catchment, is set to continue with the recent approval of the expansion of the Metropolitan Mine. BHP's Dendrobium mine and those proposed by the wholly Indian-owned Gujarat NRE are all undermining the catchments of Sydney's southern metropolitan dams. These coastal dams are in the area of highest and most reliable rainfall and so have the greatest potential to catch and store water for the people of Sydney. Subsidence from longwall coal mining is predicted to crack streambeds causing loss of surface flows, open up fissures in the ground and cause drying out of upland swamps. None of this is acceptable in any catchment, let alone Sydney's drinking water catchment, yet your government is approving these mining operations, knowing the risks involved. THESE AREAS SHOULD BE SACROSANCT!

The very different future that is looming for us all will probably not rely on coal, but will be utterly dependent on us having secure water supplies. Risky mining ventures approved now could have catastrophic and irreparable impacts forever. This is not what I expect from my government and I demand that you legislate to get mining out of our drinking water catchments and at least 1km away from all rivers and significant streams throughout the state.

The Inquiry into the Southern Coalfield did not go far enough - the mining impacts are already well-documented and further damage is occurring as you read this letter. Therefore immediate action is called for, including a cessation of all further mine approvals that threaten our river systems. I want action from your government that puts secure water supplies above all other priorities, and I want that action NOW!

Yours faithfully,