Tony Windsor (New England, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is addressed to the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, and relates to a proposed 500 million tonne coalmine on the Liverpool Plains west of Werris Creek. Given that the minister, and the Prime Minister for that matter, has previously expressed concerns regarding the interconnectivity of groundwater and surface water systems, and given the inadequate provisions of the New South Wales planning processes regarding off-site impacts of mining on high water-bearing groundwater aquifers, would the minister reconsider an application proposed by catchment groups for an independent study into mining and its impacts on the Murray-Darling Basin water sources?

Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am always happy to consider any applications which the honourable member is able to forward me.