Listening Project Continues Through Central Queensland
Unprecedented expansion of coal exploration and development across the state has prompted an innovative investigation of the social, economic and environmental effects of the coal industry on the lives of everyday Queenslanders, by everyday Queenslanders.
Listening in Gladstone
The Brisbane-based community group Six Degrees launched the Coal Communities Listening Project on 17th November in Gladstone.
The group is leaving Gladstone today with a better understanding of the community’s attitudes towards the coal industry and climate change.
“Most of the people we spoke to said that the coal industry brought money and jobs to the local economy, but many were also affected by coal dust and air pollution” said Bradley Smith, the project spokesperson.
“While many people believe that pollution is part-and-parcel of living in Gladstone, others had hopes that community groups could work together to create a cleaner future for the city.”
Today the tour will move on to Blackwater and then to Emerald, Alpha, Wandoan and Chinchilla, all areas which are currently experiencing the impacts of coal expansion.
In each location, “Listening Posts” will be set up in a variety of public spaces, where local residents will be able to share their views, concerns and ideas with trained volunteers.
Upcoming Public Meetings
- Emerald, Sunday 23rd November, Town Hall, Supper Room, Egerton Street, 6pm
- Alpha, Tuesday 25th Nov, Town Hall, 6pm
- Wandoan, Thursday 27th November, Bowls club, Leichhardt Highway, 6pm
- Chinchilla, Friday 28th November, The Club Hotel, 131 Heeney St, 6pm
Key Findings from Gladstone & Mt Larcom
- The responses around Gladstone were very diverse
- Benefits of the coal industry were jobs and boost to the local economy
- Major concerns were coal dust and air pollution
- In Mt Larcom the expansion of infrastructure, noise pollution and health effects of air pollution were major concerns
- With regard to industry in general, some in the community adopted the sentiment that if people don’t like it they shouldn’t live here
- Many of those spoken to were somewhat concerned about climate change citing impacts such as sea level rise and melting polar ice caps
