GRIP met with the minister to outline their concerns about coal exploration in the areas covered by three coal exploration licences which surround Gloucester, and to push for the Minister not to renew the exploration licences.

Mr Ferris said during the discussions the Minister gave an indication as to where, potentially, mining could occur based on the current exploration licence areas.

“Why in one hour can I get the key fact from the Minister on the location of the mine yet GRL have not been up front with the community in relation to the fact that they are exploring with the prospect of a mine in the future,” Mr Ferris said.

Mr Ferris said GRIP also raised issues with the community consultation process that occurs in relation to exploration.

“From the public’s perspective it’s like the tick-the-box approach, that doesn’t necessarily mean true consultation occurs and that the community is being engaged in a sincere and open way. It’s quite the contrary,” he said.

GRIP will met with Member for Hunter Jodi McKay today and is hoping to schedule meetings in the near future with Minister Carmel Tebbut and Michael Costa.

“Based on their portfolios they should have a vested interest in Gloucester. They also have the ability to influence Minister Macdonald (in making a decision on the exploration licences) based on some information,” Mr Ferris said.

A spokesman from Minister Macdonald’s office said that representatives from GRIP had had an opportunity to air their concerns regarding the granting of exploration licences to Gloucester Resources during their meeting with the Minister.

He said that for exploration licences to be renewed a rigorous approval process must be undertaken. This process is still continuing and a decision will be made in due course.