The Liberal National Party (LNP) leader Campbell Newman has spoken out about the spread of mining exploration in Queensland, with a fierce defence of agriculture.
In the first address of the LNP’s annual convention, Newman claimed that the future economic growth of Queensland will be dependant on “four pillars”: agriculture, construction, resources and tourism.
"When it comes to the four pillars, for me, for the team, nothing is more important than agriculture," Newman said. "As someone said the other day at this conference, we can't eat coal for breakfast”.
Newman’s words came at time when tensions are particular high over what is perceived as the encroachment of the mining industry on to agricultural land.
"As a party, we will always stand up and fight for agriculture in this state -- to fight for the people who provide food and fibre for a growing world." He said.
In recent years, the Queensland resources sectors has ballooned into a $36 billion industry, while the agriculture and food sectors account for $14 bn. Resources employs approximately 80 fewer people than agriculture, but together the two industries provide almost 12 percent of Queensland jobs.
While agricultural “strategic cropping land” has been protected under Bligh government laws, many locals have become outraged over an exemption granted to coalminer Bandanna Energy, which has provided permission to developed an underground mine under Spingsure.
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