The mining boom and wildlife tourism
The mining boom and wildlife tourism
Signs protesting a proposed coal seam gas pipeline through World Heritage forests
Australia – and possibly much of the world – is seeing an explosion of mining leases, exploration leases, fracking for coal seam gas etc.
We need mining, we need fuel, but we also have wildlife habitats (both terrestrial and marine), wonderful scenery and good farming country coming under threat.
Where is the balance?
Threats from the mining industries at present include:
- massive destruction of habitat and habitat fragmentation in some areas
- excessive use of water (e.g. for fracking)
- pollution of water sources
- marine pollution
- increased traffic, including heavy vehicles day and night
- dredging of coral and seagrass
- disturbance of sensitive species by increased noise and human activity
- spoiling of natural scenery and relaxed rural lifestyles that visitors currently enjoy
Fracking and wildlife – see further information and links and join the discussions at
Great Barrier Reef and other reefs threatened by dredging
Feel free to express your concerns or insights into how to mitigate effects in the comments form below
