Moorabool Environment Group wants the State Government to investigate possible health risks linked to Bacchus Marsh coal exploration.

Along with other groups that have mining exploration in their areas, MEG has asked the Department of Primary Industries what steps had been taken to deal with health/environmental impacts of coal and coal-seam gas projects.

Group secretary Deb Porter said the Freedom of Information request included any documents DPI considered before granting approvals for Mantle Mining's Moorabool exploration project and those relating to potential health or environmental impacts not released with the Mantle Mining work plan.

MEG president Kate Tubbs said that "As our health, our community and lands health is at stake, we hope that it is thorough and unbiased."

Environment Defenders Office (Victoria) Law Reform lawyer Michael Power said people were not getting enough information. He said that "Evidence is mounting the coal and coal-seam gas industries can have ... huge impacts on the environment and human health.”

"People have a right to know what those impacts are, and to be given a real say in how they are dealt with."

Source - Melton leader

(www.coalguru.com)