I note with interest the failure of Queensland Nationals to stand up for rural Queensland farming and conservation interests against the takeover of land by coal mining companies.

Queensland Nationals Senator, Ron Boswell, today voted against a Senate motion calling for the protection of prime agricultural land and rural nature refuges from coal mining.

The full motion, tabled by Greens Senate leader, Bob Brown stated:

That the Senate:

1.      Supports protection of farming and conservation areas from coal
exploration and mining and its effects in the Galilee Basin in
Queensland.

2.      Does not support the massive increase in coal exports flowing
from the Galilee Basin out through Abbot Point and Hay Point because of
the climate change ramifications of burning more coal.

3.      Expresses its concern about the potential impact of the
industrialisation of Abbot Point on the Caley Valley Wetlands and the
endangered and vulnerable bird species that depend on it.

Senator Boswell voted against the motion as did his fellow Nationals, Senators Nash and Williams. Queensland Nationals Senator, Barnaby Joyce, was not in the chamber for the vote.

This is just another example of the Nationals refusing to stand up for the real interests of the farming sector.

Other beautiful, productive farmlands like Felton and Haystack on the Darling Downs are likewise endangered by coal mining and the Nationals have turned their backs on these Queenslanders.