Campaign to stop RZM sand mining at Tomago

By Jane Beckmann NEWCASTLE — Five activists were arrested and others removed on January 4 while protesting against RZM's sand mining at Tomago. Protesters had blockaded the site after RZM attempted to bulldoze the remaining 22 hectares under the protection of an interim licence. Last November the Land and Environment Court revoked RZM's licence following a two-week blockade. The Carr Labor government has since reversed this decision. A coalition, Tomago Sandbeds Action Group, has been campaigning to stop RZM clearing the area for deep sand mining, arguing that this would endanger the eight species of wildlife including koalas, which live there in very high numbers, and that it would also pollute the Hunter's third source of water, the aquifer. The five activists arrested were charged under the 1920s Watch and Beset Act, originally drawn up for use against unionists who tried to stop scabs from crossing picket lines. It was revived again in the 1980s, and carries a penalty of six months' jail or a $2000 fine. RZM's licence was revoked by the court because it was given before 1979, when the Environment Protection Act and the National Parks and Wildlife Act were passed, and therefore could not be guaranteed to be complying with these acts. This important ruling allowed developments prior to 1979 that were not complying with the act to be reviewed and improved. Since then, the Carr ALP government has validated all licences granted before 1979. This has allowed RZM to go ahead. According to Democratic Socialist candidate for Newcastle Kamala Emanuel, implicit in this decision is that other destructive developments will also be given the go-ahead. "It is clear that the ALP has acted in the interests of big business and profits, and against people and the environment." The National Parks and Wildlife Service has issued RZM with a licence which Emanuel described as a "take or kill" licence because it prevents RZM from being charged if it injures, displaces or kills endangered species. The koalas are vulnerable because, as their natural habitat is destroyed, they are forced to cross large uncleared areas where they are particularly vulnerable to attacks from domestic dogs and other animals. At a court hearing on March 23, the coalition will try to get RZM stopped. Members are travelling around shopping centres with a display, and every second Sunday demonstrate outside the company's administration office at Tomago on the Pacific Highway with banners informing motorists of the campaign and the ALP's betrayal. A public meeting is planned for February 10. For more information, ring Cathy Burgess on (049) 294 395 or 201 528.