Reverend the Hon. Dr Gordon Moyes: I direct a question without notice to the Minister for State and Regional Development, Minister for Mineral and Forest Resources, and Minister for the Central Coast. Is the Minister aware of heightened concerns of Wyong residents about proposed coalmining in the Yarramalong and Dooralong valleys by the Korean resources corporation known as Kores? Is the Minister aware of the risks of undermining, which would pose serious threats such as diversion of surface or groundwater into mine workings, a reduction in natural stream flows, impacts of mine water discharges, impacts on flooding and natural flows, impacts on the riverine environments and in water supply infrastructure? In particular, is the Minister aware that the Government-appointed independent expert panel inquiry failed to give clear recommendations as to where coalmining should not be allowed? As the new Minister for the Central Coast will the Minister put the interests of residents of the Central Coast before a Korean coalmining giant?
The Hon. Ian Macdonald: I would like to know why Reverend the Hon. Dr Gordon Moyes has become such a rampant greenie over the last few years. I guess there were not many holes he could move towards—
Reverend the Hon. Dr Gordon Moyes: I have been a resident for 30 years. You are a newcomer.
The Hon. Ian Macdonald: There is nothing wrong with newcomers. In fact, we are well aware that the growth rate on the Central Coast will be 4,000 each year for the next 20 years, and many of that number will be newcomers. My understanding is that the matter is before the planning department and will be dealt with in due course within the extensive processes that are instituted by that department in analysing any approval for that particular project. Wallarah 2 was purchased some time ago by Kores. I would be very careful about asking such a question. The fact that the company involved is Korean should not be of any major interest in this issue. Korea is a major importer of Australian beef and resources and I suggest that attempts to highlight the fact that the company is Korean-owned is wrong and populist. It is irrelevant and should not enter into the equation.
The Hon. Catherine Cusack: You are avoiding the question.
The Hon. Ian Macdonald: I am not avoiding the question; I am answering the question that was asked of me, and the fact that the company involved is Korean-owned was clearly raised in the honourable member’s question.
The Hon. Catherine Cusack: Stop debating the question.
The Hon. Ian Macdonald: Debating the question? I am trying to answer the question.
The President: Order! The Hon. Catherine Cusack should not interject.
The Hon. Ian Macdonald: The fact that the company is Korean should not enter into this debate. It is one of our most valued customers.
The Hon. Michael Gallacher: Who are?
The Hon. Ian Macdonald: Korea. I just make the point that we should keep those sorts of factors out of this debate, and I hope that it is immaterial in any future commentary on the issue. The fact is that the company has made an application with regards Wallarah 2. That application will be dealt with fully and appropriately, and all the environmental factors that were raised by the member will be canvassed and assessed in that process.