Farmers win extension on mining input

Pressure from primary producers has seen the State Government amend its plans for a review into mining laws.
The Government was criticised by grain growers earlier this month because of a brief consultation period coinciding with peak harvesting season. Submissions to the first of a three-stage process were to close December 21st.
However, Minister for Mineral Resources Tom Koutsantonis said yesterday that responses would now be received up until February 24th next year. Submissions to the remaining discussion papers will close on the same day.
Mr Koutsantonis said the input of farmers was very important to the review. ” Following the release of the discussion paper I received correspondence from farmers requesting that closing dates for submissions be consolidated,” he said.
Grain Producers SA chief Darren Arney recently said the Department of State Development review was flawed because the department was the promoter of the industry and regulator.

                                                                                        Advertiser 30/11/16