It was approved on September 2, though Council was not informed. Cortona’s website showed nothing last night but it’s there today.

I don’t think there will be many people rejoicing, especially the 80% of the Eurobodalla Shire that relies on the catchment for its water supplies.

While state governments battle the Commonwealth for a share of mining wealth, coal and mineral companies will continue to avoid paying their way, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.

Dr Kaye said: “Australian governments are playing brinkmanship over who collects the meagre taxes on mining companies. NSW taxpayers are watching the lion’s share of the state’s mineral wealth disappear into company profits.

“NSW Treasurer Mike Baird’s mining royalties increase will only take money off the Commonwealth, not the resource giants. The O’Farrell government is managing federal-state relations by media release.

“Federalism is reaching crisis point. (more…)