An open letter to MPs has been published in today’s issue of The Land, which the council says clears up a number of misconceptions and misinformation about the Mining and Petroleum Legislation Amendment (Land Access) Bill 2010.

NSWMC chief executive Nikki Williams said the legislation – which has already passed through the Legislative Assembly – dealt with the consequences of a recent Supreme Court decision on land access in the state’s New England Northwest region.

“The future of the $A200 million minerals exploration industry is under threat,” Williams said.

“The Supreme Court’s decision has made it almost impossible for explorers and landowners to negotiate access to properties for exploration.

“Northparkes Mine in the state’s Central West has already laid off 12 employees and halted $3 million worth of exploration.

“Instead of having 220 agreements for exploration, it will now be forced to negotiate some 700 access agreements to include all title holders found so far. This situation is unworkable.”

Williams said the bill would mean a simpler process that reflected the practice that has been accepted by the courts and landowners for decades.

“It does not give explorers any more rights concerning land that’s subject to an exploration licence, nor does it alter or change the environmental legislation for exploration.

“It is essential that the Legislative Council resolve the issue of land access quickly. If the minerals exploration industry is forced to grind to a halt, many more jobs will be lost and investment in regional communities will be slashed.”