A ground roots protest against proposed CSG and coal mining development in the Scenic Rim region south of Brisbane will literally peak on October 16 when the district stages its Protesters on Peaks rally.

But it’s a protest with a difference, with more than 300 already registered to take their giant banners and signs onto the region’s famed mountain peaks and hilltops in a bid to fend off unwanted mining proposals.

Those not comfortable with heights or unfit to climb are also doing their bit on the ground, with local farmers turning hay bales in their fields into anti-mining messages. Others are slashing or ploughing fighting words into their paddocks, telling miners in no uncertain terms that CSG is unwelcome in the Scenic Rim.

Located south of Brisbane and west of the Gold Coast, the Scenic Rim region is home to 58 percent of the State’s National Parks and remains an active agricultural zone of beef cattle grazing, dairying and horticulture.

One of the protest’s organisers, Heidi Ross, said 80 per cent of the region was covered by coal seam gas, with gas permits held by Arrow Energy.

A ‘mineral development licence’ for an open cut coal mine near the picturesque town of Boonah has also been lodged.

Concerns are also held for a massive pipeline proposed for construction that will stretch from Casino in northern NSW to Ipswich, facilitating the export of CSG out of the Scenic Rim if the mining proposals get the go-ahead from the State Government.

Ms Ross said a trial banner was unfurled last Thursday by climbers at the region’s Mt French, an internationally renowned rock-climbing face.

“Imagine this view with a gas well every 800 metres, linked by access roads, two pipelines, waste water storage ponds and compressor stations every 15-20 kilometres. How’s a person supposed to farm in this region with that going on? Who wants to holiday in a gas field?” she said.

“Agriculture and tourism, which is so special to this region, cannot coexist with mining.”

Next Sunday’s Protesters on Peaks is part of a national day of action, when thousands across Australia are expected to rally against coal and coal seam gas.

For details of the event, visit: www.keepthescenicrimscenic.com