MP takes stand against shale oil mine
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A north Queensland MP says there are too many unanswered questions about a proposed shale oil mine in the region.
The Member for Whitsunday, Jan Jarratt, says she does not support the plan to mine up to 1.6 billion barrels of oil from the McFarlane deposit, south of Proserpine.
Queensland Energy Resources is conducting a feasibility study into the deposit, but it will be several years before a decision is made on whether to proceed with the plan.
Ms Jarratt says residents in her electorate have expressed their objection to the project.
"I did not have people coming to me saying you must support this industry. On the contrary, I was overwhelmed with people suggesting that this is not compatible with the aspirations with this community," she said.
"I came to that conclusion that it was time to make a stand and ask the Government to also make a declaration that they would protect the community."
