WHILE they are not by nature given to vocal protest, Kalangadoo graziers David Smith and Don Ferguson have drawn a line in the sand when it comes to mining.
They are aligning themselves with other farmers across the state to make a stand against "invasive mining" on prime agricultural land.
This follows the announcement on Tuesday that the SA government had given its approval for the Hillside copper mine.
The third-generation grazier is organising a bus from Mount Gambier to Adelaide and return for the Save our Foodbowl, Water & Tourism rally on Saturday at Parliament House.
The rally is being organised by The Yorke Peninsula Landowners Group, Eyre Peninsula's Stop Invasive Mining and Limestone Coast Protection Alliance in Adelaide.
Protest groups will converge on the steps of Parliament House at 10am, followed by a march to Victoria Square.
David understands that producers are time-poor, but says the stakes are too high not to act.
He says the state government must listen to the South East community's "unanimous opposition" to unconventional gas exploration and production.
David had been alarmed by the long list of potential risks associated with unconventional gas mining, including livestock dying from fracking chemicals getting into the groundwater, as well as poisoning from natural sulphites that were released as a result of the high pressure fracking process.
He said any contamination of the aquifer would be devastating to livestock producers and irrigators and adversely impact property values.
Don says the "pro-mining state government" wants short-term financial gain which is likely to result in "long-term pain."
"We are working towards maintaining underground water for years to come. If mistakes are made and it is contaminated, there can be no going back," he said.
For bus bookings call 0429 393 153.
* Full report in Stock Journal, July 31, 2014 issue.
Catherine Miller
Stock Journal's livestock editor and South East correspondent.
Stock Journal's livestock editor and South East correspondent.
