In the great debate over the almighty coal resource and the threat to agricultural land, one element is being overlooked.
The humble human being caught up in this raging war is largely forgotten in the big debate.
These are the people dealing with the development consents, confused over their rights and grieving for a future they dreamed of but may never have.
The stress is starting to show.
These battles have been going on for a long time and despite moratoriums and promises of whole of government approaches to planning and land use strategies, there has been no ease to the pressure in the lives of those at the front line.
People have seen what has happened to the once pretty villages of places like Camberwell.
The evidence is in front of their eyes.
Those with a connection with the Hunter Valley are in pain.
The coal resource has been a life saver for this country’s economy. There is no doubt in that. But it has come at a price and continues to come at a price.
And if people thought emotions were running high on the whole coal and coal seam gas debate, one suggests there is much more to come.
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