THE Church is likely to ruffle a few feathers by speaking out about its concerns for the future of farming communities in parts of the Darling Downs as proposals for mining are considered (page 1).
But it should make no apology for doing so. Standing up for those who feel vulnerable against powerful sections of society may not be comfortable but it is where the Church is always called to be.
The State Government may believe farming and mining can co-exist and may be working on policies in line with that thinking but the farmers of the Darling Downs are not convinced.
Premier Anna Bligh visited Toowoomba during the most recent election campaign and, no doubt, the farmers and their supporters would be glad see her again.
PETER BUGDEN
Editor
