On Saturday September 19, the Clarence Catchment Alliance held an informal public picnic, meeting and open discussion on the riverbank at Lawrence, to talk about mining developments in the Clarence Valley.

Discussions focussed on future copper and cobalt mining in the mountains of the Upper Clarence Valley.

There are several companies currently in exploration mode.

One of the organisers, Shae Fleming, said the meeting was very “positive”.

Info sheets, stickers and printed petitions for collection were available at the meeting.

Ms Fleming said people who were interested in their campaign were welcome “to share with us any ideas on affirmative action, or initiatives to better educate our community”.

“If you have any knowledge, skills, time or contacts that might assist in our campaign please let us know how you would like to help out,” she said.

So far the group has collected 7,934 signatures on its petition.

“Being this close to our 10,000-signature goal is super exciting and motivating but we have a few more to go,” she said.

For more information or to get involved go to the Clarence Catchment Alliance Facebook page.