"In question time today the Minister for Climate Change and Water sidestepped the issue of damage caused by exploration activities through careless drilling into the complex geology of the Liverpool Plains, and would not commit to taking necessary action to protect important groundwater sources", said the Australian Greens Mining Spokesperson Senator Scott Ludlam.

The Government then combined with the Nationals and Liberals to defeat a motion moved by Greens Leader Senator Bob Brown invoking Commonwealth intervention.

"The Australian Government must step in to protect some of our most important farming communities. Until the water studies have been done, the drilling must stop. This is not just about potential mining down the track; exploration drilling is harming this water catchment right now," Senator Ludlam said.

Senator Ludlam asked Climate Change Minister Penny Wong about the potential for the Murray Darling catchment system to be compromised by BHP drilling practices, in advance of the motion moved by Senator Bob Brown.

The local community has maintained a spirited blockade for almost a year to stop BHP Billiton from entering local farms to exercise its coal exploration licence.
The Liverpool Plains region is the source of 33% of Australia's pasta wheat and 17% of our sorghum. It also produces bread wheat and retains important biodiversity values.