A “LUDICROUS” proposal, writes the Queensland Central News about the development of a coal mine adjoining the southern border of Blackwater has sparked an uproar.

Residents are outraged over Caledon Resources’ plan to develop an underground coal mine on an area containing the Blackwater Lawn Cemetery with major mine infrastructure potentially situated within a “stone’s throw” of housing, schools and buildings.

Caledon’s proposed Minyango Project would cover 3325ha and produce up to nine million tonnes per annum over a life-span of 20 to 40 years.

“There is no way that we will relocate the lawn cemetery,” Mayor Peter Maguire said.

Two grazing families own much of the land affected by the project, but perhaps of more concern for the community was the fact it included the Blackwater Lawn Cemetery and the local landfill area.

Caledon acknowledged the method of mining would cause subsidence.