Janine Kitson, Independent candidate for the federal seat of Bradfield, calls on the Federal Government to use its powers to protect Lithgow's Gardens of Stone and said: "With Centennial Coal withdrawing its plans to extend the Angus Place coal mine, it is now time for the Federal Government to list the Gardens of Stone region on its National Heritage Register. The Federal Government should also provide additional funding to help the NSW Government gazette this magnificent area as a State Conservation Area (SCA). Many people living in the Bradfield electorate want to see the Gardens of Stone protected. The Gardens of Stone campaign is one of NSW's longest running environmental campaigns. It is also one of the nation's most inspiring campaigns because it acknowledges we can protect both the environment and the economy. A Gardens of Stone SCA would make a wonderful gift to the people of Sydney once the Covid lockdown is over and we are all vaccinated." Ian Dunlop, former Chair of the Australian Coal Association and Bradfield constituent, said:
"It is a sign of 'climate change maturity' that Centennial Coal has decided not to extend longwall mining at its Angus Place coal mine - that would not only be destructive to Lithgow's rare wetlands and pagoda rock formations but to our climate. It is now time for the coal industry to divest from coal and reimagine and reinvest in a safe climate future with renewables."
Peggy Fisher, environmentalist and Bradfield constituent, said:
"We can't afford to lose any more of our unique biodiversity that is on the brink of extinction. It is a relief that Centennial Coal has acknowledged they will not destroy Lithgow's fragile pagoda rock formations and rare upland swamps. It is time to implement the ecotourism plan known as Destination Pagoda https://www.destinationpagoda.com.au/ for this unique area." Ian Waters, community leader and Bradfield constituent, said: "In 2019 I organised an overnight visit to see Lithgow's Gardens of Stone with a Bradfield community club. It was the most wonderful place. Now is the perfect time for the Federal Government to support the NSW Government and make the Gardens of Stone SCA a world-class ecotourism destination." Dinah Warner, long time conservationist and Bradfield constituent, said: "In 2019 I visited the Gardens of Stone, on a University of Third Age weekend trip. It was one of the most interesting and educational trips I have ever been on. The Gardens of Stone is simply magnificent natural 'artwork'. It is a 'must' visit trip for families." Janine Kitson concluded and said: "Why is a Bradfield federal candidate championing the Lithgow environment? Because we are all connected. More so in Bradfield, where one of its most significant conservation pioneers, Alex Colley (1909-2014) lived and who argued, as early as the 1930s, that the Gardens of Stone needed protection. Alex was born in Lithgow. When he came to live in Turramurrra he never stopped loving Lithgow's Gardens of Stone, where he had roamed as a child." Janine Kitson who has announced her intention to stand as an Independent candidate for the federal seat of Bradfield has campaigned for nearly a decade to protect the Gardens of Stone in her capacity as the former Deputy Chair of the Colong Foundation for Wilderness. In 2017 the National Trust (NSW) awarded the Colong Foundation for Wilderness its annual Heritage Award for 'Advocacy' in protecting the Gardens of Stone. Contact: Janine Kitson - 0428 860 623
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