ALEC LUCKE is Released

All over the world large, mining companies have been exploiting the earth's natural resources with reckless abandon, and paying little heed to the consequences of their actions. For decades, these companies have drilled all over the world and have destroyed farmlands essential to the livelihoods of a multitude of farmers. In "Road to Exploitation," long time activist and author Alec Lucke has written an eye opening account of the struggles he and his fellow landowners have experienced in their fight against the exploitation of their farmlands.

This book is a partly autobiographical, human interest story about affected landholders of small communities polarized by the transitioning from farming due to the establishment of major industry and mining projects within the Greater Gladstone area of Central Queensland, Australia. It shows how at Mount Larcom, the landowner's worst fears were crystallized when impacts from an open cut mine resulted in property devaluation, widespread water depletion, buyout and enforced lifestyle changes that hastened the demise of farming. "Road to Exploitation" examines the role and performance of the State, public good versus the private right, the contributions of individuals, the dynamics of protest groups and the lowered expectations of those not benefitting.

It is an in-depth look at the struggles and obstacles these landowners suffered due to the duplicitous nature of the politicians that were meant to protect their interests. "Road to Exploitation" is a truly inspiring read that shows how anyone can make a difference, if one only has the courage and determination to persist.

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About the Author
Alec Lucke lives at Bingara on the New England Tablelands New South Wales, Australia. An actively retired farmer, Alec unashamedly remains a passionate advocate for the preservation of strategic cropping land, its aquifers, the rural lifestyle and the contribution of safer foods to society. Broadly experienced through community participation in industrial and environmental advocacy, Alec is intent upon disclosing his experiences to alert others of the true state of political patronage and dangers associated with projects falsely assessed "in the public interest" and granted project certainty and fast tracked development to the detriment of the environment and private right. Contrary to the present political policy, Alec believes that the preservation of finite assets is in the public interest and recognizes that urban dwellers have a stake and that in their own interest they must express support for the retention of Australia's best productive land and its unspoilt water resources.

Road to Exploitation* by Alec Lucke
Political Capture by Mining in Queensland
Trade Paperback; AU$39.99; 392 pages; 978-1-4836-8583-0
e-book; AU$3.99; 978-1-4836-8584-7

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Xlibris books can be purchased at Xlibris bookstore. For more information, contact Xlibris at 1-800-455-039 or on the web at http://www.Xlibris.com.au.