The ground is cracking and subsiding, water is vanishing, wetlands are being drained, and habitats are destroyed.    Why?    Because successive New South Wales governments have allowed mining in Sydney’s water catchment, and now two of those mines are set to be expanded.    But the community is fighting back.    This week we speak with Kaye Osborn from the Protect Our Water Alliance about coal mining in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, and its effect on the environment and Sydney’s water supply.    Guest: Kaye Osborn (Protect Our Water Alliance)    Earth Matters #1274 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.