Wallarah 2 coal mine approved by NSW Planning and Assessment Commission
Wallarah 2 coal mine approved by NSW Planning and Assessment Commission
Central Coast Gosford Express Advocate
January 17, 2018
THE Planning Assessment Commission has granted consent to the Wallarah 2 underground coal mine in the Yarramalong and Dooralong Valleys.
Map showing the project footprint.
The decision follows the public meeting in Wyong on November 3, where Central Coast Council strongly objected to the proposal on the grounds that it could potentially damage the water catchment and aquifers.
Residents of the area have been fighting the plan for more than two decades.
The Commission, however, said the proposal was in the public interest and would be allowed subject to conditions.
“The creation of 300 operational jobs, and 450 construction jobs along with the investment in the local area would have significant local benefits for the community, provide investment in the Central Coast and contribute to the growth of the region,” the Commission said.
“The mine would also generate royalties for the state and the people of NSW while providing a source of high quality thermal coal during the global transition to a decarbonised economy.”
The Commission said the impacts and potential risks could be “appropriately managed through the framework of rigorous controls and requirements”.
The Commission also acknowledged the mine’s location under a sensitive drinking water catchment and the uncertainty of the global coal industry and carbon pollution issues, but said risks were “small and acceptable”.
“The framework of conditions requires formal reviews of the subsidence predictions and impacts, adaptive management, compensatory water supply and ultimately include requirements for mining to cease if this is deemed necessary.
“The Commission has found that these extensive conditions will provide a precautionary approach to protecting the drinking water supply catchment.
Wallarah 2 coal mine site artist’s impression.
“The Commission has noted the impacts of subsidence on flood levels and emergency evacuation routes and the requirements for works to be undertaken to raise or relocate dwellings and relevant road levels.
“Conditions will also ensure air and noise emissions from the pit top facilities and coal transport process will be monitored and managed.
“In reaching this decision, the Commission considered carefully the concerns raised by the community; the Department of Planning and Environment’s assessment and recommendation for approval; and previous Planning Assessment Commission reviews of the project.”
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/central-coast/wallarah-2-coal-mine-approved-by-nsw-planning-and-assessment-commission/news-story/3dd915d990db14069203282a6f177c48
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