The very initial planning stages for a new mine that would change the status of the Upper Hunter Shire as a ‘mine free’ region have started.
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Representatives from the proponent, Muswellbrook Coal Company Pty Ltd, addressed Upper Hunter Shire councillors last week informing Upper Hunter Shire mayor Michael Johnsen, deputy mayor Wayne Bedggood and general manager Waid Crockett of the application for the planned project which will be submitted for a Gateway Certificate by the Mining and Petroleum Gateway Panel early next month.
The proposed open cut coal mine will be located on land within an Assessment Lease held by the company since 2009 about 12 kilometres north west of Muswellbrook encapsulating land in both the Muswellbrook and Upper Hunter Shire, including land to the east of Rossgole and west of Aberdeen.
Given the proximity of the West Muswellbrook Project to several agricultural properties and thoroughbred horse studs such as Dalmore, Crowning Stone, Carnallway, Dartbrook Downs, St Aubins and Yarraman Park, to name a few, the proposal has triggered a review of the council’s current position statement on coal and coal seam gas mining in the shire.
The review has also been driven by government policy, expert reports and industry proposals recently released by the government, including the Independent Review of Coal Seam Gas Activities in NSW by NSW chief scientist and engineer, Professor Mary O’Kane, finalisation of the Equine Critical Industry Cluster (CIC) mapping and the council’s submission to the Association of Mining Related Councils.
Upper Hunter Shire Council general manager Waid Crockett said the council is checking that the policy is up-to-date in regard to the CIC mapping, changes to legislation, the coal seam gas review and a new mine proposal, and this process will take a few months.
“All of these things have to be taken into account when the documents are brought up to speed,” Mr Crockett said.
Being in the very initial stages of the project timeline, limited details have been made available.
“Councillors will meet with the Muswellbrook Coal Company for a more detailed briefing in December,” Mr Crockett said
“When we know the specific mine site proposal we can respond.
“Council is not ultimately the deciding body.
“Our focus will be lobbying for the best option for Upper Hunter residents,” he said.
Initial discussions between The Scone Advocate and nearby landholders found that they will learn the facts of the proposed project when they meet with the company to discuss the plans in the next week.