PAC recommendation for continued mining at Mount Thorley Warkworth

The New South Wales Planning Assessment Commission has recommended that approval can be given to continue mining at Mount Thorley Warkworth, subject to strict environmental conditions.

The Planning Assessment Commission found that the Mount Thorley and Warkworth Continuation projects are consistent with government policy and legislation, and that the benefits of allowing mining to continue outweigh impacts.

Mount Thorley Warkworth general manager Mark Rodgers said “This is a very encouraging outcome and a vital step towards securing a strong future for Mount Thorley Warkworth mine, which provides work for 1300 people and supports hundreds of Hunter Valley businesses and community groups.

“We will need to thoroughly review the Planning Assessment Commission’s report, to understand what this means for Mount Thorley Warkworth.

“I would like to thank the more than 2000 people and businesses who have made submissions supporting a strong future for Mount Thorley Warkworth.

“Mount Thorley Warkworth has been part of the Singleton community for 30 years and we are seeking to continue mining on land owned by the mine and within existing mining leases.

“Coal output from the mine, which supplies high quality coal on long-term contracts to Japan, would remain at around 12 million tonnes a year if mining is permitted to continue.

“We will be paying particular attention to the Planning Assessment Commission’s findings regarding the community of Bulga and we have already been acting on one of its key recommendations, by offering voluntary acquisition to those residents who were granted acquisition rights under the

Warkworth Extension 2012 planning approval.

“We are committed to working with community members to ensure there is a strong future for the village.”

The Planning Assessment Commission’s report will now be considered by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, ahead of any determination of the Development Consent.