Council opposing coal mine plan

Wyong Shire Council continues to speak out against the proposed Wallarah 2 Coal Project in the Dooralong and Yarramalong valleys.

Councillors have repeatedly expressed concern that water supply catchments, Tuggerah Lakes, local communities and future industrial, commercial and residential land could be affected by mining in the area. See a media release issued by Council in October 2006 (Text file - 39 KB)

Read statements by Wyong Mayor Warren Welham on taking office in 2007.

Wallarah 2 Coal Project involves underground longwall mining of export quality thermal coal, with associated surface facilities and infrastructure.

Independent inquiry
As a result of concern about the mining proposal by Council, community groups and residents, the NSW Government established an independent inquiry chaired by former State Liberal leader Kerry Chikarovski, to examine the potential impact on the surrounding area. The inquiry was applauded by councillors. See a media release issued at the time (Text file - 951 KB)

Terms of reference and map
See the inquiry's Terms of Reference, submissions and a map of the Wallarah 2 project area as published by the NSW Department of Planning

To support its opposition to the Wallarah 2 Coal Project, Council prepared detailed environmental assessment submissions for the inquiry; joined Gosford City Council in a submission from their joint water authority and publicly urged local communities and action groups to follow suit. See another media release (Text file - 63 KB)

Submissions
See Council's submission (PDF - 2 MB) on the Department of Planning website.
Read the submission lodged by the Gosford Wyong Councils' Water Authority (PDF - 501 KB)

At a meeting on 26 September 2007, Council also extended its appreciation to the Member for Wyong, David Harris, for his opposition to any additional coal mining within the boundaries of Wyong Shire and his submissions against the Wallarah 2 Coal Project.

Councillors also recognised the significant contribution of its former Mayor, Councillor Bob Graham to the issue and called on both the Federal Government and the Federal Opposition to formally state a position. See the actual report of this meeting (Text file - 39 KB)

In opposing the mine plan, Council has worked with several key community bodies, including the Australian Coal Alliance; Stop Korean Coal Mining; Wyong-Tuggerah Chamber of Commerce; Community Environment Network; Dooralong Valley Residents Association; Yarramalong Valley Progress Association, as well as the Members for Wyong and Lake Macquarie, David Harris and Greg Piper respectively. Council appreciates the ongoing involvement and work of these community groups and representatives.

Council pressing for a decision
Since the inquiry into the Wallarah 2 Coal Project, Council has kept up the pressure for a decision.

Wyong Mayor, Warren Welham, raised the issue in talks earlier this year with NSW Planning Minister, Frank Sartor.

"Mr Sartor said he would take the concerns of the community on board," Councillor Welham said.

As recently as 9 April 2008, Councillors formally called on the NSW Government to release the Chikarovski findings.

Page last updated: 02/05/2008