Speaking to ABC Radio earlier this week, Cr Rush apologised to community members, who have complained about the detrimental effect the mine has had on the village, found west of Muswellbrook.

Speaking to the Chronicle yesterday, Cr Rush said the mine had come at “too great a cost” for the people of Wybong.

“The mine has caused a substantial fracturing of a close-knit rural community which has lost approximately half its population as a result of the mine’s development,” Cr Rush said.

“Road infrastructure approved for the project was woefully inadequate to support traffic generated by the mine and the company [Xstrata] has struggled to comply with consent conditions, leading to breaches and fines.”

The mayor said the mine had compromised a productive agricultural belt and a critical biodiversity link between the Wollemi National Park and the Greater Eastern Ranges.

“Although the NSW government approved it, council supported it and it is right for the council to apologise to the Wybong community for the part it played in supporting the mine’s development over the objection of its own community,” Cr Rush said.

Wybong Action Group president John Shewan said the approval of the mine was a “premeditated ecological crime” and its impact continued to be severe.

“Formerly productive properties lie in ruins or are falling into disrepair, vines and fruiting groves are left untended promoting festering pest animals and insects into the remainder of the community,” Mr Shewan said.

“Noise and coal dust is impacting residents whose respiratory illnesses are becoming chronic and at times life threatening, yet improve immediately when they leave the Hunter Valley.

“Oral apologies are not often or easily given, however Wybong Action Group does acknowledge and accept the oral apology expressed by mayor Martin Rush on behalf of the Muswellbrook Shire.”

Mr Shewan has called for the apology to be formalised.

Xstrata did not return the Chronicle’s calls at the time of going to press.