MUSWELLBROOK Shire Council applauds the NSW Auditor General’s decision to conduct an audit of mining rehabilitation consents.
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Council contacted the Auditor General in January to raise a number of concerns regarding the determination of mine rehabilitation security deposits.
In particular, it was raised that the liability associated with the rehabilitation of mining land in local government areas currently exceeds the security deposits paid, and that the security deposits in place are likely to only represent a portion of the expected total costs of the rehabilitation obligations.
A request was made by council that an assessment of the actual rehabilitation costs liability be undertaken as a matter of priority; advice was received that the issue was under consideration.
The August 25 announcement by the Audit Office of NSW that this assessment will take place is a welcome response to advocacy by council and other parties.
“I am pleased that the audit office has responded to council’s concerns,” general manager Steve McDonald, said.
“Council is keen to ensure mine land rehabilitation is secure.
“It is crucial to ensure that the mines in our region have sound rehabilitation and exit strategies for the future.”