The twice rejected Drayton South Coal project has been thrown a lifeline with the NSW Department of Planning recommending it be approved with stringent conditions.
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This means the final decision on its future will be decided by the Planning and Assessment Commission (PAC).
Owned by Anglo American the mine was designed to continue the working life of their Drayton mining complex which has been operating for just over 30 years.
The timing of the Department’s announcement would be bittersweet for the Drayton’s workforce as last weekend they gathered for farewell party at Pokolbin’s Crowne Plaza.
PAC rejected the Drayton South project in November last year saying its impact would be too great on the neighbouring international horse studs Coolmore and Darley (Woodlands).
According to PAC should these two studs opt to leave the Hunter the flow-on would be devastating for the equine industry in the region – one of only three such areas in the world.
This was a similar response to the previous PAC reviews on the project.
The Department of Planning and Environment has now referred its final assessment report on the project to PAC, with recommended strict conditions.
This is the second Drayton South Coal Project proposal and the Department’s assessment found the coal mining and thoroughbred stud industries have operated as neighbours for decades without major impact on either industry.
“Based on independent reports, new evidence, and considering the proposed mine now complies with the Commission's original minimum setback by remaining behind two natural ridgelines on the site, the Department has concluded that, with appropriate management and mitigation measures, the two industries can continue to operate in proximity,” a spokesperson said.
“Findings from the independent Commission’s two earlier assessments as well as responses from the community, the company, the Hunter thoroughbred industry, and agencies to these earlier processes have also been considered.
“As a result of this extensive assessment, the Department has recommended the project be approved by the Commission subject to strict and updated conditions, including an ongoing liaison committee to establish and strengthen relationships between Anglo American and the two key neighbouring studs.”
The Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association (HTBA) is outraged at the Department of Planning’s recommendation the Drayton South mine should be approved.
HTBA says it beggars belief that the Department of Planning continues to support this proposal against the expert advice of three independent PACs and the NSW Gateway Panel.
The only people who have ever thought this project was approvable are either working for Anglo American or the Department of Planning.
This is also against a backdrop where the mine’s owners have rendered it as “non core” and put it up for sale.
In the meantime, we are left with uncertainty for the protection and future of our industry”said HTBA president, Dr Cameron Collins,
“What is extraordinary about the Department’s position is that it is prepared to allow the sacrifice of a sustainable long-term industry for the sake of one mine whose future is unknown. In doing so, the Department relies on economic “theories” that have no application in the realities of our industry and betray a breathtaking ignorance of the thoroughbred breeding industry” Dr Collins said
“Enough is enough. We have lost confidence in a Department that is prepared to continually support mining proposals contrary to expert and independent PAC advice.
“Premier Baird and Planning Minister Stokes need to take control of this matter. End the charade, end the uncertainty and deliver on the protections to the equine industry the NSW Coalition promised in 2012.”
The HTBA now calls on Premier Baird and Minister Stokes to immediately implement the recommendations made by the PAC in November last year to safeguard Australia’s nationally and internationally important thoroughbred breeding industry through appropriate buffers, exclusionary zones or preservation measures
“We and the community of the Upper Hunter have been through six long years of assessment; two applications for a mine that is not in the public interest; and three refusals by three PACs. We need a guarantee from the NSW Government that we will have a future and will be able to invest in our future without the threat posed by mining.”
“We need leadership, not heads in the sand from Government. Premier Baird and Minister Stokes need to step up. The time has come for them to intervene, reject this mine, protect our industry and put an end to the land use conflict in the Hunter Valley.”
Commenting on the Department’s approval Anglo American said it welcomes the Department of Planning’s report on the Drayton South Project which once again recognises that co-existence is possible between the mining and horse breeding industries in the Hunter Valley.
This report by the Government’s Planning Department confirms there is ample evidence in the Hunter Valley that given strict environmental conditions mining and horse breeding can continue to prosper alongside each other as they have done so for many decades.
Anglo American remains extremely disappointed that previous Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) decisions failed to support the project and this is now the final stage of the assessment process and the PAC will now consider the report and make their final determination.
Louise Nichols
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
