The project was significantly modified with particular regard to the operations of the Coolmore and Darley (Woodlands) studs and the Department of Planning (DPE) found it sets the appropriate balance and coexistence can occur, Bradley said.

“In addition to redesigning the project, Anglo American has offered to put in place a binding commitment that open cut mining will not extend beyond the current mine plan boundaries,” he said.

“Our proposal is based on independently peer-reviewed scientific and economic reports and robust technical advice, in stark contrast to unsubstantiated claims which will no doubt be raised today.”

Bradley said the careful redesign of Drayton South took all legitimate public concerns into account.

“Let me be clear about what is at stake: 500 direct jobs, millions in state royalties, and the reputation of the NSW planning system to support investment by approving a fully compliant state significant project,” he said.

“The revised proposal addresses all relevant NSW Government policies and each issue raised by the previous PAC.

“The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and our Response to Submissions, including those made by NSW government agencies and special interest groups, were endorsed by the DPE in its Assessment Report,” he said.

Environmental and social impacts were as closely scrutinised in the EIS as the project’s economic benefits, which DPE states are overwhelmingly positive.

“We ask the Commission to objectively and dispassionately weigh Anglo American’s mindfulness of Government policy and commitment to coexistence against threats from Coolmore and Darley that their current, wealthy Dubai and Ireland-based owners will decide for any reason to sell up, Bradley said.

“What is certain is that without the approval of Drayton South, 500 direct jobs will go, with devastating implications for the social wellbeing of the local community, which overwhelmingly supports the project with thousands of positive submission already made to the PAC, in addition to the 4000 made to the DPE.

“What is also at stake is assurance to investors, both local and global, that a carefully designed state significant resource project, which was modified in response to all legitimate community concern and meets all planning and environmental requirements, will receive positive approval in this state.

“Anglo American and our 500-strong workforce at the existing Drayton operation trust the PAC will be guided by the Terms of Reference set by Planning Minister Rob Stokes and DPE’s positive assessment. Drayton South should go ahead.

“It’s time for facts, not hollow threats.”

Lock the Gate Alliance will use its presentation to the public hearing to accuse the state government of failing to put appropriate regulation in place to prevent land use conflict in the Hunter and safeguard the rural industries.

Lock the Gate Alliance NSW coordinator Georgina Woods said: “It has been clear to any rational observer for years that the westward advance of open cut coal mining towards the thoroughbred critical industry cluster is an unacceptable proposition.

“Anglo American themselves have spotlighted the regulatory failure that is paralysing this region with conflict. They offered to fully cooperate with the government in creating a statutory exclusion zone for the equine critical industry cluster, though without creating the buffer zone deemed necessary by the thoroughbred industry.

"It’s not clear if or how the Government has responded to that proposal.

“It is mystifying that the government hasn’t acted on community expectation and created clear no-go zones that protect our best farmland, fertile floodplains, productive aquifers and vanishing endangered woodlands from further open cut mining."