The previous incarnation of the project passed the test, with the appointed PAC panel of the time ultimately finding that all subsidence, water, air, noise, ecological and coal transport-related impacts could be manageable.
But in March 2011 then NSW planning minister Tony Kelly blocked the project anyway, with the decision controversially made on the last day before the Keneally government went into caretaker mode ahead of the election.
Yet there are more encouraging signs for the project as it advances through the planning process under the Coalition state government.
“After careful consideration of all potential environmental, social and economic impacts the department is satisfied that the economic benefits of the mine can be realised without significant adverse impacts,” Planning and Infrastructure executive director Chris Wilson said yesterday.
“The department found the company has comprehensively addressed those factors which underpinned the refusal of a separate application in 2011.”
The project has long been accused of threatening the Central Coast’s water supply by various activist groups but the department found that the latest version of the project would have minimal impact on underground water tables and would not adversely affect the region’s supply.
The department also summarised the economic benefits of the proposed mine.
“The Wallarah 2 project would generate a significant number of employment opportunities in the local region, including 300 direct jobs and an estimated 500 flow-on jobs in related industries,” Wilson said.
“It would also have direct economic benefits to the state, including an estimated $134 million in taxes and $207 million in mining royalties.”
Wallarah 2 project manager Kenny Barry reportedly welcomed the department’s views, which indicated the project could go ahead under “strict conditions”
“We are pleased that the department’s comprehensive assessment, supported by independent studies, found there are no environmental or amenity reasons preventing the project from proceeding,’’ he told the Newcastle Herald.
While the department said PAC would make the final determination on the project – with ministers holding less sway over such matters since Labor’s reign over NSW ended in 2011 – public hearings are planned and they typically attract considerable attention from green interest groups.
The project, led by Kores subsidiary Wyong Areas Coal Joint Venture, aims to extract up to 5 million tonnes of coal per year for up to 28 years.
