The development proposal for the concept was placed on public exhibition last week, with a six-week window for submissions.

Under the proposal, the project provides for the continuation and extension of mining at Stratford for 11 additional years, producing up to 2.6 million tonnes of ROM (run-of-mine) coal per year.

The project will include the completion of mining operations in the Bowens Rd North open cut mine, the extension of the Roseville West pit and development of the new Stratford East and Avon North open cut mines.

“Consistent with historical operations at the Stratford mining complex (between 1995 to 2003), the Avon North and Stratford East open cuts are proposed to be operate up to 24 hours per day,” mine general manager Mike Smith said.

Council is expected to lodge an objection to that particular element of the proposal.

“We’ll be looking at what benefits can be achieved for the betterment of the district,” mayor John Rosenbaum said last week after a preliminary discussion with councillors, staff and some community representatives.

“What we can get out of it will be crucial and we certainly won’t accept a 24 hour operation.”

Some of those benefits will come in the form of Yancoal’s continued support of community organisations and projects through its sponsorship program, while council will also receive direct community contribution payments, though how much that will be remains to be determined.

In addition, the project is expected to generate $215 million in annual direct and indirect output for Yancoal, $89 million in annual direct and indirect value added income and $24 million in annual direct and indirect household income. 

At the height of operations 250 workers will be employed on site, the majority coming from the Gloucester district.

“Approximately 58 per cent of our existing workforce resides within the Gloucester and Great Lakes local government areas,” Mr Smith said.

With coal prices diving, Yancoal has announced the Stratford and Duralie operations will be closed for two weeks over the Christmas break.

Mr Smith said the price of coal would have no impact on the expansion project pushing ahead.

“While it is difficult to predict the future price of coal, Yancoal has every intention of developing the Stratford Extension Project,” he said. 

The Stratford Extension Project Environmental Impact Statement is on public exhibition until Wednesday, December 19 and can be viewed at the Gloucester Shire Council offices.

A public meeting will be held at 7pm on Thursday, November 22 in the Stratford hall to discuss the application.

Cr Rosenbaum said it was crucial that as many people commented on the proposal as possible.

“We’ve asked for an extension to the exhibition period. We’ll be seeking input from community members to assist us in our submission,” he said.

“But it is most important that there are numerous submissions, with different matters and concerns to those of council being raised.”