THE expansion of Stratford mine is another step closer with the Department of Planning and Environment giving the green light for the project to proceed.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After delays of more than two years, the Department today issued its in-principle approval for the project with final approval now in the hands of the Planning Assessment Commission (PAC).
The project would see the mine’s life extended for 11 years with mine owners Yancoal predicting upwards of 250 full-time jobs at the mine for the next decade.
“The Department of Planning and Environment (has) referred the proposal to the PAC for independent determination, with a recommendation that it be approved with strict conditions to control noise, air quality, water, biodiversity and environmental impacts,” a spokesman said.
“The project would see $75 million invested in NSW during construction and around $110 million spent in NSW every year the mine operates.
“This includes $45 million per year that will be spent in the Gloucester region, with money channelled to all kinds of local businesses including local equipment suppliers, service providers and caterers.
“As well as the local benefits, NSW would receive around $106 million in royalties from the coal, which could be spent on vital services across the State, such as schools and hospitals.”
The extension proposal was put on exhibition for community feedback between November 2012 and January 2013 and received 295 submissions - 214 supporting the project and 65 objections.
“The Department carefully considered the submissions and the applicant’s response, as well as analysis by independent experts, while assessing the proposal,” the spokesman said.
“We believe that the impacts of the mine can be managed by applying strict conditions to the project and our compliance officers are there to ensure that the company abides by the rules.”
Stratford mine has been in caretaker mode since July last year after Yancoal's agreement with mine operator Ditchfield ended.
While digging at the mine has stopped, the washery and coal loader has continued to operate.
A previous review of the project by the PAC found that the project was approvable, as long as the impacts could be controlled.
The PAC will now make the final determination, taking into account the Department’s recommendation, community feedback and its own expert analysis.
To read the Department’s assessment of the proposed extension, visit www.majorprojects.nsw.gov.au
