THE former Wyong Shire and Gosford City councils had been united in their opposition to the planned Wallarah 2 coalmine, largely due to concerns about impacts on the region’s water supply.
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Modifications to the proposed mine, which have been on public exhibition, have only added to the now Central Coast Council’s concerns about the project.
Wallarah 2 is proposed for a site about five kilometres north-west of Wyong.
The modifications seek to introduce a coal conveyor, realign the sewer connection, and add a new rail loop.
Council administrator Ian Reynolds said the council’s concerns about the impact of the coalmine on the region’s water catchment had not changed.
Furthermore, the council now had new concerns about the $800-million project, he said.
“Council is concerned about the impact of this proposed rail loop on surrounding residents particularly in relation to noise and air quality which were not adequately addressed in this proposal,” Mr Reynolds said.
“There has also been no proper assessment done on the effects on local flora and fauna, the visual impact and dust mitigation and the overall community impact.”
The council formalised its renewed opposition to the coalmine this week in a submission to the Department of Planning and Environment.
“Our concerns relating to the effect on the drinking water catchment, environment and residential areas of the mine operation remain, and are not addressed in this proposal,” Mr Reynolds said. “We maintain our strong opposition to the Wallarah 2 coalmine and have made this clear in our submission.”
We maintain our strong opposition to the Wallarah 2 coalmine and have made this clear in our submission.
- - Central Coast Council administrator Ian Reynolds
The proponent of the mine – Wyong Coal and the Korean government-owned Kores – will now prepare its response to submissions.
Submissions supporting the mine said its design and the proposed mining methods posed a minimal risk to the environment; its location meant there would be minimal impact on residential areas; and the economic and employment benefits to flow to the region from the project were compelling.
