Govt backs bid for bigger Bulga coal

The mine is located on the doorstep of the small town of Bulga in the Upper Hunter Valley and the local residents said they fear for their way of life.

The Department said Rio’s plan should be approved, despite finding the Warkworth extension would increase dust, noise and visual amenity impacts from existing mine operations and clear 460 hectares of endangered ecological communities.

Rio has said that a large westward expansion of the mine is required to provide the necessary coal reserves to keep the mine’s 1300 employees in work.

In April 2013 the Land and Environment Court overturned a previous approval for expansion.

In 2014, the NSW Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal from Rio against this decision, upholding the Land and Environment Court’s refusal.

The Land reported at the time:

In response, Rio submitted a new project to the Department of Planning which sought to address the Court’s judgement, which the PAC will now consider before making a determination.

John Krey, a resident of the Bulga village said the Department’s approval “demonstrates their utter capture by the mining industry. This is a staggering outcome”.

Mr Krey, a member of the Bulga Milbrodale Progress Association, said the expansion is too close the community and would remove a rare stand of Warkworth Sands Woodland.

“At least we know now where we stand. If this community wants to survive, and to protect our way of life, as well as the critically endangered woodlands of Saddle Ridge, then we will need to fight both the industry and the Government.”

To offset environmental impacts, Rio proposed to conserve up to 2,800ha of land across four different sites in the region.

The Department said as well as increased employment, the Warkworth extension would generate $567 million in state royalties and provide a net economic benefit of $1.34 billion.