Likely permanent damage to unique upland wetlands shows why any future coal mine expansions in Sydney and the Illawarra’s catchment areas must be banned, and there should be immediate intervention to stop any further damage from existing operations.
Lock the Gate Alliance's call comes in response to new research showing some wetlands, which are classified as critically endangered ecological communities under federal environment law, have been “irreversibly” damaged as longwall coal mining has occurred beneath them, with water levels dropping and swamps drying out.
It’s the latest in a series of studies that have shown how longwall coal mining has had a devastating impact on the Illawarra’s unique upland peat swamps, while also draining water from the drinking water catchment for Greater Sydney and the Illawarra.
While the Independent Planning Commission rejected South32’s Dendrobium coal mine expansion proposal primarily due to the impact it would have on the catchment area, likely new owner M Resources has foreshadowed a possible renewed expansion attempt.
The Russell Vale and Metropolitan mines - also in the Special Areas - are also seeking to expand mining operations.
Lock the Gate Alliance NSW Coordinator Nic Clyde said the Minns Government needed to act now to introduce a permanent ban on new coal projects and expansions in the catchment area and review approvals for current operations.
He said the government needed to urgently intervene to limit future damage from existing coal projects in the area and stop further damage.
“The local community has been calling the NSW Government for years to make the Special Areas off-limits to coal expansions," he said.
“These wetlands are listed as critically endangered ecological communities under federal environment law. The damage to them has been described as irreversible, but the NSW Government continues to approve longwall mining beneath them, over the top of objections from the environment agency and the community.
“No further plans for mining beneath swamps should be approved by the Planning Department, and there should be an inquiry into why the department has continued to issue approvals to undermine these unique wetland systems. Intact upland swamps are important sources of drinking water in our catchments, holding and purifying water for long periods after rainfall.
“The government has and continues to trade off the long-term survival of endangered ecological communities and the health of Sydney and the Illawarra’s drinking water catchment for the short-term interests and super profits of coal mining companies and that has to stop now.”
ENDS
Background:
NSW Natural Resources Minister Courtney Houssos has confirmed the government will conduct a review of John Barilaro’s Strategic Statement on Coal. This is an opportunity for the Minns government to ban further mining in the Special Areas.