The New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment has recommended the Anglo American Drayton South coal mine proposal, to be located in Australia's Hunter Valley near Coolmore Australia and Darley, should be approved by the independent Planning Assessment Commission (PAC), in a statement released Monday morning. The second Drayton South Coal Project that has been proposed, the Department of Planning's assessment found that coal mining and Thoroughbred stud industries have operated as neighbours for decades without major impact on either industry.
“Based on independent reports, new evidence, and considering the proposed mine now complies with the Commission's original minimum setback by remaining behind two natural ridgelines on the site, the Department has concluded that, with appropriate management and mitigation measures, the two industries can continue to operate in proximity,” said a Department spokesperson. “Findings from the independent Commission's two earlier assessments as well as responses from the community, the company, the Hunter Thoroughbred industry, and agencies to these earlier process have been considered.”
The spokesman continued, “As a result of this extensive assessment, the Department has recommended the project be approved by the Commission subject to strict and updated conditions, including an ongoing liaison committee to establish and strengthen relationships between Anglo American and the two key neighbouring studs.”
Part of the recommendations include 23 detailed conditions involving strict air quality/noise criteria and management requirements, as well as comprehensive water management performance measures and management requirements to minimise surface and groundwater impacts.
An impartial third party independent review, which considered the most likely impacts of the project on the nearby studs and broader Thoroughbred industry conducted by Professor Jeff Bennett of the Australian National University, acknowledged the importance of Coolmore and Darley Studs to the Upper Hunter Thoroughbred industry and the Upper Hunter's “comparative advantage as a location.” However, Professor Bennett found, “the Studs' operational potential will not be compromised by the Drayton South operation” and “the physical off-site effects of the Project (like dust and noise) have been acknowledged as within accepted guidelines.”
The PAC will now make the final decision on the Drayton South Coal Project. Plans for a mine at Drayton South have already been rejected three times previously by the PAC.
According to the Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association, the Thoroughbred breeding industry contributes over A$5 billion annually to the Australian economy and A$2.6 billion on a yearling basis to the New South Wales economy, as well as providing 230,000 jobs throughout Australia.
“We need a guarantee from the NSW Government that we will have a future and will be able to invest in our future without the threat posed by mining,” said HTBA President Dr. Collins in a statement.
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