[Greens-Media] Suspend Duralie coal operations in Gloucester to protect rivers

[Alison Orme]

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - Media Release - 14 August 2008

Suspend Duralie coal operations to protect rivers

Greens MP and mining spokesperson Lee Rhiannon has called on Mining
Minister Ian Macdonald to direct that Duralie Coal, south of Gloucester,
immediately cease operations to prevent polluted water being discharged
into the Mammy Johnsons River.

"Duralie Coal is currently applying to the Minister for the Environment
Verity Firth to breach existing consent conditions and directly
discharge its waste into the Mammy Johnsons River. 

"Planning Minister Frank Sartor promised this would not occur when he
approved the mine's extension in 2006," Ms Rhiannon said [see Mr
Sartor's media release below]. 

"This action exposes the Labor government lie that it imposes and
monitors strict environmental conditions on mining companies.

"Minister Macdonald should put the interests of the environment and
local residents ahead of the profits of Duralie Coal and order that
production stop while the problem is sorted.

"Granting Duralie Coal a license to pollute the Mammy Johnsons River is
directly at odds with NSW laws designed to protect the environment and
local communities.

"The Iemma government has an appalling record when it comes to
prosecuting mining companies that breach pollution laws. 

"Members of the Gloucester community understand that Duralie Coal has
already discharged waste into the Mammy Johnsons River, without
penalty.

"Minister Frank Sartor's mantra every time a coal mine is approved,
against community objections, is that license conditions will be
strictly monitored and enforced.

"The reality is that in NSW mining companies are given free reign to
pollute while the government turns a blind eye.

"Detailed research by the Greens in 2007 showed the failure of the
Department of Environment to enforce and prosecute breaches by mining
companies of conditions of operation and environmental laws.

"The Government has not strengthened the monitoring, reporting and
prosecution of mining pollution despite repeated community calls for
more EPA offices across NSW where mining continues to rapidly expand,"
Ms Rhiannon said. 

For more information: 
Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568
Below follows the full release from Planning Minister Frank Sartor on
granting an extension to the Duralie coal mine in 2006.

More Jobs and Investment for Great Lakes
from Frank Sartor MP
July 2006, 2006

An $11 million extension to the Duralie coal mine will secure the jobs
of 40 miners and create new positions for ten additional workers,
Planning Minister Frank Sartor announced today.

The mine is located south of Gloucester in the Great Lakes region of
the Hunter Valley and has been operating since 2003.

Minister Sartor said he had approved the project, subject to strict
environmental conditions to protect local waterways and the amenity of
local residents. 

“This $11 million project is a major investment in the Gloucester
region and guarantees the jobs of 40 locals,” Mr Sartor said.

“The extension will deliver a range of economic benefits, including
the creation of ten additional full-time jobs for the Hunter.

“In approving the project, I have insisted on a number of
environmental measures to minimise its impact and protect Mammy Johnsons
River.”

The extended mine will extract an additional 3.4 million tonnes of coal
over the next decade.

The proponent will be required to continue the use of a strictly
controlled irrigation scheme to dispose of mine water, preventing any
discharge to local waterways.

Mr Sartor said new noise impact assessment procedures will provide
greater protection to surrounding landowners than under the original
consent.

“I have attached almost 100 conditions to my approval,” Mr Sartor
said.

‘That includes the provision of community infrastructure such as
important maintenance work on The Bucketts Way.” 


Alison Orme
Adviser, Gr
eens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Wed-Fri)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au