Saving Lake Macquarie

a walk along the cycleway -BLACKALLS PARK

2009-10-07T00:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday eve, I went for a small stroll along the cycle way at Blackalls Park. It has been some months since I have traveled the path but with the beginning of day light saving in this fair state and the coolness of the eve, I plan to make the most of it.

Much to my delight the fairy wrens were around, though not quite sure which ones as they move so fast. Their call is joy to my heart. The red-brow finch was also very busy. There were many of them further down the path not far from where the swans were. One of the finches stood no more than a metre away from me.

The cycle way is between suburbia and the lake, going from Fassifern and ending in Toronto, following the old railway line.

The swans were feeding and swimming by them were 3 ducks, pacific blacks, I think.

It was such a lovely walk......

a tragic day ........

2009-09-22T23:13:00.000-07:00

Haul Road Destruction. continues

2009-09-22T23:08:00.001-07:00

Haul Road Destruction.

2009-09-22T23:04:00.000-07:00

An update on the Haul Road being built from Awaba to Dora Creek.
There was a SERIOUS breach of community consultation by Centennial Coal. They must be accountable!!!

picnic in the park

2009-09-22T02:28:00.000-07:00

MODERN WAY OF GETTING TO THE PICNIC

2009-09-21T01:25:00.001-07:00

ONCE UPON A TIME PEOPLE USED TO COME TO BLACKALLS PARK VIA TRAIN OR TRAM OR BY WATER, NOW............

the purple trail continues........

2009-09-21T01:20:00.000-07:00

going to the picnic in the park @ Blackalls Park -follow the purple trail

2009-09-21T01:17:00.001-07:00

The Newcastle Star.........

2009-07-29T03:04:00.001-07:00

CHECK OUT...........

http://www.newcastlestar.com.au/news/local/news/General/was-the-blackalls-park-project-dropped-for-the-right-reasons/1579252.aspx?src=email

2009-07-24T04:16:00.000-07:00

PERON’S TREE FROG (litoria peronii)
Lake Macquarie City's Iconic Species for Wetlands

This species is a climbing frog that likes to live beneath the loose bark of large eucalypt trees near water.
It has green spots on its back; vivid black and yellow markings on its limbs, feet and groin area.
Its call is a series of loud long notes that resemble laughter lasting for several seconds.
Ranges in size from 44-65 mm in length.
Tadpoles are golden yellow with dark brown stripes
Ref: Field Guide to the Frogs of Australia. Tyler, MJ. & Knight, F.
2009 CSIRO publishing
&
www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/ .../litoria_peronii

PUBLIC MEETING 30.7.09

2009-07-24T01:03:00.000-07:00

NO OPEN CUT AUGER CUT AUGER MINE EVER in LAKE MACQUARIE........

TORONTO HIGH SCHOOL -multipurpose centre- Field Street entrance.
Thursday 30 July
6.30- 7pm start
ALL WELCOME
Speakers - Greg Piper/Phillipa Parsons/ WendyBowman and others.
Check out www.bam.org.au or contact Pauline on 0421 863351 or Paul 4959 6906

The Blackalls community says NO!!!!!

2009-07-01T20:44:00.000-07:00

A sample of the concern at Blackalls Park!!!

Other Critters of Blackalls park - Ascot Street

2009-06-28T23:29:00.000-07:00

Sugar Glider
Ring-tail Possum
Grey Headed Flying Fox
Common Bentwing Bat

Red Bellied Black Snake
Yellow Faced Whip Snake
Blue Tongue Lizard

Blue Triangle Butterfly

Dwarf Green Tree Frog
Green Tree Frog
Tylers Tree Frog
Perons Tree Frog
Striped Marsh Frog
Eastern Common Froglet

Thanks Rob H.

So WHere is Blackalls Park?

2009-06-28T22:42:00.001-07:00

http://www.whereis.com/nsw/blackalls-park/john-st?id=86700C0182A3E5

Latest article from the Herald

2009-06-28T19:37:00.000-07:00

http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/gallery-for-mine-host/1553365.aspx

Wildlife list -birds- Ascot Street- Garden and bushbirds

2009-06-26T03:34:00.002-07:00

King Parrot, Boobook Owl
Crested Hawk, Eastern Rosella
Tawny Frogmouth, Rainbow Lorikeet
Eastern Spinebill, Crimson Rosella
Lewin Honeyeater, Galah
Eastern Whipbird, Crested Pigeon
Silver Eye, Wood Duck
Superb Blue Wren, Magpie
Satin Bowerbird, Raven
Pied Currawong, Grey Butcherbird
Pied Butcherbird, Eastern Yellow Robin
Kookaburra, Noisy Miner
Pheasant Coucal, Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoo
Common Koel, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
Channel-billed cuckoo, Dollar Bird
Brown Goshawk, Rufous fantail
Grey Fantail, Noisy Friarbird
White-faced Heron, White-cheeked Honeyeater
Forest Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher
Brown Warbler, Masked Lapwing
Magpie-lark, Spotted Pardalote
White-bellied Sea Eagle, Welcome Swallow
Chestnut Teal, Brown Treecreeper
Willy Wagtail, Golden Whistler
Little Corella

Thanks to Rob H.

Check this out on you tube!!!

2009-06-26T01:25:00.000-07:00

BAM sign painting day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7p8wCihORY

from the Sydney Morning Herald

2009-06-22T21:41:00.000-07:00

http://business.smh.com.au/business/coal-group-to-reap-millions-from-budget-20090619-cr5e.html

Lake Maquarie Destruction secrets

2009-06-22T16:57:00.000-07:00

These Photos were taken from Hawkmount Road (public domain) from Awaba to Dora Creek.
This is to be Centennial Coals new haulage road. WHY do they need a new haulage road????

AT RISK

2009-06-20T23:59:00.001-07:00

BIRD LIFE OF BLACKALLS PARK - John Street

2009-06-20T21:42:00.001-07:00

Here is a list of bird species that live in Blackalls Park. (work in progress)
This list is from observations made near John Street.

White-throated Tree-creeper
Grey Fantail
Eastern Rosella
Red Brow Finch
Superb Fairy Wren
Silver Eye
Bell Miner
New Holland Honeyeater

From the Newcastle Star

2009-06-17T22:28:00.000-07:00

http://www.newcastlestar.com.au/news/local/news/general/mine-dust-could-impact-on-residents/1542101.aspx

News article From the Herald - check it out!!!

2009-06-17T22:16:00.000-07:00

http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/legal-action-planned-over-centennial-coal-mine-near-blackalls-park-and-awaba/1543696.aspx

WRITING TO YOUR LOCAL MP

2009-06-17T20:06:00.000-07:00

For those who are in the Lake Mac Area, PLEASE write to your local MP about your concern about this open cut mining proposal. Here are the following Members of Parliament who have a stake in Lake Mac.

Mr Greg Piper
92 Victory Parade
Toronto NSW 2283
lakemacquarie@parliament.n

sw.gov.au

Mr Kerry Hickey
PO Box 242
Cessnock NSW 2325
kerry.hickey@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Ms Sonia Hornery
PO Box 324
Wallsend NSW 2287

Mr Robert Coombs
Shop 1
204-206 Pacific Highway
Swansea NSW 2281
swansease@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Mr Matthew Morris
PO Box135
Charlestown NSW 2290
charlestown@parliament.nsw.gov.au

BAM PUBLIC MEETING

2009-06-14T22:39:00.000-07:00

BAM Public Meeting

Ban the Open Cut Auger Mine

Wednesday 17 June 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Toronto High School

Field Avenue Toronto

Community Feedback and Information meeting

All Welcome

www.bam.org.au Contacts: Paul on 4959 6906 and Pauline on 0421863351

NO Olstan Auger Mine Project - Petition signatures - GoPetition

2009-06-14T00:08:00.001-07:00

NO Olstan Auger Mine Project - Petition signatures - GoPetition

Shared via AddThis

SIGNING AN ELECTRONIC PETITION

2009-06-14T00:04:00.000-07:00

Please sign this petition!!!!!!!

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/no-olstan-auger-mine-project/signatures-page1.html

Threatened Species

2009-06-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

These two delightful plants Tetratheca juncea and grevillea parviflora subsp.parviflora (the white flower) are threatened species known in the area of where the mine is designated.

For more info check out the link.......

NSW Threatened Species

FROM THE STAR 13 May 2009

2009-06-08T22:44:00.000-07:00

http://www.newcastlestar.com.au/news/local/news/general/blackalls-park-stands-up/1510832.aspx

BAM Next meeting.........

2009-06-06T02:35:00.000-07:00

BAM's next public meeting.......

WEDNESDAY 17 JUNE 2009
6.30-8.30
TORONTO HIGH SCHOOL
TORONTO

BAM's Sign making and Letter writing workshop

2009-06-06T02:31:00.000-07:00

The sign painting and letter writing workshop on the June long weekend, held by BAM at Coal point was a great success!!

check out this article....

2009-06-06T02:29:00.000-07:00

http://newcastleonhunter.com/2009/olstan-mine-opposed-on-two-fronts

From Website Newcastle on Hunter

The Auger mining equipment............

2009-06-03T05:07:00.000-07:00

This the equipment, the auger miner machine that Centennial is proposing to use........Open Cut it looks like to me!!!!

wildlifing

2009-06-03T04:45:00.000-07:00

Mick Todd
A West Lake local and a brilliant photographer.Some of his work is on this blog site. He is currently studying the Tasmanian Masked Owl.

Check his site out!!

http://www.wildlifing.smugmug.com

POSTER MAKING DAY

2009-05-29T01:34:00.000-07:00

POSTER MAKING DAY

SATURDAY 6 JUNE 2009
10AM -1PM
COAL POINT PROGRESS ASSOC HALL
197 SKYE POINT ROAD COAL POINT.

A decision has been made to hold a sign making workshop. An opportunity for Coal Point Progress Association to support the newly formed group BAM (Blackalls Against Mine) & the local community's efforts to put a halt to the propsal for an "Auger Mine",suspiciously resembling an OPEN-CUT mine in Blackalls Park.

Materials needed for signs would include: Corflute (the real estate signs) or Masonite(small is easier to hold) or even plasitc roll-up blinds!

Paints& Brushes

Rags for clean-up

Please come prepared with slogans,catchy or heartfelt to emblason the local area with your protest signs along with using them as a visual aid for any upcoming Centennial Coal meetings!

Given that lunch is during the alloted time-frame it would be nice to share some sustinance, so it would be appreciated if you could bring a plate to share.The hall has warming facilities if you choose to bring hot food.Tea & coffee will be availiable.

All Welcome! It will be very helpful for you to bring a friend.

Please feel free to pass this on to your network-the more participants the greater the outcome.

From the Lakes Mail, April 2009

2009-05-29T01:15:00.000-07:00

http://www.lakesmail.com.au/news/local/news/general/dust-fear-rising-on-new-mine/1500509.aspx

FROM THE LAKES MAIL
David Quick
30.4.2009

Dust fear rising on new mine

WHAT YOU CAN DO!!!!!!

2009-05-24T16:39:00.000-07:00

GRAPHIC BY JOHN WOODS

This is what will happen if the mine goes ahead.

WRITE YOUR OBJECTIONS TO THE FOLLOWING POLITICIANS

The Honourable Kristina Keneally
Minister for planning

The Honourable Nathan Rees
Premier

The Honourable Ian Macdonald
Minister for Mineral Resources

Parliament House
Macquarie Street
Sydney NSW 2000

BAM

2009-05-17T15:59:00.001-07:00

the formation of SCAM BAM a youtube link........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMtiVM3jX1M

Media release from URGE

2009-05-01T21:50:00.000-07:00

Check this out.............

http://newcastleonhunter.com/2009/lake-auger-mine-augurs-ill/

Lake auger mine augurs ill

OPEN CUT MINING NEAR THE LAKE – WHO’D HAVE THOUGHT?

From Google Alert and Green Left

2009-04-20T01:34:00.001-07:00

Google News Alert for: auger mining
Lake Macquarie under threat from coal mine
Green Left Weekly - Chippendale,NSW,Australia
The western side of Lake Macquarie faces a real prospect of more open-cut and auger coal mining. (Unlike open-cut or underground mining, the auger mining ...

From Green Left on line........
http://www.greenleft.org.au/2009/791/40748

AUSTRALIA
Lake Macquarie under threat from coal mine

Katherine Bronte, Lake Macquarie
18 April 2009

In an era of climate change, global warming, high carbon emissions and with renewable energy coming to the fore, it is astounding that a proposal for another “open cut” coal mine is set to reach the NSW planning department.

On March 14, Centennial Coal held an open day at Blackalls Park Public School. The purpose was to inform residents of its proposal to develop the Olstan mine in bushland near the Lake Macquarie towns of Blackalls Park, Fassifern, Awaba and Toronto.

This was a part of Centennial Coal’s community consultation strategy. Over 200 concerned residents attended, surprising the company’s representatives.

Located just south-west of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie is a not only one of the largest salt water lakes in Australia, it is also home to one of the fastest growing cities in NSW. It is the eighth most populous city in Australia.

Lake Macquarie is surrounded by beautiful beaches, the ocean and the Watagan Mountains. The city is a natural playground for bushwalking, camping, picnicking, fishing, surfing and sailing.

There are over 100 accommodation outlets and Lake Macquarie welcomes about 900,000 visitors a year, according to the Lake Macquarie City Council’s website.

However, this idyllic lifestyle and environment is under threat.

The western side of Lake Macquarie faces a real prospect of more open-cut and auger coal mining. (Unlike open-cut or underground mining, the auger mining technique involves drilling directly into a coal seam lying close to the surface.)

Already this area has been exposed to many violations from mining companies. The villages of Fassifern and Wakefield/Killingworth have open cut coal mines close by.

The western side of the lake simply cannot tolerate another open-cut coal mine. Centennial Coal, for example, was responsible for the Fassifern auger mine and the devastation of the nearby environment.

Centennial’s proposed Olstan mine is classified as auger mining. However, opponents point out the mine will have pits more than 40 metres wide. They argue the mine is really a form of “open-cut” as there will be extensive excavation and damage to the environment.

Community groups like No Open Cut Mine For Awaba (NOCMFA), United Residents Group for the Environment of Lake Macquarie (URGE) and South Communities Against Mining are outraged by the new mine proposal.

In 2005-06 these groups, and the Lake Macquarie community, fought and won the battle against another Centennial Coal plan for an open-cut coal mine in the Awaba and Cooranbong area.

At first, Centennial Coal was very low-key with its process of “community consultation” about the Olstan mine. Awaba residents received notification via a mailbox drop.

Media releases printed in local papers were considered enough for other residents affected by the new mine proposal. Due to strong public pressure from NOCMFA, Centennial changed its approach and finally contacted shopkeepers to carry flyers for the upcoming event.

Centennial Coal has “identified” the Olstan project as requiring development approval under the controversial Part 3A of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

There is a curious history behind the plan. In February 2007, then planning minister Frank Sartor prohibited open-cut mining in the Lake Macquarie local government area under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Mining, Petroleum Production and Extractive Industries) 2007 act.

The concerns about the mine include exposure to dust particles and other health risks said Peter Morris, president of URGE.

According to Morris, the effects of wind-borne dust from the mine poses the greatest threat to the greatest number of people. Fine dust particles “can easily spread 10km in a mild wind”, Morris said.

There are other major concerns echoed by community groups. Craig Williams of NOCMFA told Green Left Weekly: “The noise from excavation work, blasting, clearing, truck movements and everything else we see in any typical open-cut type of mining operation will make life unbearable for these people.”

And of course there is the obvious environmental damage that is associated with open-cut mining — pollution to the lake, damage to Palmers Creek and extensive clearing and removal of vegetation, impacting on the residents and native wildlife.

Centennial Coal is preparing a new environmental assessment and more community open days will be arranged to counter the strong public backlash against the proposal.

[For more information on the campaign contact Dave Snedden (NOCMFA) DavidSnedden_NOCMFA@hotmail.com; Craig Williams (NOCMFA) craig.williams@pacific.net.au; Peter Morris (URGE) urgelakemac@people.net.au; or visit http://savinglakemacquarie.blogspot.com.]

News Article from the STAR - please comment

2009-04-07T17:13:00.000-07:00

New mine for western side
KYLIE ADORANTI

8/04/2009 4:00:00 AM

http://www.newcastlestar.com.au/news/local/news/general/new-mine-for-western-side/1479772.aspx?storypage=0

A reply from Centennial...

2009-03-22T14:51:00.000-07:00

RESPONSE TO COORANBONG GAZETTE
PROPOSED OLSTAN MINE
20/03/09

How many job positions will be created as part of the Olstan Project?
It is anticipated the proposed Olstan Mine will generate approximately 40
operational and 15 construction jobs.
Will the construction jobs be at the commencement of the project only, or
will they exist for the full duration of the project?
The construction jobs generated by the proposed Olstan Mine will be at the
commencement of the project.
How many of these job positions will be fill by residents within the Lake
Macquarie area?
Centennial Coal employs over 800 people across its 5 local mine sites, 65% of
our employees live in the Lake Macquarie area.
How many of these job positions are like to go to people with specialists
skills brought in from outside the area?
Less than 15% of the jobs generated by the proposed Olstan Mine require
‘specialist skills’ and many of these specialists most likely in the Hunter region.
How many of these job positions are likely to be filled by existing
Centennial Coal employees/contractors?
The jobs generated by the proposed Olstan Mine will be in addition to
Centennial’s current workforce.
What is the expected volume of coal that will be exposed and recovered
from the digging of the access trenches?
Excavation of an access pit is required to establish access to the coal seam. The
amount of coal recovered from these access pits will be known when various
technical studies have been finished and there is a final mine design.
What is the expected volume of coal that will be extracted by the augering
process of the exposed coal seams?
The proposed Olstan Mine is a three-year project extracting up to 1.5million
tonnes.
2
Will a Community Consultative Committee be set up for this specific
project?
The establishment of a formal Community Consultative Committee for the
proposed Olstan Mine will be a decision for the Department of Planning and
would be included in any consent conditions
Because the proposed Olstan Mine is in the Newstan Lease area, is in the same
geographical area as Newstan’s operations and Newstan is moving to ‘care and
maintenance’ the Newstan CCC will continue to be consulted.
Is it possible that Centennial Coal will apply for more auger mines in the
Lake Macquarie area?
The proposed Olstan Mine is the only auger mine being considered by
Centennial.
Can you rule out the possibility of other future auger mine projects after
Olstan?
Olstan is an important short-term project for Centennial in terms of supplying our
current coal contracts with the local power stations. Centennial’s future in the
Lake Macquarie area, while in initial stages of exploration drilling, lies with our
Awaba East and Mandalong South underground projects.
James Wearne stated on 14 March that it was incorrect that communities
as far away as Valentine and Eleebana would be affected by dust. How can
that be stated with certainty?
Initial results from air and noise assessments indicate under ‘worse case’
scenarios residents from Blackalls Park or Awaba will not be affected by the
proposed Olstan Mine.
The results of all technical studies will be made available to the public through
the Part 3A process once they have been finalised.
Can you provide further information on the former arsenic works that once
existed on the same site as the proposed Olstan Project?
Centennial is aware there is an abandoned arsenic smelter site in the area and
that there could be potential issues with this site.
We need to understand what these issues could be and have therefore engaged
experts in this field to undertake studies on the site. The outcomes of this work
will be incorporated in future consultation with the community.
Where were they specifically located?
The old Arsenic Smelter site is located in the south-western area of the Newstan
lease adjacent to the existing Main Northern Railway

NOCMFA MEDIA RELEASE

2009-03-16T20:00:00.003-07:00

16 March 2009

DEVIL IN THE DETAILS: COMMUNITY REJECTS MINING PROPOSAL

Community members who attended Centennial Coal’s information day at Blackalls Park Public School on Saturday have overwhelmingly rejected Centennial Coal’s proposed Olstan open cut and auger mining proposal.

“Residents who attended were not impressed after they had looked at the company’s posters and listened to staff discuss the project. No one was happy with it: no one wants it. It’s not acceptable because of the impact it will have on people nearby,” said Craig Williams, Publicity Officer for NOCMFA.

“Comments from members of the public present also revealed that Centennial Coal was convicted of an environmental offence in 2006 due to the pollution of waters associated with another open cut auger mining operation nearby. This fact certainly wasn’t part of Centennial’s poster display.”

“The pollution of a creek and part of Lake Macquarie was caused by inadequate water and soil control measures in operation at the Fassifern open cut auger mine,” he said. “The company failed to put its own control program into action: it breached the DPI conditions of approval for mining. The Olstan project proposes mining under Palmers Creek and in some very moist areas subject to flooding. The risks are obvious and outrageous, and the company’s track record is not up to scratch.”

“Clearly, the risks of serious environmental and health impacts are too high and people have rejected the Olstan Project proposal.”

[Environment Protection Authority v Centennial Newstan Pty Ltd [2006] NSWLEC 732 (31 October 2006)]

“The new proposal uses the same augering techniques as the Fassifern Auger Mine. This requires extensive clearing, removal of vegetation, and continual excavation work to expose coal seams. Blasting will also be involved. Basically, all the typical techniques associated with surface open cut type operations will be involved in this project. It is not underground.”

“There are people living in the immediate vicinity of the proposed site and their lives will certainly be disrupted if this proposal proceeds.”

“The noise from excavation work, blasting, clearing, truck movements and everything else we see in any typical open cut type of mining operation will make life unbearable for these people. That is an unacceptable outcome and the project will not proceed.”

FOR COMMENT: PLEASE CONTACT

NO OPEN CUT MINE FOR AWABA

President: Dave Snedden Tel: 0409 778077
Email: DavidSnedden_NOCMFA@hotmail.com

Publicity Officer: Craig Williams Tel: 0421 984002
Email: craig.williams@pacific.net.au

Squirrel Glider

2009-03-15T16:42:00.000-07:00

This is a Squirrel Glider. This little fellow and his 'cousins' the Sugar Glider rely on old trees with hollows. Like the Masked Owl, the Squirrel Glider is on the NSW Threatened Species List.

The Squirrel Glider just happens to be my favourite Australian mammal.

a little bit of info

2009-03-10T18:11:00.000-07:00

From the AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT - Department of the Environment and Water Resourses (see link)

Arsenic and its compounds are ranked 10 out of 90 substances.

Health effects
What effect might arsenic and compounds have on my health?
Very high levels of arsenic can result in death. Consumption of lower levels of arsenic can cause digestive tract pain, nausea, vomiting and other stomach disorders, decreased production of red and white blood cells, damage to blood vessels, abnormal heart rhythms, a ‘pins and needles’ feeling in the hands and feet and liver and kidney damage.
Ingesting or inhaling low levels of inorganic arsenic for a long time can cause a darkening of the skin and the appearance of small ‘corns’ or ‘warts’ on the hands, feet and torso. Contact with inorganic arsenic may also cause redness and swelling to the skin.
Studies show that ingestion of inorganic arsenic can increase the risk of skin, lung, bladder, liver, kidney or prostate cancer. Inhalation of inorganic arsenic can increase the risk of lung cancer. Inorganic arsenic is a recognised human carcinogen, a substance capable of causing cancer.
Some studies have indicated that long-term exposure to low levels of arsenic in children may result in lower IQ scores. Children may be less efficient at converting inorganic arsenic to the less toxic organic arsenic. For this reason, children may be more susceptible to health effects than adults.
Some evidence exists that inhaled or ingested arsenic can affect pregnant women and their unborn babies. Large doses that cause illness to the pregnant females can also cause low birth weight, foetal malformations or foetal death. Arsenic can cross the placenta and may be found in foetal tissues. Arsenic has also been found at low levels in breast milk.

OWLS at risk........

2009-03-09T18:53:00.001-07:00

These Photos are taken by Mick Todd.

Masked Owls and Powerful Owls are only two of many bird species at risk if an open cut mine goes ahead. The Owls use the hollows of old growth trees as nesting sites.

The Masked Owl and the Powerful Owl are on the NSW Threatened Species List
www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au

VERY VERY CLOSE to.........

2009-03-09T16:00:00.000-07:00

This is a photo from Lake Macquarie City Council's files. It is of the Arsenic Smelter Ruins at Awaba. These ruins are at the 'edge' of where the proposed mine is to be situated.

The questions come to mind.....about arsenic leaching into the soil; what happens if the soil is disturbed; what about arsenic fallout and its consequences; what are the long term issues of this old smelter and the environment? The questions keep coming to mind!!

More about the smelter's history soon!!

FROM the NSW Department of Planning

2009-03-07T19:26:00.000-08:00

This is a Circular from the NSW Department of Planning. In Feb 2007, the then Minister Frank Sartor declared open cut mining illegal in the Lake Macquarie Area.

Auger mining is open cut mining..........

State Environmental Planning Policy
(Mining, Petroleum Production and
Extractive Industries) 2007
This circular is to advise mining, petroleum production and extractive industries, councils,
developers and the community of the gazettal of a policy to regulate mining, petroleum
production and extractive industries in NSW.
Introduction
On Friday 16 February 2007, the State
Environmental Planning Policy (Mining, Petroleum
Production and Extractive Industries) 2007 was
gazetted. The SEPP consolidates and updates
many existing planning provisions related to
mining, petroleum production and extractive
industries as well as introducing new provisions to
ensure that potential environmental and social
impacts are adequately addressed during the
assessment and determination of development
proposals.
The SEPP complements reforms made in August
2005 to improve the relationship between the
Mining Act 1992 and the Environmental Planning
and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) in the
assessment and approval of mines. These
amendments revoked the provisions that allowed
mines to expand without the need for a
transparent assessment of their impacts or
consent under the EP&A Act once a mining lease
had been granted.
The Department of Planning has been developing
initiatives for improved practices and performance
of the mining, petroleum production and extractive
industries to avoid, minimise or manage impacts
on communities and the environment. Along with
the SEPP, it is intended that these and other
initiatives will lead to improved environmental
performance and increased community
participation throughout the development
assessment and approval process.
The SEPP has been developed in consultation
with relevant NSW agencies, the Local
Government and Shires Associations, Association
of Mine Related Councils, environmental groups
and industry representatives.
Application and aims of the SEPP
The SEPP applies State-wide. The SEPP aims to
provide for the proper management and
development of mining, petroleum production and
extractive material resources; to facilitate the
orderly use and development of areas where the
resources are located; and, to establish
appropriate planning controls to encourage
sustainable management of these resources.
Land-use compatibility
An assessment of land-use compatibility is now
required as part of an application for a new mine,
quarry or petroleum production facility. In addition,
a land-use compatibility assessment will also be
required for any proposed development adjacent
to an existing mine, quarry or petroleum
production facility or development on land
identified as containing minerals, extractive
materials or petroleum resources.Natural resource and environmental
management
The SEPP highlights some key natural resource
and environmental management issues that must
be addressed when assessing new mining,
petroleum production and extractive industries
proposals, including:
�� impacts on significant water resources,
including surface and groundwater resources
�� impacts on biodiversity including threatened
species
�� greenhouse gas emissions (including
downstream emissions) having regard to any
applicable State or national policies, programs
or guidelines concerning greenhouse gas
emissions.
Efficient resource recovery
The SEPP requires that the efficiency of resource
recovery must be considered when assessing a
development application for a mine, quarry or
petroleum production facility, to ensure that:
�� important primary resources are not wasted
through poor operational practices
�� reuse and recycling of materials are promoted
�� the creation of waste from the extraction and
processing of materials is minimised.
Managing transport impacts
Existing State Environmental Planning Policy No.
11 – Traffic Generating Developments provisions
have been integrated into the new SEPP. In
addition, the new SEPP aims to:
�� promote the use of rail or conveyor transport
as an alternative to transporting material by
road
�� limit or prevent truck movements along roads
in residential areas or near schools
�� require the preparation and implementation of
a code of conduct for truck drivers
transporting materials on public roads to
improve road safety outcomes.
Site rehabilitation
Rehabilitation strategies will be required upfront
for all mines, quarries and petroleum production
sites as part of the development approval process.
Consolidating, updating and
clarifying permissibility provisions
The SEPP provides a clear direction for the
assessment of mining, petroleum production and
extractive industry proposals. It cuts red tape by
combining a number of existing policies (SEPP
No. 37 – Continued Mining and Extractive
Industries, SEPP No. 45 – Mining Permissibility)
into one consistent set of rules.
The new policy includes provisions for:
�� prohibited development
�� permissible development
�� complying development
�� exempt development.
The SEPP provides for the prohibiting of specified
mining, petroleum and extractive industry
development. The SEPP allows the Government
to override existing or proposed mining leases and
any other environmental planning instruments to
prohibit new mines in specified areas.

Schedule 1
lists as prohibited open cut mining within the Lake
Macquarie local government area.

Despite the
provisions of any other environmental planning
instrument, development listed in Schedule 1 of
the SEPP cannot be carried out with or without
development consent.
Transitional arrangements
The SEPP does not apply to or with respect to an
application for development consent under Part 4
or an approval under Part 3A of the EP&A Act that
has been made but not finally determined before
16 February 2007.
Further information
A copy of State Environmental Planning Policy
(Mining, Petroleum Production and Extractive
Industries) 2007 is available from the
Parliamentary Counsel Office’s website at
www.legislation.nsw.gov.au.
Note: This and other Department of Planning
circulars are published on the web at
www.planning.nsw.gov.au/planningsystem/practic
enotes.
Authorised by:
Sam Haddad
Director General
Important note
This circular does not constitute legal advice. The information
is provided as a basic summary only. Users are advised to
seek professional advice and refer to the relevant legislation,
as necessary, before taking action in relation to any matters
covered by this circular.

© State of New South Wales through the Department of Planning
www.planning.nsw.gov.au

Disclaimer: While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that this
document is correct at the time of publication, the State of New South Wales,
its agencies and employees, disclaim any and all liability to any person in
respect of anything or the consequences of anything done or omitted to be
done in reliance upon the whole or any part of this document.
The assessment will be used to determine the
potential for land-use conflict and land-use
constraint in respect to adjacent land uses.

The battle begins......

2009-03-07T18:58:00.000-08:00

I am fortunate to be involved with a wonderful group of people who are based at Awaba - NOCMFA.

NOCMFA stands for "No Open Cut Mine For Awaba.

The group was formed in 2005 when the same Coal company tried for an open cut coal mine in the Awaba - Cooranbong area. The Battle was won. But Centennial Coal is trying it on again!!

WELCOME

2009-03-07T18:13:00.000-08:00

Hi

Save Lake Macquarie from total environmental disaster!!

The battle is AGAINST the threat of destructive open cut and surface coal mining operations on the western side of Lake Macquarie - the Olstan project.