THE NSW Minerals Council has welcomed the approval of the Whitehaven Maules Creek project by the Planning and Assessment Commission as a positive step forward in responsible mining development in NSW.
With around 600 jobs in the construction phase and around 470 jobs during ongoing operations, the project will inject significant additional economic activity into the surrounding region, and support the ongoing development of local industries and businesses.
The jobs and investment associated with a project like this represent very significant economic opportunity for thousands of people and a boost to the region and the state.
This is a good example of responsible mining development, grounded in reliable scientific evidence, extensive community and stakeholder consultation and thorough expert assessments of environmental impacts.
The conditions placed on the project are workable and enable the project to both maximise the broad benefits to the community as well as minimise any adverse impacts.
It is also the first approval by the Planning and Assessment Commission since the release of the benchmark Namoi Catchment Water Study, which demonstrated that the cumulative impacts of coal mining in the New England and North West can be successfully managed.
The project is now awaiting federal government approval.
STEPHEN GALILEE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
NSW MINERALS COUNCIL