AN independent inquiry into underground coal mining in the southern coalfield stretching from Sydney to the Southern Highlands will commence next year.
A panel of five experts will conduct the inquiry and hold public hearings in the new year.
From 2010 all proposed extensions to underground coal mining leases will require approval under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
An independent inquiry into these issues is timely with changes to the assessment system for extensions to existing coal mines.
The public is invited to make submissions to the expert panel and present their views at public hearings.
The inquiry is said to provide a sound technical foundation for the assessment and long term management of underground mining in the southern coalfield.
It could also form the basis for consideration of similar issues in other parts of the State. The independent expert panel will consider: the effects of current and historic underground coal mining on rivers, creeks, swamps and cliff lines in the southern coalfield; world’s best practice in the assessment, management and remediation of impacts associated with underground mining; key factors which should be considered by Government in assessing and regulating underground mining near rivers, under Part 3A of the EP&A Act; and the social and economic importance of current and future coal mining in the southern coalfield to the region and the State.
Panel members include
Professor Bruce Hebblewhite (chair), Professor Jim Galvin, Col Mackie, Associate Professor Ron West and Drew Collins.
The panel is to consider and advise on issues raised in written submissions and during the panel hearings.