The extent of open cut mining in the Singleton district is readily seen.

You only have to drive a few kilometres out of Singleton to witness the huge open cut voids in what was once a pristine valley.

The voids from open cut mining are huge and it is very hard to picture how these voids could possibly be rehabilitated.

Before any new mining licences are granted, it is essential we all fully understand what is happening with current coal mining.

A new policy, a moratorium and a chance to reassess an industry that the country has taken for granted is more than timely.

Singleton is in a difficult situation.

We rely so heavily on the success and continuation of the coal mining industry in terms of the local economy.

But we are also the ones that feel the impacts if mining conditions are not strictly adhered to.

There was another coal mine blast near Ravensworth on Friday that sent a strange coloured fume across the highway.

Callers contacted The Singleton Argus who were told to call the coal mine compliance officers. Hopefully they did.

We have the air quality monitoring network and we have the coal mine compliance officers based in town.

We now have the moratorium and what appears to be an improving line of communication between industry and community.

For too long the pendulum has swung in favour of the billion dollar coal industry.

It is time to bring it back a bit.

Not stop it but just put in place the protection for the community’s health, our environment and our future sustainability as a productive Hunter Valley.

We have coal, lots of it, but we also have a thriving wine industry, a world-class beef industry and a dairy industry that needs protection.

As said too many times, never undervalue the ability of a country that feeds itself first.