The current proposed extension would involve mining in areas previously part of the Warkworth Mine 2003 Green Offsets areas, that were to be precluded from open-cut mining and agriculture to protect their ecological value.

The rationale behind the company’s change of heart and their decision to pursue mining in the protected areas is in response to the resources boom.

Environmental consultants Mitchell McLennan in the report states that the current operations at Warkworth Mine were first put in place in the 1980s, when the global demands for energy and coal prices were considerably lower than at present.

It states that since Warkworth Life of Mine planning 2002, the longterm average coal price has risen by 160 percent, making coal seams that were previously not worth mining now viable in the current conditions.

If the mine gets the go-ahead, mining would continue as a westward advancement of the north and west pit and would also extend to the south.

The proposed extension will be approximately 900metres to the west towards Wollombi Brook.

An additional dragline and supporting mining fleet would be required, with the predominance of mining in the north and west pits.

The extension will require either the closure or relocation of Wallaby Scrub Road, the clearance of more than 800 hectares of woodland vegetation and the advancement westward through Saddleback Ridge.

In total around 1,271 hectares of land will be mined. This would result in increased exposure to mining operations and a subsequent loss of amenity for Bulga and Warkworth villages and surrounding areas.

Coal & Allied is looking to counter the ecological losses with offset areas and will also prepare an Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment.

The report states there will be higher dust emissions, a loss of visual amenity and there could be a loss of groundwater.

Bulga and Milbrodale Progress Association president Stuart Mitchell said he was yet to scrutinise the lengthy document but he would and would get together a ‘battle plan’.

He said when you have a government that is so reliant on revenue from coal mines it was a ‘joke’ and he was not hopeful for a positive outcome for the local residents.

He said they would be trying to convince the Department of Planning that an underground mine is the way to go for the preservation of the community and the area.

“We are strongly, 100 percent opposed to open cut mining in the area,” he said.