Despite amending the original project application, the coal mining giant has listed closure of the road as its preferred option in an Environmental Assessment report expected to be lodged with the Department of Planning soon.

The report also includes an option for the relocation of Wallaby Scrub Road however Coal and Allied want the road closed.

“We are looking to increase the area of approved mining within the footprint of existing leases at Mount Thorley Warkworth,” Mount Thorley Warkworth general manager operations Cam Halfpenny said.

“The footprint of the extension is located on land owned by the Mount Thorley Warkworth joint venture participants.

“While we are not looking to increase our land holding for this extension, we are conscious of potential impacts that this could have on landholders, such as dust, noise and visual impacts.

“Closing Wallaby Scrub Road remains our preference, based on technical assessment,” he said.

Mr Halfpenny said the company would work with necessary government departments and the community if given approval to close Wallaby Scrub Road.

“In order to close the road we would commit to working with Singleton Council and the local community on development contributions or works in lieu under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, which may include providing community enhancement projects within the affected community, road contributions or development of a road closure management plan,” Mr Halfpenny said.

If approved, the Warkworth extension would cost some $600 million over 21 years and create an estimated 150 additional full time equivalent jobs.

The controversial plan has angered many local residents who want the road kept opened.