Protesters are continuing to voice their opposition to the expected closure of Wallaby Scrub Road.
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They have been there for twenty days in anticipation of mining company, Rio Tinto, asking the state government to close the historic road after the Singleton Council voted not to sell it for the sixth time last month.
Unfortunately, one of the most committed protesters Wanaruah Aboriginal elder Kevin Taggart could not be there.
He was arrested on Monday, July 18 while peacefully protesting at the side of Putty Road at a position adjacent to Saddle Back Ridge.
The ridge is being cleared to make way for Rio’s Mount Thorley Warkworth open cut mine expansion.
Sadly, he is now prohibited from returning to his “traditional lands”.
So a letter from Mr Taggart was read out to the crowd.
A spokesperson for Rio Tinto says: “We are continuing normal operations at Mount Thorley Warkworth, which has been part of the Singleton community for more than 30 years and provides work for 1300 people.”
“All of the issues that have been raised, including Wallaby Scrub Road, were considered by the independent Planning Assessment Commission as part of a rigorous process before it gave approval for mining to continue.”
“The Commission found the significant benefits that ongoing mining will provide over coming decades, such as providing employment and contributing to the New South Wales economy, outweigh the impacts.”
"We remain committed to working with community members in Bulga to ensure there is a strong future for both the village and Mount Thorley Warkworth."