Before getting down to business at Monday night’s council meeting, representatives from Coal and Allied made two interesting presentations about their local open cut mining operations - Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) and Mount Thorley Warkworth (MTW).
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The first was in regard to the formulation of the Hunter Valley Operations South Development Application Modification.
HVO manager, Tom Lukeman, delivered the update on what it entails, and when they expect it to go on public exhibition.
He said essentially it is about maintaining current production rates and mining an existing pit – just going deeper.
The main impact will relate visual amenity in the Maison Dieu area, in particularity Shearers Lane, as the waste will have to go somewhere. However, they are working on doing all they can to minimise this, and hope to largely preserve the view of the Broken Back Range.
But it was the more controversial update on the Mount Thorley and Warkworth continuation projects that clearly captured the attention of both Councillors, and the public gallery.
MTW general manager, Mark Rodgers made it clear that under the current mine plan Wallaby Scrub Road (WSR) would be impacted in mid 2017.
He explained if Council does not reconsider it’s position on closing the road, their plans can’t progress, and jobs will be lost.
After his presentation, Mr Rodgers was asked some interesting questions by Councillor, Hollee Jenkins.
She asked if the rumored sale of MTW to Chinese miner, Yancoal, hinged on gaining access to the historic road.
Mr Rodgers said he could not comment but did say it was “on the market”.
Back in June Singleton Council once again opposed the road closure.
For the sixth time they voted not to close the road that provides a link between the villages of Bulga and Jerrys Plains, and the Putty Road.
The seven kilometre long stretch is a part of the historic Great Northern Road.
Prior to Mr Rodgers speaking, John Krey from the Bulga Mildbrodale Progresss Association, also addressed Council.
Reiterating the many reasons why the road should remain open, and that Rio Tinto is attempting to bully Council into reversing their decision.
A decision they have made on six occasions.