Despite seeking clarification on several issues after a public hearing in Singleton on December 7, the Planning and Assessment Commission (PAC) has given the green light to Wambo Coal expanding their underground operation. The modification (DA 305-7-2003 MOD 17) will lead to the development of nine additional longwall panels 17-25 in the Whybrow Seam, recovering an additional 18 Mt of  ROM coal and will extend the life of the consent by 7 years and 10 months until 2039. In making their decision the commission considered key matters, including: subsidence generated impacts, groundwater dependent ecosystems, surface water, groundwater, and the economic benefits of the proposal. During the determination process they were briefed by both the department and the proponent which was followed by an inspection of the site. But declined a request from landholders, Ron and Jan Fenwick, to visit their property which over the years has been severely affected by the existing operation. And, as expected the commission has concurred with the department, concluding the economic benefits outweigh the potential environmental impacts. Their report states “the predicted subsidence impacts associated with the proposed modification are acceptable and that the conditions of consent requiring the proponent to limit and monitor subsidence impacts as part of the Extraction Plan process are appropriate.” It goes on to say “the impacts on surface water, groundwater, and Aboriginal Cultural heritage would be managed through existing conditions of consent and revised management and monitoring programs”.