There may only be around 50 residents in Glenridding but surely they have a right to a good night’s sleep.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Especially as one of the solutions available to enable such them to achieve that peaceful existence could easily be built.
What appears to preventing the construction of a noise wall along the length of Glenridding’s Victoria Street is a lack of political will.
The question must be asked why do small communities like Glenridding have to bear the brunt of a successful and one should imagine profitable industry in this case coal production?
Unfortunately Glenridding residents are not alone just ask those living in Bulga, Jerrys Plains, and Camberwell – they too have endured and continue to bear the impacts of the coal mining industry’s success.
Why? Because our governments at all three levels refuse to make the industry more environmentally and community minded.
We regularly report on the industry’s efforts and they do make significant contributions to the community apart from the business end of the equation.
But much more could be done to improve the operations of our local mines and thereby minimise their impacts on our daily lives.
That includes the funding of a noise wall in Glenridding for starters so the residents can once again enjoy their ‘castles’ in peace.
We have also reported this week on a blast plume that travelled over Jerrys Plains and onwards to Doyles Creek. That blast is currently being investigated by the NSW Environment Protection Authority but such events should not take place in the first instant and if they do the fines should be substantial.
So substantial, may we suggest, that no open cut mining company could afford to let such an event happen on their site.
Government agencies are spruiking about how they will better monitor and police mine rehabilitation – well that is long overdue and when will it actually occur ?
As we keep seeing mine modifications as the preferred option for mine expansions will the government agencies insist that these plans also include the latest rehab rules.
Some of these modification applications are almost equivalent to new mines and therefore should be subject to the latest environmental conditions.
Louise Nichols
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
