Bulga Milbrodale Progress Association (BMPA) has asked each of the candidates for the seat of Upper Hunter in Saturday's state election whether they support a 2.5km exclusion zone around the villages' residences.
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When the Mount Thorley Warkworth (MTW) mine expansion was approved by the then Planning and Assessment Commission in late 2015 the NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes announced in the media that a 2.5km protection zone would be established around the residences in Bulga to protect them from any future mine expansion.
In the letter BMPA president John Krey said the association had written to the current Planning Minister Anthony Roberts regarding progress on the establishment of the protection zone and Mr Roberts advised, in December 2018, it was under consideration but not progressed.
"Given the potential for the Warkworth mine to expand even closer to Bulga the Association thinks the protection zone is essential for the future of this town," said Mr Krey.
"To assist our community members when it came to the election we have asked each to comment on the exclusion zone."
Responses to date:
Clayton Barr (Labour) John, You will absolutely have my support on this front. The 2.5km protection zone was promised and should now be delivered. Regards Clayton
Michael Johnstone (Nationals) Dear John, Thank you for your letter of 12 March on behalf of the Bulga Milbrodale Progress Association Inc. I am of course very happy to assist the Bulga community in this matter, but as the Government is now in Caretaker Mode, we will need to revisit this matter after the election.
Tony Lonergan (Greens) Hi John. Yes, I fully support the residents of Bulga in their quest for this minimal buffer zone around the village. This is a crucial test for candidates who continually crow about their concern for the community and how they are "listening".
Melanie Dagg ( Country Labor) Country Labor supports the creation of the 2.5 km protection zone and I will advocate for this to be delivered as soon as possible after the election.
Lee Watts (Shooters, Fishers and Farmers) I fully support the implementation of a 2.5km exclusion zone to protect the residents of Bulga from any potential plans for mine expansions.