Key Facts:
- Independent MP Jacqui Scruby is introducing a bill to close legal loopholes that have allowed NSW coal mines operating in Sydney's drinking water catchment to pollute waterways, with salinity levels in some areas measured at twelve times the recommended national water quality target.
- The legislation seeks to reinstate a robust Neutral or Beneficial Effect (NorBE) test for coal mine expansions and modifications in the Sydney drinking water catchment, reversing changes made under the Berejiklian government in 2017.
- NSW Labor, including current Premier Chris Minns, strongly opposed the weakening of drinking water protections whilst in opposition and promised to reinstate them, but has yet to act on this commitment since returning to government.
- Centennial Coal has proposed dumping millions of litres of toxic mine water directly into the local environment ahead of planned expansions to its Angus Place and Springvale coal mines, which campaigners say must not be permitted.
- The Gardens of Stone Alliance is calling on the Minns Government to support the bill, and is holding a public action outside NSW Parliament on 10 November 2026 to demonstrate community support for stronger drinking water protections.
Independent MP, Jacqui Scruby, will today introduce a bill to protect Sydney's drinking water from coal mine pollution, delivering on a promise Labor has failed to act on.
The Gardens of Stone Alliance commends Ms Scruby for her efforts to prevent pollution in the Sydney drinking water catchment and calls on the Minns Government to support the Bill.
The legislation would close loopholes in pollution laws that have been exploited by NSW coal mines operating in the Sydney drinking water catchment, in line with promises made by NSW Labor whilst in opposition.
Underground coal mines in the Lithgow region are causing significant pollution in the headwaters of Sydney's drinking water catchment.
For example, salinity readings in Wangcol Creek, that flows directly into the Coxs River and Warragamba Dam, have been measured at twelve times the recommended national water quality target1.
Gardens of Stone Alliance campaigner, Luke Gelder, said:
"Coal mine pollution in the Sydney basin is not adequately regulated. Salinity and heavy metals levels in coal mine wastewater are through the roof.
"Labor vehemently opposed the weakening of protections for Sydney's drinking water when this occurred under the Berejiklian government in 2017 and committed to reinstating those protections when it returned to government.
"Ms Scruby's Bill closes these loopholes and prevents ongoing water pollution. Labor should adopt this legislation to fulfill its promise to strengthen drinking water protections."
Jacqui Mills, Senior climate campaigner at Nature Conservation Council NSW said:
"These loopholes have been used by mines to expand their operations to the detriment of the millions of Sydney-siders who rely on the catchment for their drinking water.
"Centennial Coal has proposed to dump millions of litres of toxic mine water directly into the local environment to ready itself for expansions to its Angus Place and Springvale coal mines. This must never be allowed to happen.
"Development that pollutes our drinking water should be prohibited. That should be non-negotiable."
