The NSW Department of Planning is inviting the community to have its say on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Tahmoor South Coal Project, on exhibition for public comment until 5 March.
The project proposal includes extending existing underground mining areas to the south, and extraction, processing and rail transport of up to 4 million tonnes a year of coking and thermal coal. Existing mine facilities would continue to operate until approximately 2035.
The Department's Resource Assessments Director, Howard Reed, said the 42-day EIS exhibition period provided an opportunity for the community to have its say.
"Community feedback is vital and will be taken into consideration when we assess this project," Mr Reed said.
"The Minister for Planning has requested the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) hold a public hearing when the EIS exhibition has ended, to provide further opportunity for community input early in the assessment process, and the Department will also engage an independent groundwater expert," Mr Reed said.
Following the public hearing, the IPC will publish an interim report on matters that the Department will need to consider during its assessment of the project. This report will be also informed by any issues raised by the community – both during the EIS exhibition period and in any additional submissions made directly to the IPC.
The Department will take account of all environmental, social and economic impacts, all community and stakeholder submissions received during exhibition, the IPC's report and advice from Government and independent experts.
If there are more than 25 public objections received during exhibition, the Department's recommendation, including any conditions, will be referred to the IPC for a final decision.
If referred to the IPC, the Commission will also hold final public hearings at the end of the process once the Department's assessment report is complete, and the community will be able to raise any remaining concerns directly with the IPC before a final decision is made.
For more information view the major projects website.
