15 October 2026
This week, Greens MLC Cate Faehrmann asked the NSW Water Minister to explain why coal mining is allowed in Sydney's drinking water catchment, after tabling a petition opposing a proposed extension of the Peabody Metropolitan mine under the Woronora Reservoir catchment.
The petition, organised by the environment group Save our Swamps, was signed by 1,730 people. It calls on the NSW Government to protect the catchment, and not to allow Peabody to use biodiversity offsets to green light the destruction of the swamps that filter and clean the water as part of the proposed mine expansion.
Research has found that damage to swamps from mining is irreversible, and that over 45% of swamps at the Woronora Plateau are at risk of collapse if undermining there continues. By the time the damage appears it is too late to stop.
Dr Catherine Reynolds from Save our Swamps said: "The Woronora Reservoir 'special area' is called special for a reason: to restrict development that might compromise Sydney's water catchment. So why is mining allowed underneath it?
"Biodiversity offsets will not compensate for damage to endangered upland coastal swamps from this destructive mine proposal."
Jacqui Mumford, CEO Nature Conservation Council of NSW said: "Independent expert scientists have warned that the only effective way to minimise or mitigate potential impacts is to avoid longwall mining beneath all swamps and waterways in this near-pristine catchment of Woronora Reservoir.
"The NSW Government must heed their warning. There are no good reasons for this government to keep sacrificing our drinking water, our climate and future."
