The plan, known as the Wallarah 2 project, threatens the future of the coast’s drinking water and unique wildlife, according to its legions of critics.
These include Labor sitting members Emma McBride and David Harris and the majority of Central Coast councilors.
The future of the project now sits with the Federal Government, which will assess the Wallarah 2 Coal Project proposal under the Environment, Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act following the Planning Assessment Commission’s determination this month.
Approval for the project will depend on Federal Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg’s decision about the mine’s impact on threatened species and water resources.
In a letter to Federal member for Dobell Emma McBride the Minister said consideration would include advice from a 2013 Independent Expert Scientific Committee report which states:
“There are significant risks associated with the proposed project having a detrimental and long-lasting effect on an already stressed water supply catchment.”
This advice was given by the Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development in 2013.
Ms McBride and Wyong MP David Harris are calling on the Minister to intervene and use his powers to stop the mine.
“Minister Frydenberg has the chance to stop this mine. If he doesn’t, he’s not only ignoring our community, he is ignoring the advice of experts that clearly say this mine is a threat to our water catchment,” MS McBride said.
“Our waterways are precious and this mine could have an impact for decades to come.”
She said Mr Frydenberg should,” do the right thing and reject this mine”.
“The community opposes this mine and Labor opposes this mine. The NSW Liberals said they would oppose it, but so far they’ve done nothing but break their promise to the people of the Central Coast,” Mr Harris said.
