Highlands action groups have welcomed the release of Hume Coal’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
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The EIS went on public exhibition on March 31 and both Coal Free Southern Highlands (CFSH) and Battle for Berrima will be looking closely at the document.
CFSH president Peter Martin said he was glad to finally be able to view the EIS after years of waiting.
“We’ve been waiting for over six years now for Hume Coal to table its EIS and we’re ready to go,” he said.
“There are so many fundamental issues with this project which is in a tourism, retirement and agricultural mecca.”
Mr Martin said CFSH would hold public meetings in the Highlands to explain the project plans in more detail and the issues of concern in the community.
Battle for Berrima president Ken Wilson said the group would soon announce a series of shire wide submission writing workshops and information sessions on the EIS process.
“Battle for Berrima will continue to help local residents, families, business owners, farmers and communities make their voices heard against the interests of big coal mining,” he said.
“After two years of failed consultation promises and dismissing the legitimate opposition of tens of thousands of locals opposed to their proposal, Hume Coal has been forced to reveal the detail behind their plans to create the first mega scale underground coal mine in the Southern Highlands.”
The document will be on public exhibition for 90 days from March 31 until June 30.
A spokesperson from the Department of Planning and Environment said this was three times the required exhibition time frame.
“Community groups requested the extension and in considering this, the department recognised that the project EIS is an extensive, technical document and people may need extra time to absorb and make a submission,” the said.
“Members of the public, all community groups, and relevant government agencies will all have 90 days to provide feedback on the proposal.”
Highlanders can take part in the discussion and find more information about the Hume Coal Project at www.yoursay.humecoal.com.au
Anyone who wants to make a formal submission will need to go to the Department of Planning and Environment and make their submission through the Major Projects website.
Visit www.majorprojects.nsw.gov.au to make a formal submission.
