I encourage all members of the community to have their say on the proposed Hume Coal project, however, it’s important to make sure all comments are based on science and fact, not repeating the continuous untruths told by local opposition groups. 

Ms Hermiston has compared the Hume Coal proposal to the open cut mines of the Hunter Valley. 

This is a gross misrepresentation of the fact that the Hume Coal proposal is a low impact underground mine. Not an open cut.

Comparisons between the open cut mines of the Hunter Valley and the benign impacts of Hume Coal’s low impact mine design are fanciful. 

Ms Hermiston’s argument that the 300+ jobs to be generated by the project are “hollow” and ignores the region’s high unemployment and the fact that over 360 people have already expressed their interest in working with Hume Coal. 

Studies and experience in regions like Mudgee and the Hunter Valley show that tourism and mining can support each other and grow together.

Hume Coal has also published clear evidence that real estate values in Southern Highlands have risen significantly since the mine was proposed, not fallen.

Finally it’s disappointing that someone who claims to be an evidence-based health professional can make statements without any scientific backing, that are to misleading local residents.

It is good that the Department of Planning and Environment is reminding people about making submissions regarding Hume Coal/POSCO mine and rail projects.

Those who read the EIS will note that the projected return to the state of NSW over 20 years is about $15 million per year.

This is hardly such a generous return and certainly not worth the community disruption that this mine would cause if it went ahead.

The potential earnings to the state could well decrease because of the falling price of coal.

We also have announcements in today’s (June 21) paper about how well NSW is doing and what an impressive budget the new treasurer has brought down.

So why would we want to risk the environment and the major tourism attractions of the Southern Highlands, as well as our growing reputation as a clean green food production area, by putting a coal mine right next to Berrima?

The state and this community does not need this coal mine.

Do you have something on your mind that you want to share? 

Why not get your message across in the Southern Highland News Letters to the Editor. 

While publishing consideration is given to all letters preference is given to those that are 250 words or less. 

Please include name as well as contact details for the purpose of clarification where necessary.

Letters may be edited for space, clarity or legal reasons and will be published online.