Hume Coal Project Director Greig Duncan has said claims the company’s proposed mine would impact on Highlands wildlife were “nothing more than fear mongering.”
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His comments followed Battle for Berrima’s plans to hold a series of events this weekend to highlight potential risks to water and wildlife from coal mining.
Mr Duncan said the community deserved the facts regarding the company’s proposal for a low impact underground mine, not emotionally charged and misleading claims.
“The mining method has been developed to ensure minimal surface water losses from stream beds above the mine or elsewhere within the Sydney Water Catchment. We will use a non-caving mining method that will not crack or damage the overlying rock,” he said.
“Hume Coal has a shared interest in the sustainability of our local and regional water systems so that we, and our neighbours, can ensure the ongoing operation of local agricultural activities, as well as the safe and efficient execution of the underground mine.”
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Mr Duncan said claims regarding impacts to the local wildlife, including the platypus, were “designed to hoodwink the local community.”
“Several years of comprehensive environmental assessments included surveys and observations on local wildlife which have been taken into account to ensure the design of the proposed mine prevents the contamination of local waterways and critical wildlife habitats.
“The Hume Coal project will co-exist with the local agricultural, retail, tourism, hospitality and manufacturing industries of the Southern Highlands, as mining has done in the Southern Highlands and other regional areas of NSW for generations.”
