Community feedback sought on coal exploration

The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) is inviting the community to have its say on whether the Hawkins and Rumker areas near Mudgee are appropriate for coal exploration.

The areas being investigated are:

• Hawkins - approximately 26km east of Mudgee and north of Rylstone; and
• Rumker - approximately 37km south-east of Mudgee and north east of Rylstone.

The department’s Executive Director of State Policy and Strategic Advice, Felicity Greenway, said this was the start of an involved process, one where community feedback would be considered at regular intervals.

“Our job is to prepare a report, known as a Preliminary Regional Issues Assessment (PRIA), that considers social, environmental and economic matters, as well as the potential benefits, disadvantages, opportunities and constraints of exploration and mining,” Ms Greenway said.

“To do this, we need to know what the community thinks and that’s why we are seeking its feedback. There will be plenty of opportunity for the community to get involved, including local information sessions, so we encourage people to have their say.”

Ms Greenway said that once DPIE completes the PRIA, it will be reviewed by the NSW Government’s Advisory Body for Strategic Release (ABSR), along with a Resources Assessment, prepared by the Department of Regional NSW. The ABSR will then make recommendations to the Minister for Regional NSW.

“At this stage we are simply seeking feedback, and we urge local businesses, landowners and community members to share their views,” Ms Greenway said. 

Feedback must be received by 28 July 2021.