HUNTER Thoroughbred Breeders Association has called on the NSW Government to confirm there will be no coal mining on the Drayton South site after Malabar Coal acquired Anglo American’s controlling interest in the Drayton site.
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Association president Dr Cameron Collins said a clear and immediate statement from the government was needed to “avoid another senseless round of mining applications at Drayton South”, after four separate Planning Assessment Commissions rejected mining at Drayton South.
“We are disappointed that the NSW Government has not acted before now to protect this site and the Equine Critical Industry Cluster in the Hunter,” Dr Collins said.
“We need an immediate, clear and unequivocal commitment from the NSW Government that it will prohibit future mining at the Drayton South site and that it will protect the Hunter’s Equine Critical Industry Cluster. It is imperative that the NSW Government give clear direction to all players, including any new purchasers, that this land will not be mined.”
The association has repeatedly called on the government to amend its State Environmental Planning Policy to prohibit future mining on the Drayton South site.
The NSW Government did not respond to the requests over a number of years and in 2014 the Anglo American made a final attempt to have the Drayton South mine approved. The extended mine would have seen operations 900 metres from Coolmore and Darley thoroughbred studs. The proposal was rejected in February because of its impacts on the studs and thoroughbred breeding in the Hunter region.
“We cannot operate with any confidence if we are subjected to endless mining applications and a death by a thousand cuts,” Dr Collins said.
“We need Government leadership. We need a strong signal from the NSW Government that it will end the land use conflict in the Hunter, restore investment confidence and protect our industry.
“Our industry and community have been through enough uncertainty and indecision. Four Planning Assessment Commission reports have rejected a mine on the Drayton South site and strongly recommended the protection of the Hunter’s important thoroughbred breeding industry. The sale of Anglo American’s Drayton assets has reignited concerns of future mining applications on this site. “Time has now run out. The NSW Government must make its position clear.”
Malabar Coal’s purchase gives it Drayton’s infrastructure which is expected to complement Malabar’s Spur Hill underground coking coal project.
Malabar Coal chairman Wayne Seabrook said that by using the existing infrastructure the company can realise efficiencies and, “most importantly, reduce the impact of its operations on the local community, neighbours and the environment”.
Malabar Coal shareholders include Tony Haggarty, whose past interests have included Whitehaven Coal.
