The Wilpinjong coal mine, located between Denman and Mudgee, Australia. Photo: Newcastle Herald
The Wilpinjong coal mine, located between Denman and Mudgee, Australia. Photo: Newcastle Herald

By Ben Butler
9 October 2019

(The Guardian) – The New South Wales government is considering opening two large coal fields to exploration as it seeks to make the state the “number one mining investment destination”, Guardian Australia has learned.

The Advisory Body for Strategic Release, which controls the state’s minerals reserves, has written to the deputy premier, John Barilaro, who is also the minister for regional affairs, recommending the Berejiklian government approve the development of the Hawkins-Rumker area in the central tablelands and the Wollar field near Bylong.

“No decision has been made by the NSW government to open up areas to strategic release,” a spokeswoman for Barilaro said.

“The NSW deputy premier is determined to make the state the number one mining investment destination and coal has a critical part to play in that.”

Map showing the locations of two large coal fields that the New South Wales government is considering opening to exploration as it seeks to make the state the “number one mining investment destination”. Graphic: The Guardian
Map showing the locations of two large coal fields that the New South Wales government is considering opening to exploration as it seeks to make the state the “number one mining investment destination”. Graphic: The Guardian

Approval could open the door for more areas to be developed, including the Doyles Creek mine linked to the former NSW resources minister Ian Macdonald, who is to face trial on corruption charges in February, with the former Labor powerbroker Eddie Obeid.

It comes as the NSW government considers legislation to ease the way for new mines by preventing planning authorities considering the environmental impact of emissions when coal is burned.

NSW’s economy is the worst performing on the east coast, with gross state product last year a low 2.6 percent – a result that was propped up by state government spending.

Spending growth in the state recently fell to zero after consumers closed their wallets and Sydney’s housing market stalled. [more]

NSW government may open two new coal fields for exploration to boost economic growth