BULGA residents and supporters have slammed the conditional approval of the Rio Tinto Warkworth and Thorley mines.
While the NSW Department of Planning and Environment announced today the final decision would lie with the independent Planning Assessment Commission (PAC), local lobby groups have been angered by the news.
Bulga resident and Bulga Milbrodale Progress Association president John Krey said the approval undermined two court wins "where justice was handed to Bulga".
The Bulga Milbrodale Progress Association said in a statement The Land and Environment Court, and the NSW Supreme Court (Court of Appeal), had previously rejected Rio Tinto’s plans.
But the company made a new submission in 2014.
“Despite the court judgements in our favour, Rio Tinto and NSW Planning have worked closely together to ensure this open cut mine goes ahead, by hook or by crook," Mr Krey said.
“Today’s decision is pure madness."
He said there was almost 3000 signatories to the Bulga Declaration.
A Department of Planning spokesperson said the department had recommended the commission approve the proposal subject to a range of strengthened conditions including noise and dust limits, report to government and local community on the environmental impacts, protect at least 2900 hectares of biodiversity offset land in the region, contribute $11 million to Singleton Council for community enhancement projects focusing on Bulga village and more.
“The department’s assessment found through the implementation of strict conditions the impacts of the project can be effectively managed, including in Bulga village,” the spokesperson said.
“The department also concluded that the project would result in a range of broad economic benefits for the region, including ongoing employment for the 1,300 people that work at the mine.”
The Commission will now make a final determination about whether the project should be allowed to proceed.
