Greens hit back at NSW mine expansions

THE NSW Greens are criticising a Government decision to allow BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal to mine under Sydney’s water catchment.

The Department of Planning recently approved modifications for the Dendrobium Mine at Mt Kembla in Sydney’s south to expand its operations from 1,900ha to more than 3,300ha.

Greens MP, Lee Rhiannon, says the approval will result in “massive environmental damage” and cause “considerable damage” to streams that feed Sydney’s water supply.

However, Illawarra Coal says the company will not mine directly beneath significant waterways as the expansions are constrained by a range of geological features.

A number of rivers are required to remain untouched as part of the plan approval, including the Sandy Creek waterfall, which has been noted as a ‘very significant natural feature’.