Hume Coal’s claim is based on tourism figures from the Central West and Hunter Valley regions, which have shown steady tourism growth over the past ten years.

Coal production also increased over this time, argued Hume spokesman Ben Fitzsimmons, so the mines haven’t damaged tourism. 

“In the past ten years, the Hunter Valley’s coal production has risen 27 per cent whilst, in the same period tourism has risen 43 per cent,” Mr Fitzsimmons said.

“Both tourism and mining are significant contributors to the economy of the Hunter, but interestingly have not only succeeded in ensuring coexistence, but have thrived through what is clearly a synergetic relationship between the two industries.”

There was no evidence given for the claim of a “synergetic” relationship between coal mining and tourism.

“The picture is the same for the Central West, which has seen a boom in its coal industry (increasing by 138 per cent) and the tourism growing 27 per cent in the decade from 2006,” Mr Fitzsimmons said.

“Hume Coal … had designed a mine which would not only integrate into the existing landscape, but would co-exist and compliment the Southern Highlands’ tourism.”

Residents opposed to the mine are concerned it will damage the area’s identity as clean destination known for its rustic charms of agriculture, food and wine.

The battle over the mine has heated up in the past month as Hume Coal has released its Environmental Impact Statement and residents opposed to the mine ramp up their campaign.

Hume Coal project director Greig Duncan has criticised a recent meeting between anti-mine residents and Premier Gladys Berijiklian along with MPs Pru Goward and Jai Rowell.

He said Hume Coal had not met with the Premier because it “respects the integrity of the Department of Planning and the Planning Assessment Commission” (PAC). “I’m sure the NSW Government has learned from the past about intervention into an independent planning process, otherwise why establish the PAC?” Mr Duncan said.