Two Illawarra coal mines have been fined by the NSW Department of Planning one for failing to comply with noise limits and the other for not meeting community consultation rules.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The department says Helensburgh Coal’s Metropolitan colliery and Wollongong Coal’s Wongawilli mine have both received $15,000 penalties, the maximum fine under state planning law.
Executive Director of Resources Assessments and Compliance Dr Oliver Holm said the northern mine did not meet its noise limit obligations at four locations surrounding the mine site.
“In response to the enforcement action, the company has begun assessing how to minimise noise for nearby residences and voluntarily agreed to re-assess the mine’s noise emissions under NSW Government policies,” he said.
He said Wollongong Coal failed to hold three required community consultative committee meetings in 2017.
“CCC meetings are an important forum for the community and representatives of the mine to meet and share information or discuss any issues in relation to the project, and are required under the project’s approval,” Dr Holm said.
“Wollongong Coal arranged a CCC meeting in October in response to the Department’s investigation.”