The PAC won’t be convening just one public hearing in December, but two, listening to arguments for and against two of the biggest planned mine continuation projects in the region.

Rio Tinto’s proposed $688 million Bengalla Continuation Project, west of Muswellbrook, is looking for PAC approval to nearly double maximum production to 15 million tonnes for an additional 24 years.

Closer to Singleton, Rio Tinto’s Mount Thorley Warkworth Continuation Project is seeking approval to mine for a further 21 years, moving 698 hectares west beyond the currently approved mining footprint on mine-owned land.

In 2013, the NSW Land and Environment Court blocked Mount Thorley Warkworth’s attempts to secure a long-term future in the region, although the mine was recently granted an interim measure to maintain production for two years with the approval of its Modification 6 Project.

Both PAC public hearings are scheduled eight days apart, in the lead up to Christmas.

PAC Chair Garry West, Abigail Goldberg and David Johnson will preside at a public hearing into the Bengalla Continuation Project at Muswellbrook’s RSL Club on Wednesday, December 10.

The following week, PAC Chair Paul Forward, Lynelle Briggs and Gordon Kirkby will convene at the Singleton Heights Diggers Club on Thursday, December 18.

Both PACs must assess the merits of each project as a whole, paying particular attention to cumulative air quality, noise and blasting impacts and any measures that could be implemented to reduce impacts, if the projects are approved.

Although extensive submissions have already been made in writing to the Department of Planning, with these documents forwarded to the PAC Secretariat, the PAC public hearings are the key public forum where members of the local community get a chance to speak.

For those in the mining industry, jobs are potentially at risk.  Bengalla employs around 500 workers and sub-contractors.  Mt Thorley Warkworth has more than a thousand employees.

For those close to the perimeter of each mine worried about environmental issues, especially air and water quality, the spectre of a PAC approval will change the way they live for decades to come.

For those in local manufacturing and engineering industries that service the mines, or for those engaged in thoroughbred breeding and viticulture, all have a vested interest in the outcome one way or another.

Is the NSW Planning Minister oblivious to these considerations when he directs the Planning Assessment Commission to hold a public hearing?  Or is the PAC schedule so busy with Major Projects there is simply no other time slot?

Further information can be obtained by contacting the Planning Assessment Commission on 02 9383 2100, or by emailing pac@pac.nsw.gov.au