NRF raises objections to multiple proposed mines in Newcastle

Drawing on his 26 years of experience with the Newcastle Local Council,  NRF Chairman Matthew Shunmugam highlighted the serious risks the mining operations pose to the community. These include the threat of flooding, infrastructure integrity, and property values.

“Given my extensive experience, it’s clear that the risks to our community are significant,” Shunmugam stated, urging both local and provincial authorities to consider the long-term consequences of the proposed coal mine before moving forward.

One of his primary concerns is the potential for increased flooding in the area. He pointed to the severe flooding in February 2023, which affected Paradise, Suryaville, Fernwood, and Lennoxton.

“Flooding has been a recurring problem, and despite some efforts, mitigation strategies have not been successful. The risk will only worsen with the mining operations,” Shunmugam warned.

In his objection letter, Shunmugam highlighted the town’s flood mitigation infrastructure, which he says has been largely ineffective. Although private companies have made an effort to resolve some problems, the lack of municipal money has brought progress to a halt.

He called for a scientific study to reassess outdated flood lines and to implement better flood mitigation measures and for the municipality to work with hydrologists to dredge and widen our rivers to prevent future disasters. “

To date, 25 of the 28 flood victims have been relocated to new properties. This clearly indicates the seriousness of the flooding with private households along riverbanks in Paradise, Suryavuille, and Lennoxton having to endure annual flooding with the majority of houses submerged in water up to window height in some areas,” he said

Beyond flooding, Shunmugam also raised concerns about the strain the additional housing to accommodate mine workers would have on Newcastle’s already overburdened infrastructure and sewer systems.

“Any additional housing development to cater for additional workers who may be employed in these mines will place additional demands on the sewer, water and electrical problems as demand is already outstripping supply,” he said

Another key issue is the impact on local roads. The D96 road, which serves as a vital access route to various farms, tourist destinations, and the Vulintaba Estate, is already deteriorating.

Shunmugam believes that heavy traffic from the coal project could accelerate the road’s decline and increase the risk of accidents. “The current single bridge on the D96 road would not be able to accommodate the anticipated vehicular traffic. A detailed traffic impact assessment (TIA) should be undertaken, and a report provided,” he stated.

“The proposed route to be used should be made public, and due to the deteriorating state of the roads in the CBD, coal trucks cannot be allowed to transverse the CBD, adding to the further deterioration of the ageing infrastructure. The traffic will only add to the already congested roads in the CBD.”

Shunmugam called for the mining company to contribute to improving local infrastructure, such as roads and stormwater management. He emphasised that any changes should involve community stakeholders to ensure their concerns are addressed and that projects align with the needs of the residents.

Shunmugam is also worried about the effect mining will have on properties in the area, particularly those on undermined land or with high clay content –  in the vicinity of Green, Draper, Nightingale and Carrington Streets, which lie in the heart of the residential areas of Lennoxton and Suryaville.

He pointed out the effects that the proposed mining would have on adjoining properties (Fernwood and Sunset View), which have already shown signs of subsidence due to old mining activities.

“With underground mining, there is always a possibility of vibrations taking place which could lead to the possible cracking of buildings or subsidence and may lead to the sinking of the “reopened section of Draper Street”.

“The Inspector of Mines must be consulted to give the go-ahead of any mining activity likely to take place in the immediate vicinity as it may have an indirect impact on the structural integrity of buildings nearby the proposed mining activity,” he explained.

Shunmugam also questioned the role of the local council in approving the project, particularly the confusion about whether the council has endorsed the mining project.

“We want to see the minutes from council meetings where the project was discussed. The public is entitled to know what has been decided and how it will affect them,” he stated.

He called for an extension of the public participation period. “The project is moving too fast, and the current time frame for public comment is insufficient. We need more time to assess the full implications of the mining project,” he said. He suggested holding additional public participation meetings, particularly in Ward 3, which is expected to be most affected.

The NRF concluded by requesting a more thorough review of the proposed coal project, including financial stability, infrastructure impacts, and active community involvement and response from the relevant authorities.

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