GARDENS OF STONE ALLIANCE - MEDIA RELEASE
MONDAY 26TH OCTOBER 7AM
Today, Centennial Coal and Gardens of Stone Alliance member, 4nature, commenced a two-day court hearing over the status of the mothballed Angus Place underground coal mine near Lithgow.
The Gardens of Stone Alliance fully supports the legal action by 4nature that seeks to overturn an approval of the long-dormant mine, ensure rehabilitation occurs and pollution of Sydney’s drinking water catchment stops.
Luke Gelder, Campaigner for Gardens of Stone Alliance said: “This mine should already have been cleaned up. There has been no coal mined for over 10 years but the mine continues to damage some of the most spectacular and sensitive landscapes in NSW and release contaminated mine water into Sydney‘s drinking water catchment.”
Andrew Cox, 4nature president, said: “We’re taking this action to enforce the law and to ensure the community retains confidence in the planning system.
“4nature alleges that the mine’s consent had run out and rehabilitation was required. 4nature wants Centennial to rehabilitate the site and prevent any further adverse environmental impacts”.
This case highlights one aspect of a larger problem with polluting developments in our drinking water catchment.
Following 4nature’s previous successful challenge of the Springvale mine in 2017, the government passed special legislation, allowing developments to keep polluting Sydney’s drinking water catchment.
Alongside 4nature’s legal action, the Gardens of Stone Alliance is campaigning to close the loopholes in NSW planning law that allows polluting development to continue their operations impacting our drinking water catchment.
Jacqui Mills, Senior Climate Campaigner at Nature Conservation Council NSW said: “We are calling on the NSW Government to take control and more actively address the impacts of coal mining and coal-fired power stations in the Lithgow region.
“The government needs to ensure we are not left with a toxic legacy, and instead local streams and the community inherit a healthy and safe environment once coal mining ends.”
ENDS
Notes
The Gardens of Stone Alliance was formed in 2005 to protect the natural and cultural values of the Gardens of Stone. Its members include the Blue Mountains Conservation Society, Lithgow Environment Group, Nature Conservation Council of NSW, Wilderness Australia, 4nature, Bushwalking NSW and the National Parks Association of NSW.
Case details: 4nature Incorporated v Centennial Angus Place Pty Ltd, File number 2026/00008118. Proceedings can be observed online via https://lec.nsw.gov.au/Facilities-and-support/court-technology/land-and-environment-court---avl-courtroom-observer-links.html or in person at the Land and Environment Court in Sydney from 10am on Monday 26th October. Court Room 13A (court room subject to change).
Media contact: Ellie Chamberlain
echamberlain@nature.org.au (02) 9516 0135
Spokespeople are available for comment on request.
