News

Independent MP, Jacqui Scruby, today will introduce a bill to protect Sydney’s drinking water from coal mine pollution, delivering a Labor promise it has failed to act on. 

The Gardens of Stone Alliance commends Ms Scruby for her efforts to prevent pollution in the Sydney drinking water catchment and calls on the Minns Government to support the Bill. 

The legislation would close loopholes in pollution laws that have been exploited by NSW coal mines operating in the Sydney drinking water catchment, in line with promises made by NSW Labor whilst in opposition. 

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. 

A Blue Mountains City Council (BMCC) objection to a planning proposal by the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort accuses the company of using a road closure crisis to lock in a permanent 256% surge in flight volumes.

Imagine hiking in one of Australia’s most spectacular regions, only to have the peace shattered by constant helicopter noise. This is the reality facing the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area if a new proposal is approved, potentially wasting $50 million in government investment for visitor facilities.

Pagodas Over Profits: Katoomba Public Meeting Unanimously Calls for NSW Government to reject Commercial Glamping Proposals for Gardens of Stone

A crowd of over fifty concerned citizens last night sent a clear message to the NSW Government: that conservation areas are not resort development zones. At a public meeting held in Katoomba, attendees voted unanimously to demand an immediate halt to the proposed "glamping" resorts within the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area.

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Wilderness Australia warned today that the Minns Government’s role in a proposed resort program will set a dangerous precedent. If approved, then no site in the NSW National Park estate will be safe from resort development.

“The Minns Government is handing over some of the most globally iconic and rare natural landscapes to a resort developer,” said Keith Muir, Wilderness Australia spokesperson.

LITHGOW, NSW – Wilderness Australia has hit out at the New South Wales Government’s plans to allow private resort developments within the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area, labelling the proposal a betrayal of the region’s internationally significant geoheritage.

MEDIA RELEASE 
Toxic pollution in Sydney’s drinking water catchment surges far beyond approved limits 
11th December 2025