NSW Minister Niall Blair declares conflict of interest over proposed coal mine bordering his property


A political stoush has erupted over the boundaries of a proposed Southern Highlands coal mine which borders a New South Wales state government minister's family home.

NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Lands and Water Niall Blair has declared a conflict of interest and is refusing to answer any questions about the Hume Coal project, which proposes an underground coal mine bordering his property.

Mr Blair's property at Sutton Forest was included in the mine's exploration lease zone and he recently declared his conflict of interest in Parliament.

The proposed underground coal mine covers a 42-kilometre-square section of that lease zone, with the proposed mine's project area bordering Mr Blair's family home on the Illawarra Highway.

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Plans published by Hume Coal showed the mine's proposed boundaries following the border of the Illawarra Highway at Sutton Forest before appearing to dogleg around Mr Blair's property.

Hume Coal said "no specific detail" was available regarding the apparent dogleg which has intrigued locals opposed to the coal mine.

But the company said the mining project zone was determined by "assessing the geology of the area, as well as understanding where there would be a good spread of exploration drill holes".

Greens mining spokesman Jeremy Buckingham said the company needed to provide an explanation.

"Eyebrows have been raised across the Southern Highlands when people have learned that there is this remarkable dogleg around the minister's property by the mine site," Mr Buckingham said.

Dr Philip Pells sits at outdoor table looking at a laptop
PHOTO: Consultant groundwater engineer for Southern Highlands residents Dr Philip Pells, has concerns about the groundwater. (ABC News)
"It's certainly of concern and I think, very remarkable."

Philip Pells is a groundwater engineer who was hired by the Southern Highlands Coal Action Group to carry out a peer-reviewed study of the Hume Coal license area.

Mr Pells said he had frequently observed mining companies avoid including certain properties in their mine boundaries.

"It often happens that the mining company, in order to avoid triggering concerns by certain persons who own certain land, show the mine plan avoiding that land," Mr Pells said.

"That's happened often and I wouldn't be surprised if it happens down in Sutton Forest."

Locals concerned about impact on groundwater

more here

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-16/minister-declares-conflict-coal-mine-borde...

Greens on their usual mission of trying to drive up unemployment again......the more people they can get on the dole the more support they think they will get.....

Swagman wrote on Nov 16^th, 2015 at 9:47am:



How many new jobs are created by corrupt dealing within the Liberal party?