In a significant move towards environmental accountability, the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is inviting residents across the state to provide feedback on the regulation of coal mines. This state-wide consultation seeks to gather community insights, ensuring that mining operations are managed in a way that safeguards both public health and the environment.

EPA Chief Tony Chappel emphasised the importance of this consultation as a means to evaluate and potentially enhance the effectiveness of existing coal mine licences. This is a crucial opportunity to ensure that coal mines in NSW are operating as intended, with a focus on protecting the health of the community and the environment. 

“We’re committed to ensuring all mines in NSW are operating environmentally responsibly, and to get a gauge on this it’s key we hear directly from those living in proximity to these sites,” said Mr Chappel. 

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Hearing directly from those who live near these sites is key to understanding the real-world impact of mining operations. “All feedback will be carefully considered, and we won’t hesitate to make necessary changes to strengthen operating requirements,” he added.

Mr Chappel says that the EPA has consistently worked with mine operators to enforce stringent licence conditions, covering areas such as noise, dust, and water quality. 

This consultation allows the EPA to review the sector comprehensively and explore ways to enhance regulatory consistency and transparency, potentially through increased reporting and monitoring, and the EPA are ready to implement any necessary changes to strengthen operational requirements.

This consultation process will complement the statutory five-yearly reviews of coal mine licences, many of which are scheduled for review this year. In line with the EPA’s Climate Change Policy and Action Plan 2023-26, the authority is also committed to updating environment protection licences to progressively reduce emissions and mitigate climate risks.

Public consultation opens on 21 August 2024 and will remain active until 2 October 2024. Residents can participate by visiting the public consultation portal at EPA's "Have Your Say" website.

Additionally, information on coal mine licences and pollution monitoring results provided by industry operators is available to the public via the EPA’s Public Register.

The Bugle contacted Stephen Galilee, CEO, NSW Minerals Council for comment, who said, "Coal mines are heavily regulated and take their environmental performance very seriously. We will engage with the EPA on the current review with the aim of ensuring Environment Protection Licence conditions are fit for purpose."