Department of Planning and Environment: Bylong coal project ‘approvable’ subject to certain conditions
Published by Claire Cuddihy,
Assistant Editor
World Coal,
The NSW Department of Planning and Environment has released its assessment report for the Bylong coal project, which includes recommended conditions requiring opencast mining to remain off the KEPCO owned Tarwyn Park property. KEPCO provided supplementary information for a revised mine plan in accordance with a request made by the Department.
Chief Operating Officer Bill Vatovec said that the revised mine plan will significantly reduce impacts to Tarwyn Park and maximise integration of the final landform with the surrounding topography of the Bylong Valley; and will no longer require removal of the former Upper Bylong Catholic Church and cemetery.
“The revised mine plan for the Bylong coal project is economically viable. This project will be an economic and employment boon for the mid-western region,” Vatovec said.
“KEPCO has already invested over AUS$700 million - if approved, the project will require further capital expenditure of AUS$1.3 billion and a total investment over the next 10 years of AUS$3.8 billion, with a substantial proportion of this within the local region.”
“The Bylong coal project will remain a major local employment generator in the region for 25 years, with 645 jobs at peak construction phase and 450 jobs during the peak operational phase of the project.”
Vatovec said that KEPCO is pleased that the Department of Planning and Environment has stated the Bylong coal project is approvable, subject to its stringent conditions.
“Independent economic modelling has demonstrated the project will provide a benefit of AUS$4.8 to AUS$5 billion for the mid-western regional council local government area and AUS$6.4 to AUS$6.8 billion for the NSW economy.”
“KEPCO Bylong Australia is fully committed to the project. The Bylong coal project will play an essential role in the future energy security of the Republic of Korea.”
Mid-western Regional Council Mayor Des Kennedy said that the Bylong coal project will help the region prosper.
“We want to see the Kandos, Rylstone, Bylong, Mudgee, Gulgong towns grow with new families coming into the region. The Bylong coal project will deliver significant employment opportunities, and substantial long-term economic and social benefits to the Mid-West”.
Greg Dowker, President of Mudgee Chamber of Commerce said the project will generate significant opportunities for businesses and suppliers in Mudgee and surrounding areas.
Vatovec said: “KEPCO looks forward to the determination process by the Independent Planning Commission”.
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/10102018/department-of-planning-and-environment-bylong-coal-project-approvable-subject-to-certain-conditions/
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