Media Release
Wollongong Coal Limited Ph : +61 (2) 4223 6800
Fax : +61 (2) 4223 7449
7 Princes Highway, Cnr Bellambi Lane Corrimal, NSW 2518 www.wollongongcoal.com.au
MEDIA STATEMENT
Second PAC Review of Underground Expansion Project
1 April 2016
Wollongong Coal acknowledges the Planning Assessment Commission's (PAC) concerns regarding environmental impacts of the company's Underground Expansion Project (UEP) at the Russell Vale Colliery.
The NSW Department of Planning and Environment recommended that the Project be approved and Wollongong Coal maintains its proposal was underpinned by technical studies which addressed the concerns of the previous PAC review.
Despite significant challenges Wollongong Coal has persevered with the unconditional support of its major shareholders and worked tirelessly for several years to ensure the proposal met the requirements of government policies.
Wollongong Coal notes the PAC report acknowledges global demand for high quality coking coal such as the resource at Russell Vale, a critical steel making input, will remain high into the future.
Wollongong Coal also notes the NSW Government has actively supported BlueScope Steel in part due to its important role as a job generator in the Illawarra.
Given the significant economic and employment challenges currently facing the Illawarra Wollongong Coal continues to consider its assets a critical component to an integrated, long term economic plan for the region.
While the PAC is correct in its assertion the Project is short term in nature its approval was part of Wollongong Coal's longer term strategy to re-establish a stable and sustainable operation with benefits extending far beyond those of the UEP.
The company will now review the PAC's report in detail before it determines its future course of action.
Media contact:
Jonathon Moore 0405 167 675