The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) has invited community comments on proposals to develop a new gold mine near Blayney in the Central West and an Environmental Impact Statement on a planned traffic bypass of Coffs Harbour on the North Coast.
Executive Director of Energy and Resources at DPIE, Mike Young said community input was a vital part of the planning process and encouraged everyone to have their say on the Environmental Impact Statement’s (EIS) for the two proposals.
“If developed, McPhillamys Gold Project would operate as a large-scale open cut gold mine with supporting infrastructure,” Mr Young said.
“Water supply for the project would come from surplus water from mines in the Western coalfields and the Mt Piper Power Station near Lithgow via a 90km buried pipeline, to avoid using local water supplies.”
He said the Department was holding a public information session to assist the community better understand the assessment process and to listen to their views on the, McPhillamys Gold Project before the exhibition period closed on 24 October.
Executive Director for Infrastructure Assessments at DPIE, David Gainsford said Roads and Maritime Services had identified a preferred route for the Coffs Harbour bypass which would provide a 14-kilometre four-lane divided highway.
“The exhibition period is a time in which we listen to all views from the community as part of our careful assessment process,” Mr Gainsford said.
He said after the exhibition closed on 27 October, the Department would consider all community submissions.
Further information on both projects, as well as how to have a say can be accessed on the Department’s Major Projects website at this PS News link.
