Peabody Energy has offered to extend its existing voluntary planning agreement if approval is granted to extend its Wilpinjong coal mine.
The extension project, currently on public exhibition until March 10, proposes to extend the life of the mine from 2026 through to 2033 with production of coal up to 16 million tonnes per annum.
It will include 800 hectares of open cut extensions, as well as supporting construction activities, including road and electricity transmission line relocations.
Construction activities are expected to require employment of 100 additional people, and a peak level of operational employment of approximately 625 people is anticipated.
Peabody’s existing agreement came into effect with the approval of Wilpinjong’s modification number five in 2014.
Under the conditions the company provides $12,000 for each permanent employee/contractor at the site in excess of 100 to Mid-Western Regional Council for community infrastructure and amenity contributions.
The payments are to be spread out over the 20 years of the mine.
Peabody’s representatives have met with Mid-Western Regional Council staff, general manager Brad Cam and Mayor Des Kennedy to discuss the extension of the existing voluntary planning agreement for the proposed new operation into Slate Gully.
A report on the matter will be considered at council’s meeting this week and is expected to be placed on public exhibition for 28 days.
A follow-up report is expected to be submitted to council following the exhibition period.
Source: Mudgee Guardian, 14 February 2016