13 March, 2015
The Drip gets the protection it deserves after a powerful and sustained grassroots campaign
Conservationists in the state’s Central West are celebrating the protection of The Drip, an iconic sandstone formation near Mudgee they have been fighting to protect for more than a decade. [1]
NSW Environment Minister Rob Stokes announced today the Baird Government would add a 50-hectare parcel of bushland that includes the Drip Gorge to Goulburn River National Park.
“This is a great victory for the powerful grassroots campaign run by the Mudgee District Environment Group and the Central West Environment Council for more than 10 years,” Nature Conservation Council CEO Kate Smolski said.
“They have overcome years of obstinate resistance from the coal industry and state governments who have refused to acknowledge and protect The Drip’s outstanding natural and cultural values.
“This landmark continues to be threatened by Yancoal’s plans to expand the Moolarben Coal mine, which could drain aquifers that feed the weeping sandstone cliffs that inspired its name.
“The threat intensified last year when the government failed to excise The Drip from Yancoal’s exploration license when it was renewed in May for a further five years. However, we are now delighted the government has listened to the people and committed to protecting this place for future generations.”
Ms Smolski said it was critical that any future development of Yancoal’s Moolarben coal mine not threaten this beautiful part of the world.
“The Drip is a much-loved scenic icon in the Central West, and deserves the protection the Coalition has promised,” Ms Smolski said.
[1] http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/nsw-state-election-2015/nsw-state-election-2015-the-drip-gorge-carved-out-of-coal-lease-to-yancoal-20150313-1438rv.html
TIMELINE
2010 Lands Minister Tony Kelly sells The Drip (public land) to Yancoal without due public process.
2012 The Exploration License over the Drip expired.
2014 NSW Government negotiates for most of this year with Yancoal to protect The Drip in Goulburn River National Park.
2014 The government renews the Exploration License for another five years, to August 2017
The Planning Assessment Commission decision on an expansion proposal requires protection before work starts.
2015 February – Planning Assessment Commission approves Moolarben expansion.
2015 March – Coalition Government pledges to include The Drip in Goulburn River National Park
Tags
Coal and gasForests and wildlife
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