Coal news and updates

NSW Govt to sell Cobbora coal mine

It is hoped the State Government's plans to sell the Cobbora coal mine near Dunedoo for agricultural use will provide relief for the community.

The Treasurer Gladys Berejikilian has announced the expressions of interest process for the coal project is being cancelled.

She says the valuation for the 44,500 hectare site to be used for farming exceeds all offers made by parties keen to develop it as mine.

The Warrumbungle Shire says the ongoing uncertainty about the coal project has been devastating for the region.

The general manager Steve Loane said he hoped the Council was involved in the sale process to ensure agricultural output was maximised.

"Well the impact on the community has been quite devastating," Mr Loane said.

"There's been 90 properties have sold up and a similar number of families moved away and kids off school buses and, you know, this has been heavily discussed in the community and we're still trying to recover from that.

"We're not sure about the construct of this but this might be a way forward."

The government decided not to develop the coal project in 2013 but completed the approvals process.

Mr Loane said the land had deteriorated since the original purchase.

"I hope council is involved in the process of some form to at least to have some stewardship of the land, to make sure that the land is going into full production or that there will be some improvements to the degradation."

The Treasurer says work to sell the land will begin shortly.

source: http://www.abc.net.au