Members of the thoroughbred industry have been asked to make a written submission to Independent Planning Commission surrounding the proposed Maxwell Underground Coal Mine Project in the Hunter Valley.
Malabar Resources purchased the former Drayton South mine some years ago and are proposing the establishment of an underground coal mine on land which is close to several major studs, including Coolmore and Godolphin.
A public hearing, which is being conducted by Zoom, started on Wednesday and is slated to continue through this week.
Members of the thoroughbred industry who are concerned or opposed to the proposal are being asked to compile a written submission and submit it to the Independent Planning Commission by the deadline of November 20.
The primary concerns from the local breeders in that part of the Hunter Valley is the impact an underground mine may have on water.
The farms are concerned that the water assessments undertaken by Maxwell do not assess the mine's impacts on groundwater beneath the farms, with an expected drop in the water table, as well as water flowing through the farms.
They are particularly concerned about the impact of the groundwater changes during times of drought, and what impact any change will have on pastures, paddocks and shade trees.
Foals playing at Godolphin’s Woodlands Stud
"The Department of Planning’s Assessment Report says, 'the project is unlikely to have a significant impact on the quality or quantity of groundwater within the Hunter alluvium and is unlikely to substantially alter the flow regimes or quality within the Hunter River'. How do the Department know this when there has been no assessment of the vulnerable groundwater beneath Coolmore?" a letter circulated among Hunter Valley breeders said.
There are also concerns about the impact on air quality of mining operations with 2019 recorded as the worst year on record in the Hunter Valley in that regard, exacerbated by bushfires in the region.
The other aspect which concerns the major farms is the impact of underground blasting on horse wellbeing
"Horse’s hearing is more sensitive and acute than humans. They are prone to being startled, with a highly developed flight instinct. Thoroughbreds tend to be the most highly-strung breed of horse and are easily the most valuable," the letter said.
"Malabar Coal have offered to give notification of blasting, how will they let the horses know?"
The possible closure of Edderton Road, which links not only to Scone Equine Hospital, but to many of the other major farms in the region, is another area of significant concern.
The best way is make a submission to the Independent Planning Commission is via the online portal, where documents can be uploaded until next Friday.
