Feedback sought for mine proposal

A RESEARCH group met with local Aborigines last week to discuss the cultural significance of an area Illawarra Coal is hoping to mine.

Illawarra Coal is preparing management plans for its application to mine a new site in Dendrobium and hired BIOSIS Research to conduct community consultation with stake holders in the area proposed for mining, including Aboriginal groups.

Two representatives of the research group met with members of the Moran family in Bellambi last week to help determine the cultural significance of the area.

"Illawarra Coal acknowledges the importance and significance of the proposed area to traditional owners," said Wendy Tyrell, general manager Sustainable Development at Illawarra Coal.

"For this reason the company has engaged specialists in the field to ensure the right groups are consulted.

"In order to prepare these plans Illawarra Coal is committed to consulting with all appropriate stakeholders, regulatory bodies and agencies, to ensure that guidelines are set and standards are met."

Several members of the Moran family attended the meeting in the park near Bellambi Pool, as one of several groups being consulted about the proposed mine.

"Illawarra Coal will continue to consult and work with all relevant groups who monitor the impacts and potential impacts of its operations," Ms Tyrell said.

The development must be approved by the Department of Primary Industries, the Department of Environment and Conservation and the Department of Planning before it can go ahead.