Greater Blue Mountains Area

Previous deliberations:
Twenty-fourth session of the Committee – paragraph X.A.1

Main issues: integrity questions.

New information: It has been reported to IUCN that a mining company, Centennial Coal, has lodged a development application with an environment impact statement for a major mining lease extension for the Clarence Colliery. The Clarence Colliery is located on Newnes Plateau that adjoins the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area to the east. The report received by IUCN notes three environmental concerns related to this proposal which are likely to directly affect the World Heritage values of the Greater Blue Mountains Area. These are:

• Water pollution
• Water conservation (loss of water to the mine pit)
• Protection of the World Heritage area by an adequate buffer zone.

The Bureau requests the State Party to provide information on the reported lease extension for the Clarence Colliery and its potential impacts on the World Heritage values, before 15 September 2001, so as to enable the twenty-fifth extraordinary session of the Bureau to assess the potential threats to the integrity of the site

In response to the Bureau’s request for further information on the proposed Clarence Colliery mine extension before 15 September 2001, the State Party, via letter dated 14 September 2001, submitted up-to-date information to the Centre. The Australian Government has examined the referral from the company regarding the possible extension of the Clarence Colliery mining lease and determined that additional information is required on water emissions from the mine. Current mine de-watering emissions have been determined by the New South Wales Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to exceed statutory water quality standards and have been causing pollution problems in the Wollangambe River, which flows through the World Heritage Area. The company and the EPA have agreed to a plan for a trial water transfer system that if successful, would result in the cessation of mine de-watering emissions to the Wollangambe River. A decision by the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Heritage on the referral on the proposed expansion of the Clarence Colliery mining lease has been deferred until after the establishment of the trial water transfer system. It is anticipated that a decision will be made on the referral by mid-2002. 

The Bureau may wish to note with satisfaction the actions taken and the information provided by the State Party and request a status report from the State Party for submission at the twenty-sixth session of the Bureau in April 2002.