Coal & Allied hands over land for conservation

Providing social, environmental and economic benefits to residents is at the forefront of Coal & Allied's proposed development in the growing Lower Hunter region of New South Wales.

In 2006, Coal & Allied signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the New South Wales Government, proposing to transfer 80 per cent of our surplus land in the area (more than 3,300 hectares) to permanent conservation, pending approval to develop the remaining 20 per cent of the land with around 7,000 homes.

Coal & Allied external relations manager Fiona Nicholls said this development would meet six per cent of the overall growth projected for the region as outlined in the New South Wales Government's Lower Hunter Regional Strategy.

"Coal & Allied is very pleased to be working with the NSW Government and the community
on the Lower Hunter lands project, which will contribute a large portion of land to the conservation corridors from the Watagans to Stockton Bight and the Wallarah Peninsula," Ms Nicholls said.

"Our proposed residential development at Black Hill, Minmi, Link Road, Gwandalan and Catherine Hill Bay would bring hundreds of jobs to the region and contribute towards meeting the housing needs of what is a growing region in New South Wales."

In 2007 Coal & Allied implemented an extensive community consultation project to better understand the values and needs of the Lower Hunter community.

"During 2007, residents, community groups and service providers attended workshops, community briefings and stakeholder meetings to consider issues related to conservation, urban design, infrastructure and economic development," Ms Nicholls said.

"The community consultation process has opened up invaluable dialogue between Coal & Allied and the community, with concept plans having been open for public comment through to 2008.

"The community has played a pivotal role in helping Coal & Allied refine its development plans and take steps towards building a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable future that preserves the unique character of the Lower Hunter region."