NSW Greens MP and environment spokesperson Cate Faehrmann is calling on the government to revoke recent approvals for more underground coal mining in Sydney’s water catchment after revelations of warnings from Water NSW of the serious risks mining poses to the security of Sydney’s water supply.
“You can’t get a stronger submission from a government agency than this. Clearly, if Water NSW could ban mining in our water catchments it would,” said Ms Faehrmann.
“Sydney’s water catchment is the only publicly owned water catchment in the world that has longwall mining allowed under it. For the government to approve more mining after it has been advised of the risks mining poses to millions of people’s water supply is nothing short of criminal.
“One of the problems is that the mining companies always underestimate and downplay potential water losses from subsidence when they seek approvals. Then, once in operation, it’s not exactly known how much water is lost, except that it’s substantial.
“Sydney’s dams are dropping at the rate of 0.5% per week and will be just at 50% in a little over a month’s time.
“With climate change meaning less rainfall in many of our catchments, the government must urgently revoke all approvals it has granted to expand mining under Sydney’s water catchment. It’s time the security of Sydney’s drinking water is put ahead of mining interests,” said Ms Faehrmann.
