hmmm.... almost too good to be true! wish i was a horse stud owner.

The opponents of this mine may celebrate their NIMBY victory but the fact of the matter is there is demand for coal which will mean the miners will only go somewhere else.

This is great news, but I suspect it has more to do with the upcoming election and the wealthy horse racing industry lobby than protecting our valley.

Please note this is the FIRST coal mine knocked back by the State government--ever. The Pages River and aquifers are now safe from the ravages of an open cut coal mine. It's also good news for the Caroona community fighting big mining further north on the Liverpool Plains--one of the State's food bowls. You can't eat or drink coal!

Why isn't there a 40% super tax on thoroughbred horse studs?

Kev and Wayne will want this overturned before July 1 2012 in time for the super tax. kRudd to KK 'knock it back and let it go away before the elections so we look like good guys by the time the elections are over they will challenge it in court and win just in time for the 40% tax win win all round'

Interesting that water contamination is a reason, when most coal mines have high risks of contaminating water supplies. Looking at the water contamination to LT Creek and Stoney Creek from mining, both of which run into Lake Macquarie, and wonder why the NSW Government allow mines to be built anywhere that could even possibly contaminate Lake Macquarie (4 1/2 times bigger than Sydney Habour) when it could seriously affect locals and tourists who use the lake for recreation along with the sea life that could be affected. According to this ruling there should never be any more coal mines built near Lake Macquaire.

Good call Keneally. Whilst i work in the coal industry and am all for it, there does come a point where we just have to put up the sign and say enough is enough in the Hunter.

So the state government gets more $$$ from gambling that mining royalties?

I forgot to mention, how can this mine be a threat to "region’s thoroughbred industry" but yet no other mines are a threat to human's. How does the Premier explain this contradiction? If a coal mine is a danger to horses, then it must also be a danger to humans. Why then are open cut coal mines allowed to be built so close to human populations?