IT is certainly inconvenient that the approval process for some large Hunter coalmining proposals appears to have been slowed by, among other things, some investigations into levels of airborne dust in the areas in question.
But it must be borne in mind that Hunter people have been calling on the state government for more than a decade to provide meaningful studies on the cumulative impacts of large-scale mining.
Regrettably, the government's efforts to satisfy these demands have been sporadic and half-hearted, with the result that some Hunter communities are close to boiling over with frustration at what some perceive as a lack of concern about their health and welfare.
The Hunter has lived with coalmining for the best part of two centuries and has enjoyed many benefits from the industry.
But in recent years the rapid growth of open-cut mining on a massive scale has created new conflicts that are yet to be fully understood by distant decision-makers whose primary interest may arguably be the profits and royalties that flow from continuing mine expansion.
Land-use conflicts have emerged between mines and farms, mines and studs and mines and residential areas.
Water resources are perceived to be under threat in some areas and community fears about the possible health effects of extraordinary volumes of airborne dust particles from mines are attracting national attention.
Under the circumstances the government is obliged to take stock of the situation. Reports suggest it has already received advice that - in the case of Camberwell village, at least - the cumulative impact of airborne dust from mines has not been properly considered.
The government has committed itself to a new dust monitoring network but argument is still raging over the form this should take.
For its part, the coal industry has called on the government to re-engage in regional planning, setting out clearly which areas of the Hunter and the state ought to be mined and which ought to be quarantined from mining.
It should be clear to the government that "business as usual" won't be acceptable in future mine approvals. Hunter people want mining, its jobs and its benefits. But they have a right to expect the industry to be sensibly and sensitively managed and regulated.
Closer attention to staging and timing of mine approvals might be a start. Genuine attention to the cumulative impacts of multiple mines is a must.
Fernleigh track
WITH the $2 million fifth stage of the Fernleigh track, from Redhead to Belmont, now over its critical planning hurdles, those responsible for construction will have to move quickly. The job must be finished by December in order to qualify for vital federal stimulus funding.
That's not much time, particularly for a public project.
The community can't afford to miss out on such an important one-off subsidy, so speed - as well as quality - will be essential.
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