GLOUCESTER councillors have called on Yancoal to make major changes to its mine expansion plans in an effort to reduce the impact on residents.
At an extraordinary meeting held yesterday, all but one councillor voted in favour of the council’s official response to the company’s environmental impact statement for the project.
While the council does not oppose Yancoal’s expansion, it does not support the proposed extension of the Roseville West pit as it is concerned about the effect on Stratford residents and children attending the village primary school.
The submission also calls for a ban on 24-hour mining and limits on the distance between mining operations and residences.
Councillors say Gloucester Shire Council should be responsible for the monitoring of noise, dust and other environmental effects.
Mayor John Rosenbaum said the council was being very practical about the realities of mining at Stratford and doing its best to achieve reasonable outcomes for the community.
Cr Jim Henderson voted against.
