Breeders win out over coal mine proposal
Racenet
The Australian breeding industry is celebrating after the NSW Planning Assessment Commission put an end to the Drayton South coal mine project.
The Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association have welcomed the news that the NSW PAC deemed the economic benefits of the project do not outweigh the potential demise of the Hunter Valleys equine industry and that the project is not in the public interest.
"The Planning Assessment Commission determination demonstrates that the Governments new process can protect our strategic agricultural industries, critical industry clusters and the health and welfare of our regional communities, Dr Cameron Collins president of the HTBA said.
The Upper Hunter is a close and diverse community where all jobs and industries are valued. This has been a long and stressful process for all involved. We now look forward to building a sustainable future for our region. We hope that with better planning communities can be spared unnecessary land use conflicts and the stresses those conflicts impose.
"Todays PAC determination reinforces the state, national and international importance of the Hunter Valleys Thoroughbred Breeding Industry and the integral importance of our industrys two central players, Coolmore and Darley. It also recognised that once damage is done to our key international studs it is irreversible.
Breeding superpowers Darley and Coolmore led the fight against the mining proposal and both international breeders said the decision gives "peace of mind for the future.
"At a time when the thermal coal industry is in structural decline, it is important that we protect and preserve strategic and sustainable industries that will provide long term jobs and the prospects of continued long term regional growth for generations to come, Darley Australia managing director Henry Plumptre said.
"We are very relieved for our employees, their families, our clients and our community. It has shown that the process works, and for that we are very grateful, Tom Magnier Coolmore Australia principle said.
