Following our meeting with Centennial Coal (6 Aug 2010), the Association has written to the company to get clarification on several questions which were “taken on notice” by Beau Preston, General Manager, Business Developments and Projects.
Questions which remain unanswered include compensation for landowners for loss of water due to exploratory drilling. We will keep you posted on developments.
In the meantime, Centennial has offered to conduct a “water census” of the Ilford/Running Stream area. The Association strongly recommends that people participate in this study for two key reasons:
1. the more pieces put into the jigsaw puzzle that is our water resource the better the picture will be. By understanding the aquifers and interconnections a safer exploration drilling map can be drawn;
2. the water testing will establish a benchmark against which any impacts from exploration drilling or mining can be measured.
It is critical that we get solid, forensic quality, benchmark information from this census – information that will stand up in court even years later to protect our shared water resource and provide baseline data for possible compensation. The Association is in communication with Centennial to request this happens.
Landholders, if they request it, will be given the results of testing done on their water. Centennial Coal has committed to keeping individual property information confidential and while that specific information will remain private, it is essential that the aggregate data is made public so the true extent of our water resource is fully understood and properly valued.
Access to your property for this water study is separate to access for exploration and for this reason there needs to be a separate access agreement for the water census. RSWUA has spoken to Centennial and they have assured us there will be a separate agreement which should cover indemnity issues. RSWUA understands this is a sensitive and private issue, but it is really important that all landholders participate so that we can protect our water.
RSWUA is also currently clarifying with the NSW Office of Water the correct current legal position with stock and domestic water – to which all landholders have automatic entitlement - and will send that information out in a later newsletter.
To participate in the water census contact John Sandona (Project Manager Inglenook Exploration Project) now at john.sandona@centennialcoal.com.au or Mobile 0418 700 751 or Tel 63590114
(Don’t worry if you have missed the 30 August date, they will still want to hear from you.)
Yours sincerely
The Committee, RSWUA Inc
PS For more information about the water study please contact Jolieske – ph 02 63794318
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Some more comments, by President, on the Public Meeting:
*Centennial’s Access Agreement will be made available for the community to consider.
*Centennial agreed to fill old drill holes on their leases. *Centennial agreed to find out if it was possible for landholders, if they wished, to have access to the results of Centennial’s exploration on their land.
*A strong desire to set up a Community Consultative Committee (CCC) was expressed at the meeting and while this is under the control of the Dept of Planning, Centennial has been asked to support the community in this. We note that the first question asked - if the studies show there will be damage to the water resource, will Centennial walk away from the project? - was not directly answered and instead there was talk about plans & mitigation measures.
The timetable over the 5 year licence is roughly 2 yrs for exploration drilling, beginning with 2km grid & gradually getting closer; landholders paid $550 per week with min $2000 per bore hole; then start planning mine infrastructure. At same time series of environmental studies. About year 4 application for mine goes to Dept of Planning who may require more studies. Final stage whole lot goes on exhibition for public comment. Community consultation throughout the whole process.
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