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Blue Haven and San Remo would become the "coal dust capitals of the
Central Coast" if a proposed coal mine goes ahead.
That's the warning from Australian Coal Alliance spokesman Alan
Hayes.
The organisation is fighting a proposal by Korean mining giant to
build a longwall coal mine in the Yarramalong and Dooralong Valleys
and a coal loader and stockpile near Tooheys Road, west of Blue
Haven.
Mr
Hayes told a meeting of more than 100 concerned residents on
Saturday, 10 December, that the proposed loader would be less than 3
kilometres from the growing residential areas. The meeting was
attended by then NSW opposition leader Peter Debnam whose party has made
a commitment to reject the coal mine if elected to government in
March.
Mr
Hayes said coal dust could travel up to 10 kilometres with just the
slightest breeze.
"They are fine particles of dust that cause coughing, wheezing and
respiratory ailments," he said.
"If this coal mine goes ahead, you may as well erect a huge
billboard on the Pacific Highway saying 'Welcome to Blue Haven and
San Remo - coal dust capitals of the Central Coast."
In 2007, then opposition
leader Peter Debnam confirmed the coalition's position not to allow
longwall coal mining beneath the Wyong water catchment valleys to
Blue Haven and San Remo residents.
He said that his party was committed to
protect the Central Coast water supply. Their opposition has not
changed
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