This was a key element among the Commission’s review of Moolarben Coal’s Stage Two project application announced to the public yesterday.

The Commission expects issues surrounding the “significant local natural feature” will be resolved before determination of Moolarben Coal’s Stage One Modification Nine.

Mudgee District Environment Group welcomed the Planning Assesment Commission’s support.

“The Drip is a significant and iconic natural feature which the Commission agrees should be protected,” the report said.

The Commission has met with the Department of Planning and Infrastructure and was advised progress was being made to “agree on a suitable parcel of land to be incorporated into Goulburn River National Park.”

The environment group’s Bev Smiles believes protection of the land surrounding The Drip is critical to the long term water supply to the popular tourist destination.

“Yancoal has the opportunity to demonstrate credentials as a responsible corporate citizen,” she said.

“The protection of the river corridor and The Drip block along with the generous donation of land by the Imrie family will provide an important addition to the Goulburn River National Park.”

The environment group is now calling on the NSW government to acknowledge the Commission’s recognition of the value of protecting The Drip.

A  Moolarben Coal spokesman said the company “welcomed the Commission’s report and the conclusion that the project can be recommended for approval.”

“The report confirms the significant benefits from this project for the local region and that there are few matters of concern. It also makes a number of recommendations for proposed conditions of consent. Moolarben Coal is considering these recommendations and will respond in due course to the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure,” the spokesman said.

“We note that the PAC agrees with Moolarben’s assessment that the Stage Two expansion and associated modifications will not have any impact on The Drip and should be addressed as part of the approval of the Stage One, Modification Nine proposal.”

Moolarben Coal must now respond to the Commission’s review.