There will be no tunnels underneath The Drip.
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That is according to Environment Minister Mark Speakman, who has announced the state government had fulfilled its pre-election promise to include 23 hectares of land surrounding The Drip and add it the Goulburn River National Park.
‘‘No mining activity will affect The Drip and there will be no tunnels under this land which has been reserved today,’’ Mr Speakman said on Wednesday.
But the couple who fought to preserve The Drip are not convinced and say the fight to protect in perpetuity the iconic feature was not over.
Julia Mullins and Colin Imrie said Chinese state-owned mining company Yancoal had a map showing a potential tunnel only 20 metres to the west of The Drip.
‘‘It’s a partial victory,’’ Ms Mullins said.
‘‘Now we’ve got National Park around the drip but if they proceed to tunnel underneath the river and mine on both sides that will ultimately damage the river and The Drip in the long term.
‘‘The fight is still not won. ‘‘They haven’t protected it in perpetuity, which is what they are saying.’’
“This is a win for the community. We are saving this spectacular feature for future generations to treasure and to enjoy.”
Mr Speakman said further work was ongoing to secure more nearby land for national parks estate over the next two years. This is part of a binding agreement reached with Moolarben Coal, which also ensures no impact on water supply feeding The Drip and no subsidence impact from mining on The Drip and immediately adjacent lands.
‘‘This is a win for the community,’’ Mr Speakman said. ‘‘We are saving this spectacular feature for future generations to treasure and enjoy.’’
Minister Speakman and Planning Minister Rob Stokes travelled to Mudgee last week to meet a representative of the Mudgee District Environment Group (MDEG) to discuss the commitment to protect The Drip.
MDEG members met with Nature Conservation Council CEO Kate Smolski last night to discuss the latest developments on The Drip.
The group is concerned that the area of land to be added to the Goulburn River National Park is less than half the area recommended by the Office of Environment and Heritage.
The Member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen said he was delighted the government had acted to save The Drip.
“This is great news for the local community and a great day for the environment with this spectacular piece of land saved for everyone to enjoy,” Mr Johnsen said.
Mr Johnsen said further work is ongoing in securing more nearby land for the national parks estate over the next two years.
This is part of a binding agreement reached with Moolarben Coal which also ensures no impact on water supply feeding The Drip feature and no subsidence impact from mining on The Drip and immediately adjacent lands.
“This is a Government that honours its commitments,” Mr Speakman said.
“We have returned The Drip to public hands after the former Labor Government converted the leasehold to freehold for mining interests for a paltry $2,000.
“This is a win for the community. We are saving this spectacular feature for future generations to treasure and to enjoy.”