Ravensworth Homestead Stops Glendell Expansion
The NSW Independent Planning Commission has refused the Glendell Mine expansion project because of the ‘significant, irreversible and unjustified impacts on the historic heritage values of the Ravensworth Homestead complex’.
Glendell Mine, located at Ravensworth between Muswellbrook and Singleton, was originally approved in 1983 and is currently operating under its fourth modification allowing open cut mining operations until June 2024.
This latest, and now refused application, sought to extend operations until December 2045, mining an additional 135 million tonnes of run of mine coal by open cut.
The Commission panel comprising of chair Dianne Leeson, Professor Snow Barlow and Adrian Pilton, heard evidence from a wide range of stakeholders, considered verbal and written submissions before making its decision that it announced last Friday.
The Commission stated that while the project would result in positive employment, economic and social benefits and other key environmental issues such as emissions, rehabilitation, biodiversity, traffic, noise, air quality and visual impacts well managed, the protection of Ravensworth Homestead, located in the centre of the proposed mine expansion, could not be compromised.
In its statement of reasons for refusal, the Commission found that the Ravensworth Homestead complex, comprising of colonial buildings and gardens, has high to exceptional heritage value in its existing historic location and setting.
The Commission found that ‘the removal of the Ravensworth Homestead complex and associated heritage from the Site would constitute a significant loss to future generations’.
The Ravensworth Homestead complex was one of the first land grants in the Hunter Valley and contains a homestead complex and other archaeological resources that date back to the early days of European settlement in the Valley, according to Heritage NSW, and includes evidence of early agriculture by prominent settlers, contact with local Aboriginal people, the use of convict labour and colonial architecture.
In its application, Glencore considered stand off mining options including mining up to 100, 500 and 900 metres of the homestead but neither these, or an option to underground, were feasible or viable.
Glencore also suggested the relocation of the complex to land 1.7km nearby or to Broke but the Commission believed this was against the Burra Charter that relates to location. The Commission agreed with the NSW Heritage Council that the physical location and historic setting of the Ravensworth Homestead complex contributes to its significance.
Heritage NSW stated, ‘its story is very much around place it’s around its setting, how it presents in the landscape, why it was built there.’
In response, Glencore was extremely disappointed with the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) decision, particularly when it has invested more than six years and $25 million in studies as well as consulting with the community to produce a viable and environmentally sustainable project.
The project would have provided jobs for up to 600 people and ongoing support for 350 businesses in the Hunter region.
Glencore will now review the IPC’s determination and statement of reasons and then decide if any further course of action is required.