Better protection for landowners affected by mine subsidence could be on the way.
A call from Wollondilly Council on the issue has gained support from the local government association, these days known as Local Government NSW (LGNSW).
A motion by Wollondilly Council calling for an urgent review of the Mine Subsidence Act to better protect and assist landowners affected by mining activities gained support at the recent annual conference of LGNSW.
Wollondilly Council believes that the current review process for mine subsidence damage to properties should be assessed by an independent body.
“We are very pleased to receive this support from LGNSW for our advocacy to support those community members affected by mining and mine subsidence,” says Mayor Matt Gould.
“We have heard from many of our residents that the current subsidence process is inadequate, with many of them living for years with damage to their properties caused by mining in the area.
“We would like to see more assistance provided to these residents as soon as possible, as well as the establishment of an independent assessment and review process to replace the process that is currently overseen by Subsidence Service NSW,’’ he said.
“Although council acknowledges that a subsidence review may take some time, this support from LGNSW will help us take the next step in achieving a positive outcome for our community members.”
Mine subsidence has been an issue of concern in the Macarthur region for decades.
Wollondilly is particularly affected because of widespread mining activities across the shire, at various locations, including Appin and Tahmoor.
But even a residential area as close to Campbelltown as Glen Alpine has had issues with mine subsidence over the years.
