The NSW Department of Planning has recommended that a proposed coal mine proceeds within 500 metres of stud farms in the Hunter Valley.

The proposed Anglo American Drayton South Open Cut Coal Mine will go ahead despite protests from the Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association and recommendations from the government’s Planning Assessment Commission.

The mine site sits on the border of Coolmore Australia.

“It is incomprehensible that a government department can, with the stroke of a pen, dismiss the advice of two independent bodies appointed by the government and signal the death knell of an entire industry in the Hunter Valley,” said Dr. Cameron Collins, president of the HTBA.

“Billions of dollars of investment, and thousands of jobs for the sake of one mine.

“This is not over yet.  A second independent PAC needs to consider this proposed mine.  The NSW government needs to step up and deliver on its commitments.  We hope that sense will prevail.”

The Hunter Valley is home to world-class studs Darley, Coolmore, Arrowfield and Vinery.  The Hunter’s Thoroughbred breeding industry contributes more than $5 billion annually to the national economy and $2.4 billion to the New South Wales economy.

Collins said that’s under threat from the increasing presence of coal mines.