The paper looks at issues relating to mining and the environment, public participation and community and compliance and enforcement.

The Environmental Defender’s Office said the paper was ‘drafted to encourage more discussion about the legal framework for mining in NSW and to promote positive environmental outcomes.

“It identifies key inadequacies with the current system and makes recommendations for legislative change to make the current processes more sustainable, robust, equitable and transparent.”

The paper has been welcomed by members of the Blue Mountains Conservation Society who travelled to Sydney on Thursday for its launch.

Blue Mountains Conservation Society president Lachlan Garland said the society acknowledged the need for reform and the regulation of coal mining and coal seam gas extraction.

“We agree whole-heartedly there is a sincere need for reform in our state.

“There should be more checks and balances for the mining industry, not less.

“Community concerns are often ignored, and industry and decision makers have not adopted Ecological Sustainable Development in the exploitation of mineral resources.

“We can do better,” Mr Garland said.

“There are a number of coal mines and mining complexes in the western Blue Mountains region, with many project applications on the table for new mines or expansions.

“The role of the community and the uptake of their concerns could be significantly better prioritised in the decision making process.”