GALLERY: Save Springvale rally
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
STORY: Job lay offs causing unease
HUNDREDS of families across the Lithgow District received the news they have been waiting so long for when Federal Member for Calare, the Hon John Cobb announced the Springvale Mine extension project has been approved by the Federal Government.
It is anticipated the workforce will be able return to work on Friday October 16.
"It's the only acceptable news for Lithgow after what has been a very trying time for our community.
"I have breathed a sigh of relief as I know hundreds, [in fact thousands], of people in Lithgow will too this afternoon.
"We’ve all worked incredibly hard to make the Federal Government approval process fast however we’ve had to ensure all the appropriate measures have been taken so Springvale mines can run smoothly into the future.
"We’ve taken the shortest amount of time possible to get this project across the line," Mr Cobb said.
Centennial Coal’s Executive GM External Affairs welcomed the news.
“It has been 8 long weeks since we were forced to stand down the majority of our Springvale workforce”, said Ms Brassil.
“This has been a hugely disruptive, costly and frustrating time for our people, their families, the local community and we as a company
“We welcome the decision by Minister Hunt to grant Federal approval for our Springvale mine today which is the important final step in the process that allows our people to return to work”, she said.
Ms Brassil said she was disappointed that the situation had been allowed to drag on this long.
“Whilst our people welcome the opportunity to return to work as much as we need them to get back to work, we are very disappointed that it was a broken NSW Planning system that placed us in such a deplorable position in the first place," she said.
Centennial Coal began their application for the extension in 2012.
“Our people will now get back to work and do what they do best – safely cutting coal and keeping the lights on in NSW," said Ms Brassil.