The New South Wales thoroughbred breeding industry has cause to celebrate, when the Planning Assessment Committee (PAC) handed down its verdict for the application, by the Anglo American, for the proposed mining development at Drayton South in the Hunter Valley.

In a published report, the proposal was rejected recognising that mining and thoroughbred land users are not compatible in close proximity, and that appropriate buffer zones are required to protect sensitive industries from the impacts of coal mining.

In a statement by the HTBA President, Dr Cameron Collins, while grateful of the findings, held sympathy for the families of those affected by the report.

“While we are relieved at the decision, we are saddened by the impact this will have on the affected mining families.”

“Our community here in the Hunter Valley is a small and tight one, this issue has caused divisions that no one wanted,” Dr Cameron Collins, HTBA President said.

While there are two more steps to this long process, the Minister for Planning could now accept the PAC recommendations and make a prompt decision.

A leading voice against the mine proposal, the outcome of the report was welcomed by Darley’s Managing Director, Henry Plumptre.  

“Given the overwhelming evidence against the mine proceeding, we now need certainty,” Henry Plumptre said.

Another driving force against the proposal was Coolmore’s Tom Magnier, he said “the uncertainty of this process has been tough on everyone, we now thank the PAC for their diligence on this matter, and deliver certainty to both mining and the thoroughbred industry,” he added.