Q. Has a Community Consultative Committee (CCC) been established for this project?
Yes, the NSW Department of Primary Industries has established a CCC for this project. An independent facilitator appointed by the Minister for Mineral Resources will chair the Committee.
Q. How do I get more information about the CCC?
For more information about the CCC, please contact The Hon Ian Armstrong (Chairman) on 02 9968 3600.
Q. Who do I speak to if I have a complaint or a question about the project?
All questions, queries, complaints and compliments can be made directly to the Communications Manager, Melanie Layton on the following numbers:
Community input line: 1800 700 512 (freecall)
Mobile: 0402 112 437
Project Office:(02) 6741 8800
Q. How do I get in touch with the Community Relations Team
You can speak to a member of the Community Relations Team by using the following mechanisms:
(T) 1800 700 512(freecall)
(E) melanie.layton@shenhuawatermark.com
(F) (02) 6741 8800
(Mail) Shenhua Watermark Project
C/o Melanie Layton
330 Conadilly Street
Gunnedah NSW 2380
Q. How will the Watermark project benefit the community?
The Watermark project will benefit the regional community by:
» Creating jobs during the construction and operation of the mine; and
» Contributing to the development of the local community including education, medical services, residential amenities and mine support services.
Q. Will Watermark establish a Regional Community Trust?
Watermark is in the process of establishing a Regional Community Trust, committing $1million per annum during the exploration phase (up to a maximum of five years). The Trust will be available for local educational, medical, indigenous and environmental programs.
Further information and consultation about the Trust will be made available in the coming months.
Q. When will the exploratory works commence?
Exploratory works are expected to commence in mid 2009.
Q. How long will the exploration stage take?
Exploration works on the Watermark site are expected to be carried out over three years
Q. How will I know if my land is affected by the exploration works?
All directly affected landholders will receive a letter in the mail, along with an access agreement and information about the project.
A member of the Watermark project team will then contact you to advise that the exploration works will affect your property and to arrange a meeting.
Q. What exploration works will be required on my property?
The investigations that may need to be undertaken on your property over the coming months include:
» Ecological surveys (eg. bird, koala, vegetation, spotlighting);
» Surface water surveys (creek and riparian health); and
» Exploration drilling.
Q. What if I live within the Watermark site and do not receive a letter?
If you feel that you are a directly affected land owner/occupier and have not been contacted, please contact a member of the project team on the community information line: 1800 810 680.
Q. What happens after the exploration phase?
If a mining project is feasible following the environmental assessments of the exploration phase, Watermark may be granted approval to mine. Watermark will invest approximately $500 million in mine development and mine construction.
Q. What is an REF?
A REF is a Review of Environmental Factors. A REF is usually undertaken where works associated with the exploration phase of the project are not expected to have a significant environmental impact.
Q. What will the REF investigate as part of the Watermark project?
The REF for the Watermark project will investigate and assess the impact of proposed works on:
· Flora and Fauna
· Aquatic ecology
· Noise and Vibration
· Air and water quality
· Hydrology, drainage and flooding
· Geology and soils
· Cultural heritage
· Property and land use
· Local community and business
· Traffic and transport
· Visual quality and landscape character
Q. What measures will be implemented to minimise impacts on the environment during the exploration drilling stage?
Mitigation measures to minimise impacts on the environment during the exploration drilling stage will include:
· Erosion and sedimentation controls
· Heritage investigations and controls
· Noise treatments
· Noise, dust and water quality monitoring
· In important fauna areas, fauna crossings such as drainage/ fauna structures, fauna underpasses/ and or fauna exclusion fencing
· Re-vegetation with native species
Q. Where in the EL (Exploration Licence) area is Watermark planning to mine?
The concept plan has identified six potential open cut mining areas within the area of the EL. Further drilling is required to assess the respective areas’ potential for the operation of economically viable and environmentally acceptable mining operations.
Q. How will the mine affect my property and me?
Any effects of any mining on properties will vary depending on the ultimately determined mine plan and mining operations and their location. Some properties will be affected by mining operations and others may have noise, dust and blasting effects. Potential impacts will be discussed with the individual property owners but the actual effects on any individual property will not be determined until the mine plan is completed.
Q. Will Watermark purchase my property?
Watermark is committed to, upon a request by a landholder, purchasing any land in the EL area for its then market value disregarding the existence of the EL and any proposal for the Watermark Project.
Q. Will Watermark be mining in the floodplain?
Watermark will not mine in the floodplain.
Q. Will the mine affect the value of my property?
In the context that Watermark is prepared to purchase any land in the EL area for at least its market value disregarding the proposal for the Watermark Project. Watermark does not believe that there is or will be any effect on the value of any land in the EL area.
Q. Will the Watermark mine be open cut or underground?
Watermark is currently seen as initially an open cut development which has potential to extend to an underground mine at some time in the future and subject to further planning approvals which are not contemplated at this time.
Q. Is Watermark going to be involved in the Namoi Water Study
Yes. Watermark is committed to the Study and has 3 representatives on the Namoi Water Study Working Party.