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- 8 May 2007
BHP Billiton and Walker Corporation Developments
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Page: 7
Ms LEE RHIANNON [3.33 p.m.]: Scott and Gina Roberts and their three children live on the outskirts of Appin on a stunning property known as "Elladale", an 1838 sandstone gothic-style cottage. I had the opportunity to visit Scott and Gina's outstanding home. The Roberts have been restoring this rich piece of Australian history. Now their life is on hold and they are experiencing great stress. BHP Billiton is conducting longwall coalmining under their property and the Walker Corporation has plans to establish a sewage works on the boundary of their property. The Roberts have been done over because the laws of this State favour big business over the rights of ordinary citizens. Mining companies like BHP Billiton and developers like the Walker Corporation get away with causing hardship to communities and devastation to the environment because Labor and the Coalition vote together time and again to weaken laws that lock communities out of having a say.
In 2002 the Roberts were advised by BHP Billiton that intending longwall coalmining—that is, mine 409—will cause subsidence of their home until works cease in 2006. They were given predictions of the subsidence effects. Those predictions have been vastly exceeded. I saw the cracks in the walls, and the Roberts told me that when they lie in bed at night they can hear the walls creaking. They have recently been advised that if the mine goes ahead their home will be subject to subsidence until beyond 2010. The continuing renovations they had planned are now on hold. Scott Roberts described BHP Billiton's attitude as appalling. To solve the problem the company said it would purchase the property at market value. But such a payment would not compensate for all the Roberts have put into their home. Further, the Roberts do not want to leave "Elladale". They want to grow old there and one day open a bed-and-breakfast.
On top of the hardship the Roberts have experienced because of the BHP Billiton mining, there are plans to build a sewage works plant on the boundary of their property. The Roberts were informed of this development in 2004. Huge storage ponds will be erected on both sides of their home and the remainder of the boundaries will contain large irrigation areas for the distribution of partially treated sewage. If the sewage works go ahead, it is estimated that during periods of heavy rain the partially treated sewage will end up in the Nepean River and possibly in the Sydney upper canal system, which is near their property. This canal system is an extraordinary piece of infrastructure that, to this day, functions as a water supply for Sydney. The thought that this water could become contaminated is alarming. Mr Roberts has brought this matter to the attention of Sydney Water and the New South Wales Government, but feels he has been totally ignored. The Roberts made a submission to the Government, but found out that Sydney Water had applied for work permits for this plant prior to their submission, and possibly other submissions, being considered. The work permit was granted before the impact of the system on the local community was addressed. Mr Roberts stated:
Studies also revealed this Sewage Plant is being built by Sydney Water at a huge cost of 30-40 million dollars, primarily for a private developer, Walker Corporation, to allow them to subdivide and develop large land holdings in Appin.
The sewage plant will not even service the existing township of Appin for many years. I have repeatedly requested Sydney Water provide us details of procedure they are following relating to our submission of objection to this Sewage Plant, and have yet received nil reply.
Mr Roberts further stated:
I must ask questions of integrity regarding Walker Corporation Pty Ltd obtaining such a sweetheart deal from the State Labor Government, allowing them to bypass all planning laws and Environmental Impact Statements due to NSW State Government exemptions.
He also stated:
This same developer is contributing large amounts of political donations for political fundraising to the same party that is allowing these developments. The same company has purchased nearly every large rural parcel of land at Appin, now totalling over 5,000 acres, often in questionable circumstances from elderly residents …
We are experiencing effects on our health and wellbeing and our relationship due to the anxiety this situation has placed us in. We cannot finish the restoration of our heritage home for several years because of BHP Billiton's mining proposal …
Mr Roberts went on to describe the impact of this problem on his family. It is a reminder of the inadequacy of the laws in New South Wales in relation to mining and development. People are locked out of decisions that affect their lives.
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