Wallarah 2 Coal Project outlined the project’s history on its website:
1995: The NSW Government granted Exploration Licenses to the Wyong Areas Coal Joint Venture for the two areas east and west of the F3 on the Central Coast of NSW.
“Coal Operations Australia Ltd (COAL) was the original majority shareholder of the Wyong Areas Coal Joint Venture, with Kores Australia Pty Ltd (Kores) and other Korean and Japanese interests holding minority shareholdings.
2002: “BHP Billiton subsequently became the majority shareholder in the Wyong Areas Coal Joint Venture through the acquisition of COAL in 2002, and later sold its interest to Kores in 2005.
“As a result of the sale, Kores’ equity in the venture increased to 82.25 percent and they are now the major shareholder and manager of the Wyong Areas Coal Joint Venture.
“In the period since 1995, the Wyong Areas Coal Joint Venture has undertaken extensive programs of exploration, environmental monitoring, environmental assessment, community consultation, technical planning and economic analysis of the Project.
2006: First application for Wallarah 2 Coal Project lodged.
2011: NSW Minister for Planning refused the application because of uncertainties in relation to subsidence predictions, ability to meet acceptable water quality outcomes and ecological and heritage impacts.
2012: New application lodged.
2014: Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) review provided 35 recommendations and concluded project could be considered for approval if it adopted all recommendations if not, a precautionary approach would need to be adopted.
2014: Darkinjung LALC initiated legal action in NSW Land and Environment Court (LEC) and LEC decided application couldn’t be determined without the NSW Aboriginal Land Council first providing its consent for the rail spur on DLALC land.
2015: Mediation between applicant and DLALC took place without parties reaching the agreement.
2016: Amended DA lodged in July that avoided the DLALC land. Further negotiations between DLALC and applicant fail to reach an agreement.
2017: Second PAC review of the amended application requested by Minister for Planning. It supported the initial findings of the 2014 review with additional recommendations.
February 2017: Planning Department completes addendum assessment report and minister refers to PAC for second merit review.
May 2017: PAC completes the review and makes additional recommendations.
September 2017: Planning Department completes Residual Matters Assessment Report and project referred to PAC for determination.
Source:
“What you need to know” statement, Wallarah 2 Project History, Wallarah 2 Coal Project