The proposed Rocky Hill coal mine near Gloucester has long been a contentious point for many residents and the battle appears to be over for now.
The NSW Planning Assessment Commission rejected the proposal of the mine, stating it was too close in proximity to Gloucester, have a significant visual impact and would exceed the maximum noise limits.
The news was welcomed by much of the local community, as well as Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham.
"It's a win for the community, for the environment and for renewable energy", he said.
"Coal is the way of the past and it's about time the government realized that".
The residents who campaigned to stop the mine know the war isn't over yet, not until the State government buys back the licence to the mine.
Currently, Gloucester Resources still have the licence to build the Rocky Hill mine and have stated they intend to repeal the rejection by the planning commission in the Land and Environment Court.
A petition calling for the Government to buy back the licence has already amassed more than 4500 signatures, to end the issue once and for all.
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| Rocky Hill coal mine protest group Source 'Green Left Weekly' |
