NEW MINE SUBSIDENCE DISTRICT PROCLAIMED

Ref: The Cessnock Advertiser, Aug 13th 2003

"The Hunter Employment Zone initiative for Tomalpin, will lead to the development of land and new construction in the HEZ and adjoining lands. They are affected in varying degrees by old coal mine workings.

These workings need to be taken into account when building and the appropriate mechanism for this is the introduction of a Mine Subsidence District.

Approval from the Mine Subsidence Board is now required for all new construction in the area. This can be sought when lodging applications to Council. The Board also provides services and/or compensation should properties be damaged by mine subsidence. The Board's services for this are free and they aim to mitigate or eliminate damage and to reduce or prevent any business loss from subsidence.

The Mine Subsidence Board is committed to protecting and compensating for damage to any structure built within a District. The Board provides guideline information, advice on Mine Subsidence and brochures free of charge to anyone with questions regarding mine subsidence and Mine Subsidence Districts.

The new District will be managed by the Board's Singleton Office."