Waratah Coal aims to be a valued member of the local community. We aim to engage openly and build trust and respect over time.
In 2010 Waratah Coal held public meetings for the Galilee project in Barcaldine, Jericho, Alpha, Emerald, Clermont, Mt Coolon, Collinsville and Bowen. Discussions were also held with the Barcaldine, Central Highlands, Whitsunday, Isaac, Blackall-Tambo and Mackay regional councils.
A draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was submitted to the Office of the Coordinator General in late 2010. The EIS includes a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) and draft Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP). A revised EIS was submitted to the Office of the Coordinator General in July 2011. It is anticipated that the EIS will be made public in August 2011.
Once the EIS has been made public, a third round of public meetings will be held. During these meetings Waratah Coal will present a summary of the results from the EIS (including the SIA) and will invite comments, and provide assistance to those people who wish to make formal submission to the Office of the Coordinator General. It is envisaged that a Supplementary EIS will be prepared following the submission of comments/suggestions to the Office of the Coordinator General.
In the meantime, Waratah Coal is continuing to have discussions with government agencies and local councils to further develop the Social Impact Management Plan. The purpose of the SIMP is to outline a process for identifying, managing and reporting on social impacts.
Waratah Coal is also exploring ways to provide up to date information on the project. In addition to updating the website, Waratah Coal aims to commence formal community meetings before the end of 2011 and provide regular project updates to interested parties.