On 6 December 2006, the Minister for Planning and the Minister for Mineral Resources and Primary Industries established an Independent Expert Panel to undertake an inquiry into the impacts of underground coal mining on natural features in the Southern Coalfield.

The inquiry’s Terms of Reference were to:

1. Undertake a strategic review of the impacts of underground mining in the Southern Coalfield on significant natural features (that is, rivers and significant streams, swamps and cliff lines), with particular emphasis on risks to water flows, water quality and aquatic ecosystems; and
2. Provide advice on best practice for:
   • assessment of subsidence impacts
   • avoiding and/or minimising adverse impacts on significant natural features
   • management, monitoring and remediation of subsidence and subsidence-related impacts
3. Report on the social and economic significance to the region and the State of the coal resources in the Southern Coalfield.

The panel comprised:

• Professor Bruce Hebblewhite (Chair and subsidence)
• Professor Jim Galvin (Subsidence)
• Associate Professor Ron West (Aquatic Ecology)
• Mr Col Mackie (Groundwater)
• Mr Drew Collins (Economist)

You can view and download a copy of the report from the Department of Planning at:

• Strategic inquiry into underground coal mining in the Southern Coalfield