Members of the newly formed Hunter Communities Network have united to reclaim the Hunter Valley amid concerns that existing coal mining operations are overwhelming and not adequately measured or regulated.

The network is concerned that the proposed expansion of the coal and coal seam gas industry will cause more irreparable damage.

“The Hunter Communities Network represents a wide range of people from many local groups in the region,” network representative Ted Finnie said.

“These people are understandably concerned about the cumulative impacts of coal and coal seam gas on the Hunter Valley.

“The current mining activity in the Hunter continues to negatively impact human health and the livelihood of rural communities.

“Mining is increasingly polluting our natural environment, the air we breathe and the waterways we need to intact to survive.”

Fellow network member Tony Laffan said the group’s message to the government and industry is clear.

“We call for no new coal mine and gas approvals in the Hunter until an independent analysis of the cumulative impacts of current operations is complete,” Mr Laffan said.

“Measuring the cumulative impacts would reveal a far greater cost to the community than is currently reported.

“We also believe that the penalties served to offenders in this multi-

billion dollar industry are totally inadequate.”

There are more than 20 large coal mines and mining complexes in the Hunter region with many project applications on the table for new mines or expansions.