Large areas of the Hunter sit atop old mines, making subsidence a concern for those looking at buying or building a home.
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Recent news coverage of the Neale family’s legal battle with Maitland City Council over mine subsidence at their Gillieston Heights property has put the focus on the pitfalls of buying in the Hunter.
According to the Mine Subsidence Board, if a parcel of land is undermined it does not mean that construction cannot take place and, in fact, many suburban areas are in subsidence districts.
Parts of East Maitland, Ashtonfield, Louth Park and Metford are all in a mine subsidence district.
This means that when building or renovating in these areas guidelines apply.
“There are quite a number of mine subsidence districts proclaimed. The last one was declared in 2003,” Mine Subsidence Board CEO Jim Walker said.
“The implication of being in a district is that all building applications must be refereed to the Mine Subsidence Board.”
The board is an independent body operating in NSW in areas of coal mining.
Homeowners and builders looking to construct anything within the district must have their development application reviewed by the board to ensure the longevity of the structure.
This usually means small conditions will be put on the construction, such as specific foundation treatments or materials.
In other cases, the applicant might need to get geotechnical advice before the application can be approved.
Mr Walker said being in a district should not deter home buyers, with most of central Newcastle a perfect example of successful and safe construction in a mine subsidence zone.
But what about those areas that are not in a mine subsidence district?
“I know Gillieston Heights people are particularly sensitive about the mine subsidence issue,” Mr Walker said.
“Areas not within a district such as Gillieston Heights, where it has been undermined years ago, can still ask the board for advice.
“The difference is it is not an automatic requirement for the council to approach the Mine Subsidence Board when a development application is lodged.”
Mr Walker said the main concern home buyers and builders is that all residents are covered under the Mine Subsidence Act.
“The government has a responsibility over damage to buildings and developments that might occur due to mine subsidence.
“This responsibility remains whether you are in a district or not.”
In the case where damage has been done to a building because of mine subsidence, the board is responsible for administering the compensation.
For more information or to take a look at mine subsidence districts visit www.minesub.nsw.gov.au.
What to do if you are buying or building in a Mine Subsidence District:
1: Before having plans drawn, contact the nearest Mine Subsidence Board office to find out if your property is in a mine subsidence district.
2: Lodge an application for approval with council. In some cases, applications may be lodged directly with the board.
3: The council development consent will advise all conditions of approval or of refusal. If damage does occur to built structures from subsidence due to coal mining, the support and resources of the Mine Subsidence Board are there to assist building owners.
