A local Opposition MP said that a series of forums on a new coal and gas strategy have been strategically held in Labor seats where mining is well established.

The Department of Planning has held the public meetings, including one in Lithgow, on its scoping paper for the planning and regulation of new projects in New South Wales.

Ms Pru Goward the Liberal member for the Southern Highlands said that there are proposals for coal and coal seam gas projects in her region, as well as existing gravel, soil and rock mines.

She said that a forum should also be held in the Goulburn region so local residents can have a say on how mining developments are managed. She added that "We have an action group in the Southern Highlands that does keep people informed, but as far as the State Government is concerned there's been absolute silence on this issue. The people of the Southern Highlands and Goulburn have been totally ignored."

She said that gravel, soil and rock mining is already affecting local communities and proposed coal, and coal seam gas mines in the Southern Highlands could destroy the environment. She added that "These will both be potentially environmentally devastating. That's why the department of planning has to come here. It's all very well to hold meetings up in the Hunter where people are used to it. We need to get the department of planning to step in early and listen to the concerns of people before this area is devastated."

(Sourced from www.abc.net.au)