The Lake Macquarie Mines Grouting Fund, managed by the Lake Macquarie City Council, aims to support development in the region while addressing the risks associated with mine subsidence. This initiative, funded by the Australian Government, provides financial assistance for projects where grouting costs exceed a specified limit.
Community feedback is being sought on the fund and the draft guidelines. The fund operates as a non-competitive scheme, offering financial aid to reduce the risks related to mine subsidence, thereby boosting developer confidence in areas prone to such risks and fostering regional growth.
The fund collaborates with Subsidence Advisory NSW (SANSW) processes and approvals, ensuring that applicants adhere to SANSW-approved plans before commencing work and submit verification plans post-completion for Council review.
Council has engaged industry experts to set capped grouting rates in different areas like Belmont, Charlestown, Glendale, and Morisset, considering factors such as mine depth, map accuracy, and mine stability. The Australian Government has allocated $2 million for the fund’s technical design and establishment in Stage 1, followed by $8 million for the ongoing operation in Stage 2.
Applicants are required to hire their own technical experts for mine grouting plans, approvals, and work execution. Council appoints an independent expert to review each fund application, ensuring compliance with approved plans and reasonable costs.
Projects eligible for funding will be assessed based on specific criteria, with the approval term determined case-by-case during the assessment process. The fund will provide financial assistance for approved grouting costs after SANSW verification and expert review of the verification plan.
The fund aims to assess projects promptly, with a four-week turnaround if all necessary information is provided by the developer. It will be reviewed every two years to ensure its effectiveness and relevance to the region’s development needs.
Developers have the option to decide whether to participate in the fund, and project delivery involves the developer’s contractor executing the work under SANSW approval, monitored by Council’s appointed expert. The fund’s contribution is disbursed post-verification of completed work by SANSW.
The Lake Macquarie Mines Grouting Fund plays a vital role in supporting development in the region, mitigating mine subsidence risks, and fostering sustainable growth while ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
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