The Lake Macquarie Mines Grouting Fund, managed by the Lake Macquarie City Council, aims to support development in the region while addressing the challenges of mine subsidence. This initiative, funded by the Australian Government, provides financial assistance to projects facing grouting costs beyond a certain threshold.
The fund operates as a non-competitive scheme, offering financial support to mitigate mine subsidence risks. By providing assistance when grouting costs exceed predetermined limits, the fund aims to instill confidence in developers working in areas prone to mine subsidence, thereby facilitating regional growth and investment.
The Council has collaborated with industry experts to establish the fund, including setting capped grouting rates for different regions like Belmont, Charlestown, Glendale, and Morisset. These rates vary based on factors such as the depth and complexity of mines, accuracy of historical mining maps, and the stability of mining structures.
The Australian Government has allocated funding in two stages for the Lake Macquarie Mines Grouting Fund. Stage 1 involved $2 million for technical design and fund establishment, while Stage 2 allocated $8 million for ongoing fund operations, emphasizing the importance of addressing mine subsidence risks in the region.
Projects seeking funding from the Mines Grouting Fund must adhere to Subsidence Advisory NSW (SANSW) processes and approvals. Applicants must submit a SANSW-approved mine grouting plan before commencing work and provide a verification plan endorsed by SANSW upon completion to be eligible for fund claims.
Each fund application undergoes review by an independent expert appointed by the Council to ensure compliance with approved plans and reasonable costs. The expert also monitors project progress and recommends fund approval based on adherence to SANSW guidelines and agreement terms.
Applicants can submit funding applications through the Council’s website, subject to fund availability. Projects meeting the criteria are assessed within four weeks if all required information is provided, streamlining the process for developers seeking financial assistance.
The fund approval duration is specified in the funding deed between Council and successful applicants, determined on a case-by-case basis during the assessment phase. The Council-appointed expert oversees project milestones, ensuring that grouting work aligns with approved plans and industry standards.
Financial contributions from the fund are disbursed after SANSW verifies completed grouting work and the Council-appointed expert reviews the verification plan. The fund is scheduled for review every two years to evaluate its effectiveness and relevance, with the next review slated for March 2027.
By offering financial support to mitigate mine subsidence risks, the Lake Macquarie Mines Grouting Fund plays a crucial role in fostering sustainable development and investment opportunities in the region, underlining the Council’s commitment to supporting growth while addressing environmental challenges.
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