About POWA
Protect Our Water Alliance was formed in early 2019 in response to the ongoing mining beneath Sydney’s water catchment.
Located on unceded Dharawal Country in Wollongong, POWA is affiliated with grassroots groups and environmental organisations across the Illawarra, Southern Highlands, and Greater Sydney regions.
POWA is calling for a total ban on mining in our water catchment.
Damage to the Catchment
The Greater Sydney Water Catchment supplies 5 million people with clean drinking water.
The four active coal mines that dig beneath the catchment cause irreversible damage to creeks, rivers, and endangered upland swamps. This not only reduces the quality and quantity of water we need to drink, but ruins critical ecosystems and cultural heritage sites.
What is longwall mining?
Longwall mining is a method used by the mines within our water catchment. It is highly destructive, causing issues such as subsidence and surface-to-seam fracturing.
POWA has made an explanatory video about longwall mining – watch it here.
WOLLONGONG COAL CLAIMS THEY WILL BE TRUCKING COAL FOR EXPORT IN AUGUST 2021.
BUT THEY NEED STATE GOVERNMENT APPROVAL FIRST – CALL PLANNING MINISTER ROB STOKES NOW
Updates
Federal government decision on Russell Vale delayed further
The deadline for Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley to make a decision under EPBC legislation on the Russell Vale Mine UEP has been further delayed, with 31st August 2021 named as the new deadline. An upland swamp was heard squealing with joy at the announcement.
EDO clients Protect Our Water Catchment Inc apply to fight South32’s appeal in the Land and Environment Court
Originally posted on the EDO website, 02/07/2021 Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) clients Protect Our Water Catchment (POWC) have applied to join legal proceedings so they can defend the refusal of a coal mine extension south of Sydney. In February 2021, the New South Wales Independent Planning Commission (IPC) rejected the expansion application by South 32, to extend the life of its Dendrobium mine, near Wollongong. It found the controversial proposal, that was … Continue reading EDO clients Protect Our Water Catchment Inc apply to fight South32’s appeal in the Land and Environment Court
Federal Government Approval for Russell Vale Mine expansion delayed by at least a month
The recent “Sharma Case”, Sharma v Minister for the Environment, where the Court rules the Minister owes a duty of care to protect young people from the human health impacts of climate change, has impacts on the approvals necessary to recommence work at the Russell Vale Colliery. The Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) has written to … Continue reading Federal Government Approval for Russell Vale Mine expansion delayed by at least a month
Make sure NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes says “NO” to Wollongong Coal’s ‘do-nothing’ climate plan
Telephone the Minister on (02) 8574 6707 or write to him via his contact web form at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/nsw-government/ministers/minister-for-planning-and-public-spaces Wollongong Coal Ltd is preparing a plan for management of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs) from Russell Vale Colliery. GHGEs will be produced as a result of diesel fuel use and electricity consumption on site. And as this … Continue reading Make sure NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes says “NO” to Wollongong Coal’s ‘do-nothing’ climate plan
Watch “The People Versus Russell Vale Mine”
A film made in 2021 by local filmmaker James O’Connor. Hear from the water protectors. In this beautiful short film Yuin traditional owners, high schoolers and uni students, neighbours of the mine site, wildlife lovers, scientists, sports clubs and water experts show why mining under the water catchment of Illawarra and Sydney must be stopped. … Continue reading Watch “The People Versus Russell Vale Mine”
Media release: Residents celebrate rejection of Dendrobium Mine Extension
Wollongong, New South Wales — Residents are this morning celebrating the Independent Planning Commission’s rejection of the controversial Dendrobium Mine Extension, holding a party outside of State Labor MP Paul Scully’s office. On Friday, the IPC rejected the proposed expansion within the special areas of the Greater Sydney Water Catchment, citing that “the risk of … Continue reading Media release: Residents celebrate rejection of Dendrobium Mine Extension
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POWA recognises that the traditional owners of the regions spanning Sydney’s water catchment have never ceded sovereignty of their lands and waters.
Protect Our Water Alliance 2021
