New economic research by Dr Jo Mackellar has demonstrated that Lithgow will gain significant job and economic benefits if a new state conservation area were created on its doorstep. The report, commissioned by the Gardens of Stone Alliance, assessed the potential visitors to a planned Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area and the economic contribution of those visitors to the local region. The research identified the community benefits to Lithgow from the new reserve.
ECONOMIC RESEARCH REPORT DESTINATION PAGODA
https://www.gardensofstone.org.au/files/Blog/dr_economic_research_pagoda_final_with_cover_and_back_0.pdf

EnergyAustralia Lithgow Region Community Consultative Committee.Was formed in 2018 following updated requirements of the Department of Planning and Environment, and continues the information and idea sharing of our previous Community Reference Group.
The EnergyAustralia Lithgow Regional Community Consultative Committee (CCC) meets quarterly, usually at our Mt Piper Power Station to discuss major projects affecting our assets (including Wallerawang Power Station and Pine Dale Mine) and to assist in building relations with the local community.
Membership of the group includes representatives of:

• Environmental Groups
• Lithgow City Council
  
• Community Groups
• Local Residents
  

https://www.energyaustralia.com.au/sites/default/files/2020-09/EA%20Lithgow%20CCC%20Meeting%20Notes%20070920_Final.pdf

EnergyAustralia Lithgow Region Community Consultative Committee.Was formed in 2018 following updated requirements of the Department of Planning and Environment, and continues the information and idea sharing of our previous Community Reference Group.
The EnergyAustralia Lithgow Regional Community Consultative Committee (CCC) meets quarterly, usually at our Mt Piper Power Station to discuss major projects affecting our assets (including Wallerawang Power Station and Pine Dale Mine) and to assist in building relations with the local community.
Membership of the group includes representatives of:

• Environmental Groups
• Lithgow City Council
• Community Groups
  
• Local Residents
  

https://www.energyaustralia.com.au/sites/default/files/2020-06/EA%20Lithgow%20CCC%20Meeting%20Notes%2020200601_Final.pdf

EnergyAustralia Lithgow Region Community Consultative Committee.Was formed in 2018 following updated requirements of the Department of Planning and Environment, and continues the information and idea sharing of our previous Community Reference Group.
The EnergyAustralia Lithgow Regional Community Consultative Committee (CCC) meets quarterly, usually at our Mt Piper Power Station to discuss major projects affecting our assets (including Wallerawang Power Station and Pine Dale Mine) and to assist in building relations with the local community.
Membership of the group includes representatives of:

• Environmental Groups
• Lithgow City Council
• Community Groups
• Local Residents

www.energyaustralia.com.au/sites/default/files/2020-03/EA%20Lithgow%20CCC%20Meeting%20Notes%2020200302_Final.pdf
Review of notes from previous meetin
Brendan called for comments on the previous notes.»
There were no additional comments noted.
The meeting notes were adopted. Answers to questions/actions arising from December meeting:»
Q – Julie: Has the report on leaching into groundwater been finalised? Could the results be put into the community newsletter? What has been tested for and what are the locations of possible leaching – testing should be completed on all elements including Chromium 6.»
A: Greg highlighted the first phase of the independent groundwater study on the Ash Repository is expected to be finalised in March 2020, including a recommendation of the proposed mitigation control measures for receptors.»EnergyAustralia have been working closely with consultants ERM, McMahon Services and the EPA, and are developing a concept design for mitigations. They are now close to finalising and EnergyAustralia will be able to provide a full update at the next CCC meeting without needing to speculate.

The Lithgow Environment Group Inc. was formed in 2005 to protect, conserve, and enhance our
unique natural environment, landscapes, flora, fauna, and waterways.

The Lithgow region has made a significant contribution to the NSW economy for over 150 years.
However, our local community and the environment has paid a very high price for providing NSW
with coal and coal-fired electricity generation.

Lithgow is trying to promote a cleaner-greener image as it transitions away from coal, to attract
Tourism and Tree-changers. The “Yuck Factor” of a Waste Incinerator will be highly detrimental.
NSW Health Sydney West Area Health Service has identified that the health status of people living in

the Lithgow LGA is on many measures far worse than other parts of NSW. The communities most
affected by this Proposal (Blackmans Flat, Portland, Cullen Bullen, Pipers Flat, Lidsdale, Wallerawang)

already have high levels of relative disadvantage, making them more susceptible to additional health impacts from environmental stressors such as air pollution and waste transport by trucks.

EnergyAustralia Lithgow Region Community Consultative Committee.Was formed in 2018 following updated requirements of the Department of Planning and Environment, and continues the information and idea sharing of our previous Community Reference Group.
The EnergyAustralia Lithgow Regional Community Consultative Committee (CCC) meets quarterly, usually at our Mt Piper Power Station to discuss major projects affecting our assets (including Wallerawang Power Station and Pine Dale Mine) and to assist in building relations with the local community.
Membership of the group includes representatives of:

• Environmental Groups
• Lithgow City Council
• Community Groups
• Local Residents

www.energyaustralia.com.au/sites/default/files/2020-01/Lithgow%20CCC%20meeting%20notes%20for%20distribution.pdf

Warming up for the event. Initiated by locals with Docs State Mine Bush Band with 14 musicians volunteering for this event.The Destination Pagoda Proposal is a plan to develop the State Forests of Newnes, Wolgan and Ben Bullen to a major tourist attraction. Locals filled State Mine Museum Bath house with dance, laughter celebrating Gardens of Stone proposal.
A new plan, created by the Gardens of Stone Alliance for the transition of state forests beside Lithgow to a state conservation area was launched on Monday April 8 2019 at the Lithgow Workies. The plan focuses on the tourism, economic and community benefits to Lithgow.

 JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
Research article
Bringing the swamp in from the periphery: Australian wetlands as sites of climate resilience and political agency
Hannah Della Bosca & Josephine Gillespie
Received 26 Jun 2019, Accepted 05 Oct 2019, Published online: 30 Oct 2019
https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/WTJTH5PUKNJYHCCQ9IGF/full?target=10.1080%2F09640568.2019.1679100&fbclid=IwAR0axBvlIWmMu-lA_G-MYRNDI17CBzvUTVd4hQ_Oi9PgBIxt4pT_CiUXSns

Global Eco Asia-Pacific brings the world’s leading speakers on ecotourism, sustainability and responsible tourism. It brings all the key players to the table – tourism operators, protected area managers, tourism organisations, indigenous bodies and researchers. Increasingly Global Eco is at the hub of partnerships between protected area managers and the tourism industry – across infrastructure and investment, quality, conservation and land management.

Janine Kitson  -Member, Gardens of Stone Alliance   
                                          CONCURRENT SPEAKER -Abstract
Lithgow’s Gardens of Stone: ‘Destination Pagoda’

Yindya-ma-rra Nganga-dha Walawalang Malang, “Respect, look after this stony rock place” continues to resonate through this ancient landscape in Wiradjuri Country, known as the Gardens of Stone, home – ngurung – to Wiradjuri people.

The Gardens of Stone, located on the western edge of NSW Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, provides the opportunity to become a geotourism and cultural destination because of its fragile sandstone pagoda landscape - 39,000 ha of deep canyons, towering cliffs, upland swamps and endangered flora and fauna.

We are celebrating with Hoskins Uniting Church Parish Lithgow with our 2nd year - Come join us at the Re-Expo sustainability event this Saturday 26th October 10-3pm Hoskins Uniting Church Parish Lithgow 43 Bridge St, Lithgow NSW 2790. https://www.facebook.com/events/2461769144107911

EnergyAustralia Lithgow Region Community Consultative CommitteeWas formed in 2018 following updated requirements of the Department of Planning and Environment, and continues the information and idea sharing of our previous Community Reference Group.
The EnergyAustralia Lithgow Regional Community Consultative Committee (CCC) meets quarterly, usually at our Mt Piper Power Station to discuss major projects affecting our assets (including Wallerawang Power Station and Pine Dale Mine) and to assist in building relations with the local community.
Membership of the group includes representatives of:

• Environmental Groups
• Lithgow City Council
  
• Community Groups
• Local Residents
  

www.energyaustralia.com.au/sites/default/files/2019-09/19August2019%20CCC%20Meeting%20Notes%20For%20Distribution%20Final.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1o9BbFFKulU9vNe10sGFjF2h-iqxfLReRRBE6hH5wkd1aP01-vFCTqffc

The Destination Pagoda Proposal is a plan to develop the State Forests of Newnes, Wolgan and Ben Bullen to a major tourist attraction while still allowing coal mining to continue under ground. We ask Lithgow City Council to support this proposal
www.change.org/p/lithgow-city-council-support-the-destination-pagoda-proposal

A new plan, created by the Colong Foundation, Blue Mountains Conservation Society and Lithgow Environment Group for the transition of state forests beside Lithgow to a state conservation area was launched on Monday April 8 at the Lithgow Workies. The summary and full report are below. The plan focuses on the tourism, economic and community benefits to Lithgow from the new reserve.
SUMMARY SHEET




















FULL REPORT

​Thanks so much to everyone who donated to our solar project. We plan to have a big thank you party in the coming weeks. Stay tuned. The rooftop solar project finally gets a start. LJWSolar team on site preparing for installation of rooftop solar.

Hoskins Uniting Church has received a successful community grant of $3000 from Energy Australia Mt Piper for its roof top solar panels project. 
The 12 month project, which is at its half way stage, has raised $7739.24 thus far but is still behind the target of $14,571.50 

That target will include the overall cost to install the rooftop solar panels. 

The money raised so far has been via private donations and fundraising events including Bunnings barbecues.
​
Julie Favell, project officer of Lithgow Environment Renewable Energy Hub, said that by utilising energy from the sun it would reduce Hoskins Uniting Church Lithgow’s carbon footprint. 
She also said that with reduced energy costs it would allow the church to continue supporting the community and those in need. 

The Lithgow region has a long history with coal production - but now there's plans to bring a new solar farm to town.
Mining company Centennial Coal is considering establishing a two megawatt solar farm at the Airly mine site in Capertee to offset its high energy costs.