A proposed mining camp development slated for the Hunter Valley town of Singleton was last night rejected.
About 200 people, the majority protesters, attended a Joint Regional Planning Panel meeting at the Singleton Civic Centre on Thursday night.
A five person panel heard from 15 speakers against the development as well as representatives from MAC Services Group, the company seeking approval.
The panel also considered more than 1500 submissions, passing a motion refusing the application for the 1300-room, $101 million development.
The Newcastle Herald reports 10 of the 11 points brought forward by the planners were rejected.
The panel found the village would not be in the public’s best interest and is unsuitable for the rural community.
The MAC Group's accommodation proposal was designed to meet future peak demand for temporary accommodation but with the coal sector coming off the boil, extensive mining job losses in the Hunter region and Rio’s Warkworth extension plans still up in the air, locals say there is no need for the mining camp.
The MAC Group told Australian Mining given everything that has gone on the company is not surprised by the decision.
“We are disappointed by the decision of the Joint Regional Planning Panel," the company said.
"We have sought to be open, transparent and consultative throughout this process and to play a part in responsible planning for projected future accommodation demand”.
In May MAC Group told Australian Mining if the current mining market conditions persist “the village will not proceed”.
“Our Singleton village would also not proceed unless there is a change in demand for accommodation,” MAC managing director Peter McCann said at the time.