Following is the decision on the Preliminary Regional Issues Assessment of the Hawkins and Rumker potential release areas in the Mid-Western Regional local government area of NSW.

The NSW Government has decided NOT to release these areas for the exploration of coal resources. The decision accepts recommendations from the Department and the Advisory Body for Strategic Release not to release the areas because of significant commercial, logistical and social constraints.

The Department’s Preliminary Regional Issues Assessment, along with other relevant documents is available on the NSW Government’s website: https://www.regional.nsw.gov.au/meg/nsw-resources/coal/hawkins-and-rumker-potential-release-areas-ruled-out-for-coal-exploration