The department responded to local resident action group Shafted which is opposing any relocation of the shaft.

“The department has already made a commitment (including to local action group Shafted) that, should an application be received, it will indeed be placed on exhibition and public comment invited,” it said.

Tahmoor has development consent for the Tahmoor North project, including a ventilation shaft facility, which was granted on September 7, 1994.

The approved ventilation shaft facility was proposed to be located in Bridge Street near the main southern rail line.

Since the Tahmoor North development was first approved, the mine plans have been altered.

In particular, the proposed mining was moved eastwards away from the Thirlmere Heritage precinct and the Queen Victoria Memorial Home in Thirlmere Way.

As a result of these and other minor changes to the mine plan, the current approved shaft location in Bridge Street is no longer the preferred shaft location.

Following a review of potential alternate sites, Tahmoor colliery has stated it now prefers to locate the ventilation shaft in a “discrete location at the end of Innes Street, Thirlmere”

The scope and size of the proposed ventilation shaft has been considerably reduced from the facility approved in 1994.

The approved Bridge Street facility included a ventilation shaft, fans, personnel access (winder), offices, bathhouse, car park and other facilities.

“The proposed Innes street facility will only comprise a ventilation shaft, fans and associated facilities,” Xstrata said.

“It is not proposed to use the shaft as an access point to the mine for personnel.”

To construct the ventilation shaft facility at the Innes Street location, Xstrata Coal must apply for a modification to the development consent.