The rejected projects were both recommended for approval by the state’s planning and environment department over recent months but the PAC ignored the various department findings and company project amendments in its twin verdicts.

“The bullying by the coal industry has to stop,” Rhiannon said.

“Coalpac have had three attempts at trying to have this project approved. Mining companies need to understand that they cannot just keep on submitting applications and expect to have decisions overturned.”

Rhiannon said a similar tactic is being used in Bulga, where Rio Tinto has also had their Warkworth proposal rejected twice.

“I hope this is a sign that the Warkworth mine will also be rejected,” Rhiannon said.

She applauded the decisions by the PAC which could see Coalpac’s assets in the Cullen Valley destined for liquidation.

“This decision leads the way for the protection of the stunning pagoda rock landforms and should be a sign to the mining industry – communities will not be worn down by your persistence,” she said.

“I commend those in the community who have been fighting a long battle against this expansion.”

The New South Wales Minerals Council says the state’s planning system is broken after the coal projects were unexpectedly rejected.

“It’s a black day for jobs in regional NSW,” NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee said as the news broke.

“The NSW government seems too busy patting itself on the back for the recent increase in housing activity in Sydney to notice the reality of economic life in regional NSW."