Mudgee

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GUEST OBSERVER
“I’m no criminal. I had no choice,” Bruce said. “I felt the only way I could get the government to see the injustice that is taking place was by taking action. All I wanted was to protect my home.”
Bruce is one of three protesters brought before a Mudgee court on May 17 for a preliminary hearing. On April 12, he was arrested after peacefully objecting the proposed expansion of the Wilpinjong mine by blocking the entry to the mine and stopping shift workers from entering and leaving the area.
The Wollar Three, as they have become known, are the first to be charged under New South Wales’ anti-protest laws, which were introduced in March 2016. They pleaded not guilty.
If convicted, the Wollar Three face significant penalties including heavy fines and up to seven years’ imprisonment. The laws they were charged under have been described as draconian and an attack on democracy and civil society.
An existential threat to a community
Bruce is one of the very few remaining residents of Wollar, a small rural community in the Mid Western Region, NSW. Wollar is located in the western coal fields and surrounded by three multinational open-cut coal mines - Peabody’s Wilpinjong Mine, Yancoal’s Moolarben and Glencore’s Ulan Coal Mines.
While coal extraction has a long history in the region, the recent intensification of mining has challenged the previous co-existence of mining and local communities in the region. Wollar is the latest rural village to fall victim to coal mining.
Most central to Wollar’s demise is Peabody’s Wilpinjong mine, which is the mine closest to the village. Peabody today owns the vast majority of land in and around Wollar, and more than 90% of the pre-Wilpinjong population has been resettled.
Last month, the Planning Assessment Commission approved a further expansion of the mine. This will bring the boundary of the mine to within 1.5 kilometres of the village.
As the mine has encroached on Wollar, the community has dispersed – and fewer than 30 residents today remain in the area. This forced migration has been accompanied by the withdrawal of services and social support that had made village life viable. Remaining Wollar residents are increasingly vulnerable and unable to sell their properties for a fair price on the open market.
During the recent commission hearing, the remaining residents requested that all the properties within the area be afforded acquisition rights. Such rights would have provided the opportunity to negotiate with the proponent, with a view to selling their properties to the mine and gaining autonomy over their future.
The commission’s determination report found the expansion:
… has the potential to further exacerbate the existing decline of Wollar.
However, the commission concluded that no other properties but those within the zone of affliction, limited to the village, are exposed to impacts that would justify granting acquisition rights.
This assessment is based on a reading of impacts that emphasises spatial proximity and technical measures of environmental (noise and dust) modelling. It fails to acknowledge the role played by the proponent and the government in reducing the wellbeing and livelihood of those left without compensation.
Invisible displacement violates international standards
The existing project and the coming mine expansion represent a slow onset disaster that has significantly reduced local residents’ wellbeing. The remaining residents have become displaced in place, with their future opportunities for mobility and life significantly reduced.
The resettlement of the former residents of Wollar has happened slowly and without any proper planning. This breaks with the primary underlying assumption of international safeguard standards, which state that risks associated with displacement and resettlement should be predicted and mitigated.
The World Bank’s Performance Standard 5 relates to project-related land acquisition and involuntary resettlement. It refers to resettlement as both physical displacement (relocation or loss of shelter) and economic displacement (loss of assets or access to assets, which result in reduction in income sources and other livelihood means).
The standard aims to “minimise adverse social and economic impacts from land acquisition or restrictions on land use by”:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>providing compensation for loss of assets at replacement costs; and</li>
<li>ensuring that resettlement activities are implemented with appropriate disclosure of information, consultation, and the informed participation of those affected. However, this standard is not applicable to the case at hand. Nor can the Wollar Three or others facing this type of invisible displacement call on international human rights law for a just outcome.</li>
</ul>
Article 17 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights offered some protection for property rights:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.</li>
<li>No-one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.</li>
</ul>
However, property rights were not included in the binding human right treaties established on the foundation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In any case, the Wollar Three have not lost their right to own property under the letter of human rights law.
The law does not capture a sense of loss while a person remains in place. Nor does international law create a cause of action that can be called on in Australian domestic courts.
A sense of loss and injustice
Standing outside the Mudgee courthouse last week, Bruce explained:
My home is threatened and I’ve lived in that area for 30-odd years and I just had to stand up and say no, this should not be allowed to go ahead! Bruce’s actions come as a reaction to the sense of injustice that is marking the planning system in NSW.
A sense of lost place and displacement saturates the stories of those who live in the area, who speak of themselves as “victims of a silent war” and “casualties of extraction”. They have become stranded, left with properties that no longer have any value, decreased income and increased costs.
In this context, they feel increasingly hopeless. It was this sense of powerlessness that led Bruce and the two other accused to take civil disobedience action in April. Feeling they no longer have any hope or future, they were willing to risk a prison sentence.
 
Amy Maguire is a Senior Lecturer in International Law and Human Rights, University of Newcastle and author for The conversation. She can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/amy-maguire-129609" target="_blank">here</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Displaced rural residents face imprisonment for protesting mine expansion: Amy Maguire

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Woodlands, the landmark 1896 home on the edge of Mudgee, has been sold for just under $2.1 million.
It was sold by Damian Kearns from Peter Druitt &amp; Co.
The first surveyor in Mudgee William Abernethy built the house in 1896.
There was a renovation and extension by the current owners, including cedar doors from Cate Blanchett's former Hunters Hill home.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-lifestyle-nsw-mudgee-7935566" target="_blank">The Victorian style home</a> features the ambience and beauty of the mature trees and gardens.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/5/15/mudgee%202.jpg" alt="">
The home comes with four bedrooms, appointed kitchen, formal dining with open fireplace, light filled living, and north facing sunroom with garden views.
Additional features include ducted reverse cycle air conditioning, two acres of established gardens and solar system.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/5/15/mudgee%203.jpg" alt="">
Occupying 32 hectares, of arable country fenced with five paddocks, the property last traded at $665,000 in 2002.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Mudgee landmark residence, Woodlands sold

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Only the rural towns of Griffith and Mudgee in New South Wales have a shortage of rental property in relation to demand, according to Herron Todd White, with Mudgee suffering a severe shortage.
Albury, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga are all in a balance market.
<a href="/images/2016/05/09/Screen%20Shot%202016-05-09%20at%202.19.35%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/05/09/Screen%20Shot%202016-05-09%20at%202.19.35%20PM.png" alt="">
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

Griffith, Mudgee have shortage of rental houses: HTW

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Mudgee's Lawson Park Hotel has sold for $4.05 million.
CEO of the Lantern Hotel Group CEO John Osborne announced the sale which attracted 57 enquiries.
“The campaign was tailor made to attract both investors and operators.” Gerry Quinlan said that after a competitive tussle the Hotel was sold to an investor," John said.
The sale is part of the Group’s divestment of non-core hotels which to date has realised $43.0 million with an overall premium on book value of 14 percent.
Manenti Quinlan &amp; Associated acted as agents for the sale.
The sale further consolidates the recent investment sales of the Racecourse Hotel, Wallsend and the Jemmy Moss Inn, Moss Vale.
Over the last three years the Lantern Group has developed the Lawson Park Hotel into one of the state’s leading regional hotels.
It is an award winning venue having captured the prestigious AHA Awards for the Best Casual Dining Country and Finalist Best Steak.
The value of the Lawson Park Hotel was underpinned by 15 gaming entitlements.
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Mudgee's Lawson Park Hotel sold

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A five star boutique hotel complete with its own private aircraft hangar in the western NSW town of Mudgee is on the market through Savills.
The Hangar House hotel, run by Alexey Suarez Gonzalez, is next to the Mudgee airport,
It has a total lettable area of 1102 square metres.
It features six rooms, lounge, dining and kitchen areas, a manager’s residence, a <a href="https://hangarhouse.com.au" target="_blank">private hangar</a> and on-site parking on a 1881 square metre allotment.
Mudgee runway can be used at a cost.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/08/hangar1.jpg" alt="">
Nic Simarro, Savills Senior Hotels executive said the property offered strong cash flow with the potential to continue trading as a flight school or as a prestigious home with a private hangar. 
"This is a one of a kind property which seldom comes to market and for that reason we are expecting a strong response from the market and especially from high net worth national and international investors," he said.
"It will suit buyers looking to retain the current use and or those looking for a high end Australian base with access to airport facilities."
Vendor Observe Air Pty Ltd, has not given a price indication.   
International Expressions of Interest close March 17 at 3pm
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Mudgee hotel has its own hangar

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The Mudgee property, Wilbetree has been sold.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-mixed+farming-nsw-mudgee-7886762" target="_blank">The highly productive 370 hectare farm</a> fetched $5.2 million when offered for sale for the first time since the early 1820's.
With approximately 300 acres of alluvial flats and a further 613 acres of rolling mostly arable grazing land "Wilbetree" is renowned for lucerne hay production, fat cattle and cropping.
The main homestead enjoys an elevated position amid three acres of established gardens.
With buildings dating back to 1824, it is one of Mudgee's most substantial and oldest homes.
Additions were carried out in the 1980s.
"Wilbetree is arguably one of the finest properties ever offered for sale in the Mudgee district," the marketing by Andrew Blackman at Mudgee First National advised.
 
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Mudgee property, Wilbetree sold

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Houses in Mudgee, NSW are available for $500,000, according to Herron Todd White’s latest July report.
The property investment firm says that rental returns for four bedroom homes can be between $400 to $450 per week.
“For $500,000 you could buy a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom modern dwelling in south or west Mudgee on a 1,000 square metre block or a renovated federation style home in central Mudgee on a smaller lot.
“On a return basis you could potentially do better by buying two units which would be possible on a $500,000 budget (although don’t forget about the additional fees such as strata fees etc).
“You can expect a rental return of between $400 and $450 per week on the modern 4-bedroom home in south or west Mudgee, $450 to $485 on the renovated central Mudgee home or $500 to $550 on the two units.
“With new state government changes to first home buyer grants and an improved coal price this property bracket could exceed that lazy half million figure by the end of 2017. Fingers crossed!” the report stated.
A four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-mudgee-125765358" target="_blank">8 Hennessy Place</a>, Mudgee (above) has been listed for $459,000.
Similarly a four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-mudgee-125822258" target="_blank">2 Bellevue Road</a>, Mudgee (below) has been listed for $469,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/07/19/2%20Bellevue%20Road.jpg" alt="">
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Mudgee houses available for $500,000: HTW

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Trelawney Farm, the 130 year old farmhouse in Mudgee, has been listed for sale.
The property at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-nsw-mudgee-7971010" target="_blank"> 428 Henry Lawson Drive</a> is currently an award-winning accomodation, but the listing advises it would suit as a family home.
It can be dual self-contained residences or one complete home.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/6/18/MUD2.jpg" alt="">
The iconic country homestead features fresh white bricked facade, colonial architraves and a wrap around porch with views over Pipeclay Creek.
There's five bedrooms, two bathrooms, two open plan living and dining areas and a formal library.
It sits on over 10 hectares in the heart of the Mudgee wine trail.
McGrath Central Tablelands agent Adam Woods is asking $1.2 million.
Last month's <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/83715-trophy-home-mudgee-landmark-woodlands-sold" target="_blank">Mudgee's landmark residence Woodlands</a> sold for just under $2.1 million.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Mudgee's 130 year old Trelawney Farm for sale

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A Mudgee farm, Northnife, was passed in at recent auction.
Located at 791 Ulan Road, Mudgee, the 34 acre holding is the home of Farmers Daughters Wines.
It was offered by administrator, Ian Purchas of SV Partners.
Just 10 minutes from Mudgee and 3.5 hours to the Sydney CBD, it holds "a productive irrigated vineyard and an excellent office/cellar door/hospitality area".
The listing notes that the Farmers Daughter Wines business would be available to the successful purchaser, as would the plant and equipment.
Some 14 of the 34 acres are being used as a vineyard.
The property holds a 15 mega-litre irrigation license, with a fully equipped bore supplying the vineyard.
The holding also has three steel framed sheds with concrete floors, two with power, and a commercial cool room.
On site is a four bedroom, two bathroom home which is located not far from a six room office building.
There is no price guide for the property.
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Northnife, Mudgee vineyard remains for sale 

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A rural property in New South Wales's Mudgee, located northwest of Sydney, has been sold for $95,000. <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/6/Mudgee%205.jpeg" alt=""> The property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-lifestyle-nsw-mudgee-7974966" target="_blank">81 King John Lane, Mudgee</a><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-lifestyle-nsw-mudgee-7974966" target="_blank"></a> is a 24ha (60 acres) of level grazing or farming country with two large dams as well as a creek that meanders right through the centre. The property had been listed through Bob Proestos who marketed it as an "ideal weekend getaway block that's large enough to also grow oats, run some sheep or cattle and/or keep horses."
It comes with two large dams as well as a creek that meanders through the property. 
Power is noted as a great asset on this block as it is located close to building sites.
Some shedding is also available as well as a water tank and old septic system. 
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