This project originally started out to solve our existing problems. However, as we tried working with authorities, it became clear to us how much secrecy, negligence, and waste occurred. The above photo is a current image of footpath subsidence on Maitland Road Mayfield - these subsidence issues have been reports to the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, all Councillors, asset management, Mine Subsidence, Legacy Mines and the NSW Government. Its been 13 years from the first report to authorities, subsidence is estimated to be 10cms, each year the subsidence is getting worse. Nothing has been done - the problem has been completely ignored.
This work is too big for one person, and whilst I have put many of the pieces together, I need your help. We want to show that the legacy mines have deteriorated, and now causing daily issues in Newcastle, especially in Mayfield, Tighes Hill and Carrington areas.
We need help with the following;
- Advice from old miners, geotech engineers, hydro engineers and people involved in government departments who can share their wealth of experience. We have already received great support from inside some government agencies (off the record) and hope you can also share your knowledge with us.
- Researchers to find documents/reports and analyse the information how to relates between Legacy Mines to real locations in Newcastle For example, I have found historic maps and cross referenced with road collapses in Mayfield East. There is now clear evidence for direct correlation (authorities have told us “nothing to see here”) for direct path of continued damage under legacy mines.
- Collating data from the public, and updating map records. We receive photos such as the Maitland Road subsidence photo, and put together a dynamic map with event information.
- Moderators/bloggers who can help add information onto Mayfield Mines and other social media channels. We have a LOT of information we want to share.
- Videographers, photographers – any skills you feel you can help with to get the message out. We have many photos and videos that in isolation look like accidents, but when using the historic legacy mines map, can show that subsidence events, flooding, or random troubles can be linked back to the legacy mines.
If you have any time to spare, and would like to join our team please reach out to us. We are pushing to have the legacy mines repaired immediately, with permanent and professional management of all legacy mines, not only in NSW but Australia.