Drilling into the past

Friday 23 September 2005

The historic drilling into the long lost ancient coal mines of Newcastle is scheduled to begin on Monday 26 September 2005.

Gionni Di Gravio from the University of Newcastle's Coal River Working Party says, "For two years the University has spearheaded the search for the lost convict mines of Newcastle. These were the first in the southern hemisphere, as well as the first profitable business venture of the early colony."

"This drill hole into the base of Fort Scratchley at Colliers Point, or Tahlbihn to the Aboriginal people, represents a physical link to Newcastle's lost Aboriginal and colonial history," says Gionni.

"By drilling into the past we are re-connecting with 200 years of the human quest for power. The wall surrounding the Fort was put there in the 1885 to hide the tyrannies of the convict age forever."

"The significance of the convict coal mines to Newcastle and the Hunter region is well-established. The mines were the birthplace of the city and the beginnings of an industry that still underpins much of our economic activities today," says Gionni.

The drilling is scheduled to begin Monday morning from 9am on the ocean side of Fort Scratchley and later moving to the Northern site near the roundabout. Local, State and Commonwealth Approvals are in place. Newcastle East Residents Group has been contacted.

Gionni says, "Arthur Love Principal Engineer Coffey Geosciences Pty Ltd who is co-coordinating the drill says that we have a 1 in 10 chance of success, so we are keeping our fingers crossed for some good early results."

Photo opportunity:
What: Historic Fort Scratchley Drill
Where: Fort Scratchley, Newcastle
When: 9am on Monday 26 September 2005

For interviews: Gionni Di Gravio on (02) 4921 5819.