The Ashford region has an extensive history of open cut mining extending back to the Bickham mines which operated at the start of the 20th Century. These mines first opened around 1911 when the town of Ashford's population was still less than 400 people and the entire shire was populated by around 2500.

By 1966 the Ashford Power Station was producing all the electricity requirements for Inverell, Glen Innes, Texas, Goondiwindi and Bingara areas. The mines eventually closed in 1988.

For more information about the community consultation process please click here.