Magnitude 4.7 Earthquake Strikes New South Wales Near Proposed Nuclear Site

A magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck New South Wales, causing tremors felt by thousands in the region. The epicenter was located near Muswellbrook, with residents reporting shaking in areas as far as Coffs Harbour, Sydney, and Canberra. Several residents experienced power outages, and emergency services responded to minor infrastructure damage.

The earthquake hit just before midday in the Upper Hunter Valley, approximately 250 kilometers north-west of Sydney. Initially reported as a magnitude 5.0, it was later downgraded twice. Over 2,500 individuals reported feeling the quake to Geoscience Australia, with most reports centered in the Hunter Valley.

Geoscience Australia senior seismologist Hadi Ghasemi indicated that the most intense reports were from regions close to the epicenter. Some residents described occurrences of items falling from shelves and doors swinging open due to the shaking.

The earthquake’s epicenter is in proximity to the Liddell Power Station, where future plans for a nuclear power plant are being considered by the Coalition. Shadow Energy Minister Ted O'Brien mentioned that any identification of earthquake risks in the Upper Hunter region may halt nuclear plant proposals.

Peter Keegan, Deputy Northern Zone Commander for the New South Wales State Emergency Service, reported that emergency crews responded to various calls about minor damage, including broken windows and a damaged chimney in Maitland. Fortunately, they had not received reports of serious injuries.

New South Wales Police acknowledged the limited nature of the damage but urged dam owners in the area to check the structural integrity of their facilities. Reports of damage in the Muswellbrook area included blown-out windows and a fallen chimney.

A representative from BHP reported that certain workers at the Mount Arthur Coal Mine sustained minor injuries from falling objects, but no serious injuries were recorded. Inspections of the mine’s tailings dam showed no structural issues following the quake.

Summer-Rose Moffitt, a Year 8 student at Muswellbrook High School, recounted her experience during the quake. She reported feelings of confusion and fear as the ground began to shake, prompting students to rush from classrooms due to safety concerns over potential structural damage.

Residents took to social media to share their experiences, describing shaking homes, moving furniture, and rattling windows. One Muswellbrook local, Beryl Hartin, described the event as frightening, with her house shaking and air conditioning units malfunctioning.

In areas farther away, such as Forster and Gunnedah, individuals reported sensations of the earthquake, with nearby buildings showing signs of movement and structural stress.

Geoscience Australia confirmed that the seismic activity was substantial, given the historical context of the region, with this earthquake being the largest in 20 years.