The expansion of operations at Cullen Valley and Invincible mines into the Ben Bullen State Forest by Coalpac Pty Ltd would destroy more than 1000 hectares of forest and threaten animal and plant life including endangered species, organisers claimed.

The area is a popular destination for residents and tourists and is a spectacular example of giant pagodas scattered amid forest otherwise known as the Gardens of Stone.

It is understood the proponent is preparing an environmental assessment which, once finalised and submitted, will be released for public comment.

The protest was addressed by Greens upper house MP Cate Faehrmann and vice president of Blue Mountains Conservation Society Tara Cameron.

The latter said the iconic Gardens of Stone is the sort of area that should be off limits to open cut mining, especially as the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has acknowledged its wish to add this forest to the conservation reserve system as a matter of priority.

“Coal mining has caused multiple cliff collapses in parts of the Blue Mountains,” she said.

“History shows that rehabilitation is woefully inadequate and totally incapable of restoring the original biodiversity and unique geological features of an area.

“Open cut mining [means] a small short term gain would be made at the expense of this beautiful landscape being lost forever.”

Director of Colong Foundation for Wilderness Keith Muir said “if the NSW Government’s strategic regional landuse policy is to mean anything for sensitive natural lands, then the Gardens of Stone must be protected from destructive mining operations.”