THE state government has spent more than $8.7 million in five years to buy 21 properties badly damaged by mine subsidence, including six local homes.
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A Newcastle Herald report revealed five of the properties were in Lambton, where a section of the Old Lambton Colliery workings collapsed in 2012.
There was also one in Valentine.
At least five of the 21 homes, as far away as the Southern Highlands, were so badly damaged the owners sold them to the Mine Subsidence Board.
Mine subsidence expert Professor Philip Pells said payouts were to be expected as old mine workings inevitably failed over time.
The Herald has reported incidents at Gillieston Heights, Cardiff as well as Swansea Heads where two sinkholes opened in May.