Bengalla Coal Mine - Continuation

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing in support of the Bengalla Continuation Project (SSD-5170). I am an employee at Bengalla Mine and the approval of this project will improve my job security and that of some 400 other Bengalla employees as well as the employees of local businesses who provide services to the site. Bengalla is an important part of the local economy and in my time as an employee, I have witnessed firsthand the company's commitment to environment and community.

Bengalla aims to reduce the impact of mining operations on the environment. The site recycles greater than 70% of water used in processing coal and recycles greater than 85% on non-mineral waste. Bengalla is committed to the rehabilitation of land and employees organize bird watching days for the local community and participate in tree planting and clean up days.

I feel that Bengalla significantly contributes to the local community. Bengalla supports projects in the community through the Coal & Allied Community Development Fund and the Aboriginal Development Consultative Community. Many Bengalla employees contribute to the community by coaching junior sporting teams, donating time to run classes at the PCYC and participating in workshops and presentations for high school students about careers in the mining industry.

The contribution to the community that I am most passionate about is the scholarship program. The company provides a number of scholarships to students wishing to undertake university studies. After finishing high school, I received a similar scholarship sponsored by Bengalla's managing company, Rio Tinto. The scholarship I received provided the funds that allowed me to attend university and vocational experience in my chosen profession. The Bengalla scholarships are a valuable resource to young people in the community.

As a company, I feel Bengalla works with integrity to reduce the impact of mining on the environment. I see Bengalla as an integral part of the Muswellbrook community and I strongly support the Bengalla Continuation Project.

Sincerely,

Courtney Geraghty

Sandra White
Walwa
40 a Gray Street
SATUR N.S.W. 2337

Director Mining and Projects
GPO Box 39 SYDNEY N.S.W. 2001.


Dear Sir or Madam
Thank you for taking the time to read this:-
I am an employee of Bengalla MIne in the Production Team on B Crew.
Mine is a unique application and written with true commitment, I turned my family's life side down, with three retail outlets and Coal and Allied and Bengalla, have me a chance as a trainee at Hunter Valley and than Full time at Bengalla
I am so proud to be part of Bengalla, privileged I would call it, they care! examples, Donations, Fundraising, Local community support, the ongoing support for cancer and other diseases, the upgrade of roads, creeks, and the lifestyles of many many employees, many farmers sold to Bengalla but you never print how much, I am a farmer's daughter, I sit and watch the land and areas Bengalla are digging you would not fatten anything this is very dry country, I see the rehabilitation wow if only you could see the efforts that go into this rehab and the summer crop that grew last year you to would be impressed, and my list goes on in relation to the positives, so many businesses have directly benefitted from this Pitt, I would be fearful to say that if the Planning and Development systems don't soon come into some sort of reform at lot of businesses, Families will never survive.
I have been involved in very strict noise testing, which is done on a regular basis of a night, these people care, they have so much in place to care for you and the environment.
The reticulation of the water have you ever looked at the survey re how much water a horse stud pulls out of the streams, and whilst we are on Horse Studs , don't under mine us is their slogan they don't seem so partial to asking the Mines for donations for the horse Sport, races etc.

Stop Think and Identify that's something we are taught at Bengalla,
Please Stop-- and see the positives and the efforts of the Development- Management and Teams of this Pit.
Think-- Please think about the Area, the positives that have been achieved by Bengalla since opening, and what an incredible difference this makes, and will continue to make.
Identify--The good in the approval of this application, so much media frenzy, so many people on negatives only and certainly been heard. Identify what I have said in my letter please.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, I have a plan my youngest son will swing a digger bucket in this pit one day, and hopefully be as proud to be part of such a positive , dynamic industry, an industry that goes beyond anything to assist.
I care and if in doubt you come to Bengalla as my guest one day and share what I have learnt to enjoy and I guarantee you'll- Have a great day.

Be positive with our submission please!

Be safe

Sandra White

Noted, submission uploaded

See file attached.