Bowdens Silver

Submission is in PDF version in attached file

Bowdens Silver is an inappropriate project for the area. Having lived in the area until 2010 I can say that the project is inappropriate for the following reasons:
. lack of water - the area often suffers from lack of water
. potential flooding - leading to leaching lead etc into local watercourse.
. proximity to primary school and potential for mining dust in particular lead to impact the children
. Reduction of amenity for the surrounding properties
. increase in vehicle traffic - particularly trucks - in an area not designed for it
. reduction in grazing land

Please see attached letter of support from Shaun Crabb - Regional Manager, APAC Geochemistry

I strongly object to the Bowdens Silver Project based on the Project Review by the Lue Action Group.

I am writing to object the proposal of the Bowden's Silver Mine in the Lue area. The proposed water usage alone is a terrifying prospect, especially given how ravaged this area has been by droughts over the years. I'm gravely concerned for the local flora and fauna and how dramatically this mine will alter the both the landscape - both ecologically and visibly. A silver mine of this scale would have a detrimental impact on the innovative, creative and sustainable communities this region has worked so hard to foster and will be a big turnoff for tourists and prospective residents. Please don't destroy this unique and beautiful place.

The current proposal suggests that long-term serious risks to the natural environment and to the future livelihood of the Cudgegong Valley and surrounding communities are OK. This is not OK. Pollution from the proposed mining operation has the potential to damage air quality, agriculture, habitat, biodiversity, groundwater and surface water for the long term. This potentially explosive legacy far outweighs any short-term benefits that might be gained. The proponents have talked up the benefits but the negative impacts have been ignored or downplayed.

The Bowdens Silver development of an open cut silver mine and associated infrastructure is inappropriate development for the traditionally rural location due to its environmental, social and economic impacts and land use conflicts. Specific details are provided in the attached submission.

RE: Bowdens Silver Project | State Significant Development No. 5765

I, Vinesa Walker, Managing Director and Co-Owner, of A1 Earthworx Mining & Civil Pty Limited, would like to make a Submission on behalf of A1 Earthworx Mining & Civil Pty Limited in Support of the Bowdens Silver Project.

A1 Earthworx have been operating in the Mudgee Region for close to 40 years and have been contracted to complete work all over NSW. In 1980 the business as founded by my parents, Pat & Vicki Pilley, and was known as Pat Pilley Earthmoving. I have been part of this community my entire life, I am the sixth generation of my family born and bred in this region.

For many years, Pat operated his dozer constructing farm dams and building farm tracks, whilst also working at the local coal mine to provide for the family and make the bank repayments on his dozer. Slowly the business grew. In 2008, when I started working for A1, we had 8 people working for us and about 15 items of plant.

A couple of years after that, our family business was fortunate enough to experience significant growth during the construction and development stages of other local coal mines, therefore, I have seen the benefits that mining brings to local communities through sourcing local contractors and suppliers, which is one of the reasons why we support Bowdens Silver Project at Lue.

Bowdens Silver, through the Bowdens Silver Project at Lue, is committed to the development of our region. They will create more jobs as well as bring more opportunities for investment to the region. We strongly believe the local mines, through their direct employment and the flow on effect through local contractors and suppliers, provides economic stability for our community.

Opportunities to benefit the local region to this scale do not come along often and we need to take advantage of them to help ensure the future of Mudgee, and that is why A1 Earthworx Mining & Civil strongly support the approval of the Bowdens Silver Project.

I write to extend KEPCO Bylong Australia’s support of the application before you for the Bowden Silver Mine Project. recommend this Project to you and seek that every consideration is given to supporting this Project as one of the most important growth opportunities in this region.