Cobbora Coal Mine

Dear Sir,

I am gravely concerned about you proposal to approve the Cobbora Coal Project.

At a time when we are seeing increasing adverse weather events it seems extremely short sighted for the government to be offering a significant subsidy to the industry which is a major contributor to the problem.

Subsidised electricity is not cheap and in the face of falling demand fossil fuel generation, of necessity, must become increasing expensive over time as transport costs increase and the consequences of climate change have to be paid for. Add to this the environmental destruction and the threat to crucial water resources and it is hard for me to understand how this proposal is not just a cynical exercise that puts the narrow interests of coal-fired power generators above the interests of ordinary people and the environment.


I ask you to abandon this `costly, polluting and destructive proposal' and to commit some real resources to the development of renewable energy solutions

Dear Sir / Madam,
I wish to comment on the proposed expansion of this or any coal mine and place my objection in writing.

Cobbora coal mine is an appallingly inappropriate spending of tax payers money. $3.4 billion dollars could go a long way investing in renewable , non polluting energies rather than support this project

Adding additional greenhouse emissions is against State and Federal policies to reduce climatic change impacts

Approximately 47km2 of land which has high agricultural and conservation value , will be disturbed .

The project will compete for water with local industries and people, especially in times of drought....which should always be of significance in our drought prone country. This does not show forward thinking

Aboriginal cultural heritage sites will be destroyed

Significant woodlands[ containing habitat for 39 threatened species ] will be destroyed

This is an outdated `solution' when newer and better alternatives are available. Old methods need replacing as does old thinking

I am concerned for our future generations. We need to keep our environment clean . We need to be thought of as an educated nation not become a joke internationally...we , who have enough alternate energies resources should not allow this to proceed .

Do not spend taxpayers money on this backward step

OBJECTION TO THE COBBORA COAL MINE

I wish to strongly object to the NSW Government's plan to develop Cobbora

Coal mine near Dunedoo. The open cut mine will destroy the agricultural potential of the rural holding and could produce at least 10million tonnes of CO2 every year for the next 21years.

This is not the way of the future. We should not jeopardise our children's future by subsidising this retrograde form of energy production.

Yours sincerely

Matthew Allison

Dear Mr O'Donoghue,

I am writing to object to the development of the Cobbora coal mine. Ref. No: 10-0001

I am opposed to the development of any more coal mines in Australia, and especially this one. Coal is under the earth to protect the earth's atmosphere from the carbon that the coal will release when burned. The planet cannot afford any increase in the carbon levels already in its atmosphere. Any further coal development is a short-term money maker, to the long-term detriment of the planet and all its inhabitants.

The Cobbora coal mine, if built, will cost taxpayers more than $3 billion, destroy nearly two thousand hectares of wildlife habitat, and provide half-priced coal to our state's polluting power stations for more than 20 years.

The justification for the mine is based on incorrect projections of demand for coal-fired electricity over the next 10 years. Demand for coal-fired power has dropped significantly since this project was first proposed, as part of the Keneally government's electricity privatisation deal.

Yours Sincerely

Sr Marian McClelland sss

Your submission guide is unnecessarily bureaucratic and is it designed to stop us protesting, I wonder.

I object to the mine for all the reasons that have been aired frequently.
From using less coal because of climate warming, and health and pollution, and water safety. And because we don't know enough of its effects.

sincerely,
Angela Sands

I want to OBJECT STRONGLY to this proposal. It would destroy huge areas of farmland,woodland, Aboriginal cultural sites , and use great volumes of precious water. I'd like those millions spent on health,education,and energy-saving efforts. I urge your Govt. to abandon this costly, destructive proposal.
Pat Green, ratepayer

Dear Stephen O'Donoghue,

I wish to submit an objection to the Cobbora Coal Mine.

I am a resident in the Northern Beaches in Sydney.

We use renewable energy for about 1/3 of our energy use, this is with photovoltaic panels and solar hot water and energy saving measures and we do our best to ensure our environment is supported by using real renewable energy.

I wish to give my objections with the following points:

Using NSW taxpayers money (my taxes) for a project involving dirty coal, a non-renewable resource, is not acceptable

This project will not assist us in reducing our carbon emissions, it will only add to them, this energy source is running out, is dirty and totally out of date.

Our energy demand in NSW is reduced by many Australians like us using Solar Hot water and photovoltaic panels, so there is no justification to spend any money on digging up coal.

Coal prices are dropping, China is using less of this dirty fuel, in fact they are now the leaders in making photovoltaic panels.

The project will disturb and destroy an important conservation area, agricultural land and aboriginal sites.

The Mudgee area is a great tourist area and income from the beautiful landscape and wine areas will be compromised with this mine (we have seen the upper hunter where I come from destroyed by coal mining) .

This mine will compete with farms and communities in the area for water in times of drought.

The Cobbora coal mine, if built, will cost taxpayers more than $3 billion, destroy nearly two thousand hectares of wildlife habitat, and provide half-priced coal to our state's polluting power stations for more than 20 years.

The justification for the mine is based on incorrect projections of demand for coal-fired electricity over the next 10 years. Demand for coal-fired power has dropped significantly since this project was first proposed, as part of the Keneally government's electricity privatisation deal.

Renewable energy is getting cheaper and easier to implement so coal will become even more irrelevant as time goes on.

I am a resident of NSW. I welcome the opportunity to comment on the proposed expansion.
Just recently there was an article highlighting the fact that our electricity demand has actually decreased due to several factors. This project does not fit into the actual electricity as well as coal price projection.
With the renewable energy is getting cheaper, it does not make sense to invest in this project and on top of that the project will generate additional greenhouse gas emission which conflict with both State and Federal policy to reduce climate change impact.
I often travel to Mudgee and going past a few collieries are a real eye-sore. This project will damage Mudgee reputation as the wine country and damage the tourism industry.

OBJECTION:

I do not support and am concerned about the possibility of the NSW Government developing a state-owned coal mine. The cost for this is outrageous and will destroy wildlife habitat, and will continue to pander to coal companies. When will the government start thinking about the environment and our future, and not big power companies?

The Cobbora coal mine, if built, will provide heavily subsidised coal to six large coal fired power stations, locking in decades of carbon pollution, and delaying investment in clean, renewable energy.

This mine proposal is environmentally destructive and fiscally irresponsible and I object to this going ahead.

This is a submission against the Cobbora coal project.

Let's be honest. This "assessment" process is actually an approval process. There is no chance in hell that the Planning Department, the Planning Minister, or the Planning Assessment Commission would allow a coal mine project to be rejected.

The Planning process for coal projects in NSW is a farce. The communities views do not matter to the Government, or the mining companies. In this case, the Government is the mining company.

I am writing this submission, not because I believe it will influence the Planning Department's decision on the Cobbora coal project, but because it's important for the record to show how many people are opposed to the devastating coal boom that the NSW Government and coal mining companies are forcing on us, whether we like it or not.

The reasons I am opposed to the Cobbora coal project are listed below. There is no way to avoid these impacts, except by rejecting the mine proposal. No "conditions of approval" can negate the massive impacts of this coal mine proposal on ecosystems, waterways, the community, and the global climate.

Reasons the Cobbora coal project must be rejected:
- The mine would produce 12 million tonnes per annum of product coal. This coal would then be combusted in power stations to produce 34 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, which would then be dumped into the atmosphere, propelling global temperatures to dangerous levels. The International Energy Agency's 2012 annual report found that two thirds of global fossil fuel reserves must never be mined, or the global climate would become unlivable. The NSW Government, on the other hand, appears determined to allow mining companies access to every last tonne of carbon reserves in this state.
- Climate change aside, the impacts on air quality, and consequently on peoples health, from mining 20 Mtpa of coal (and then burning 12Mtpa) are unacceptable.
- The mine would result in the bulldozing of approximately 1800 hectares of bushland, including threatened species, endangered ecological communities, and critically endangered ecological communities. As usual, the miners, and the Government (who in this instance are the same), will argue that this loss of habitat can be "offset" through the purchase of bushland elsewhere. That argument is bullshit. Firstly, destroying one area of bushland and not destroying another, is not a neutral outcome. The bush is still gone, and the animals that lived there are still dead. Secondly, the offset bushland is not even protected. Right now in Warkworth, Rio Tinto are planning to bulldoze bushland that was previously "set aside" as an offset. Your Department gave them permission to do that. Who do you think you're kidding?
- 3.7 gigalitres of water would be used by the mine. Will there be any left?
- The proponents have already bought 68 properties in the area. Basically, no body will be able to live there any more. The NSW Government pays lip service to supporting rural communities, but then allows mining companies to destroy them. Or in this case, the Government plans to destroy the rural community on it's own.

Sincerely,
Steve Phillips

Dear Sir,
Re: Objection to Cobbora Coal Project - Application No: 10_0001

I wish to lodge my grave objections to this inappropriate and
unnecessary new state-owned coal mine proposal.

NSW should not be subsidising this project with our money; coal power
is outdated technology and this will tie us into it for decades, when we should be moving to alternatives.

The economic rationale for this project is not current. The mine will run at a loss! Electricity demand has dropped and this mine is unnecessary.

The Cobbora coal is of poor quality which when burnt may result in increased toxic emissions - so where are the pre-approval health studies on this?

Mudgee district will suffer adversely from this mine to be sited in a direction where so far it has none. The mine will need to use up to 3,700 ML (million litres) of water per
year from surface water and groundwater interception. The use of high security licenced water from the Cudgegong River will threaten the water security of the Mudgee region wine and tourism industries.

It could also threaten the long term security of the town water supply from Windermere Dam.

The NSW Government has purchased 68 of 90 properties in the affected area, yet the loss of farming community and broadscale food production has not been adequately assessed.

Towns and properties along the coal chain will be impacted by additional noise and dust from increased coal train movements. Where are the health impact studies on this.

I urge you to reject the proposal. It was a huge mistake to begin with but dodging compensation on deals is no reason to make things worse, and to cost us more, and for mich longer.

Regards

Shayrn Munro

PO Box 647 Singleton NSW 2330

0438 052 685

Good Morning :

I would like to strongly voice my objection to The Cobbora Coal Mine Proposal. This would cause devastation to a huge area of Wildlife habitat. If this Coal Mine is approved decades of increased Carbon pollution will be locked in.

The NSW Government should move forward with reducing Carbon emissions & developing existing technology for cleaner sustainable energy.

Rejecting this destructive near sighted proposal will reflect the majority of community opinion & provide the NSW Government an opportunity to win popular support thanks.

Regards:

Alan Carpenter

As a land owner situated within the Project Application Area (PAA), I wish to seek clarification on a number of issues I consider will impact on me. The address of my property is 99 Suzanne Road, Tallawang and adjoins exploration licence 7394.

The issues are as follows:
· Offset strategy - tree planting from Tucklan State Forest to Goodiman State Conservation Area.
(1) Where will the tree planting occur, and over what size area;
(2) Will my property be at increased risk in the event of a bush fire from the north west/west;
(3) Will the two forest areas be joined or if not, how will fauna negotiate a fenced rail spur to enter either area;

· The area nominated for the rail spur has been defined by the Mid Western Regional Council as an area of "high value endangered ecological community". As the red guide posts indicate I am within this zone. How will the destruction of this significant area impact on my property;

· What is the future of properties in Suzanne Road, Tallawang acquired by CHC. A number of the properties have dwellings and some are vacant land. As a neighbour of these properties will they be maintained so as to not fall into disrepair or neglect;

· What is anticipated to happen to property values within the PAA for privately owned residences;

· Accuracy of estimated noise levels from the rail spur is of concern. There does not appear to be enough information regarding on-site rail noise to satisfy my misgivings. The report generalises construction details (no specifics) and contains no detail regarding locomotives to be used. The report provides a 5dB increase on current estimates which totals 35 dBA. With my property being 800 to 900 metres from the rail line these levels at best seem very optimistic. Currently the background noise levels are minimal, and well below 35 dBA;

· At the present it is possible to travel the back roads to Dubbo via Brooklyn Road. Will it be possible after the construction of the rail spur to access Brooklyn Road from Suzanne Road? Travelling to Dubbo via Brooklyn Road and Spring Ridge Road provides a shorter route.

As stated in the EA no towns were affected by the PAA. However Suzanne Road was a sub-division and as such was a vibrant local community with plenty of "heart". This community now no longer exists and for myself I feel a great sense of loss. Having been part of that community for 25 years and myself getting older, the sense of loss feels just that - a sad loss.

I have tried to remain informed on the Cobbora Coal project but the task is enormous for one individual. I applied for and was given Volume 1 - Main Report. However there are nine volumes in total and I will not be across all the detail.

I have tried to simplify the issues that affect me. I am sure there are many more issues I have not yet considered as impacting on my life/property.

Thanking you in anticipation of your response.

Yours faithfully

Lynette Rogerson

I am strongly opposed to the proposal for Cobbora coal mine, if built, will provide heavily subsidised coal to six large coal fired power stations, locking in decades of carbon pollution, and delaying investment in clean, renewable energy.
It will cost taxpayers more than $3 billion, destroy nearly two thousand hectares of wildlife habitat, and provide half-priced coal to our state's polluting power stations for more than 20 years.
The justification for the mine is based on incorrect projections of demand for coal-fired electricity over the next 10 years. Demand for coal-fired power has dropped significantly since this project was first proposed, as part of the Keneally government's electricity privatisation deal.

Kay Burns
85 Dr George Mt Rd
TANJA
NSW 2550

We strongly object to the Cobbora Coal Mine.

The Cobbora coal mine, if built, will cost taxpayers more than $3 billion, destroy nearly two thousand hectares of wildlife habitat, and provide half-priced coal to our state's polluting power stations for more than 20 years.

The justification for the mine is based on incorrect projections of demand for coal-fired electricity over the next 10 years. Demand for coal-fired power has dropped significantly since this project was first proposed, as part of the Keneally government's electricity privatisation deal.

This mine proposal is environmentally destructive and fiscally irresponsible.

We would rather the NSW Government spent this money on schools, health and public transport.

The Cobbora coal mine, if built, will result in serious environmental impacts, including the destruction of more than 1,850 hectares of woodlands, loss of agricultural land, damage to groundwater resources and desecration of Aboriginal cultural heritage sites.

This ill-conceived proposal puts the narrow interests of coal-fired power generators above the interests of ordinary people and the environment.

The NSW Government must abandon this costly, polluting and destructive proposal.

We need to start looking toward alternative avenues for power and stop mining intensely polluting coal.

Sincerely,

Penn Family

Sydney

Dear Mr Donoghue,

I am deeply concerned about your government's proposal for the Cobbora coal mine.

If built, this mine will cost taxpayers more than $3 billion, destroy nearly two thousand hectares of wildlife habitat, and provide half-priced coal to our state's polluting power stations for more than 20 years.

The justification for the mine is based on incorrect projections of demand for coal-fired electricity over the next 10 years. Demand for coal-fired power has dropped significantly since this project was first proposed, as part of the Keneally government's electricity privatisation deal.

Linda Wright, 9 Mantons Lane, LAWRENCE 2460, ph. 0266477373

I wish to object to the decision of the state government to support the opening of another major coal mine. At a time when demand for electricity is actually falling and the success of demand management (somewhat inadvertently by the raising of energy prices) is evident. There is no compelling case for government subsidies, or for trashing yet another valuable acreage of farmland and woodland with risks to groundwater resources.

Why are we taking funds from education and health to subsidise an industry that is becoming less and less relevant for an energy efficient economy?

With respect but also disappointment yet again with the priorities of this government

Margot Pearson
[email protected]
17 Marshall St, Surry Hills, 2010

Submission to opposing Cobbor coal mine Feference 10-0001

Dear Sirs
I strongly appose this Cobbor mine . It is time you forgot about expensive coal mines which ruin our environment forever and make people sick . Spend the money on renewable energy which is the way to go and you know it.

If you cannot make proper decisions that care for the people of Australia then it is time you were deposed from your office.
The majority of Australians do not want what you are proposing along with a long list of equally dangerous decisions. No one in their right mind wants what you are proposing.

Switch to renewables and fund research into finding a way of harnising a renewable energy source that is far cheaper, clean and efficient than coal. Let Australia be the first to lead the world this way and sell the unique and advanced technology overseas. Digging coal out of the ground is so archaic and has not changed in centuries.

Please listen to reason.
Frances Scarano
119 Twynam Street Katoomba.2780

I wish to submit an objection to the Cobbora Coal Mine.

I am a resident in the Northern Beaches in Sydney.
We use renewable energy for about 1/3 of our energy use, this is with Photovoltaics and solar hot water and energy saving measures, we do our best to ensure our environment is supported by using real renewable energy.

I wish to give my objections with the following points:

-Using NSW taxpayers money (my taxes) for a project dirty coal a non-renewable resource is outrageous
-This project will not assist us in reducing our carbon emissions, it will only add to them, this energy is old, dirty and totally out of date.
-Our energy demand in NSW is reduced by many Australians like us using Solar Hot water and Photovoltaics, so there is no justification to spend any money on digging up coal.
-Coal prices are dropping, China is using less of this dirty fuel, in fact they are now the leaders in making Photovoltaic panels.
-The project with disturb and destroy important conservation area, agriculture land and aboriginal sites.
-The Mudgee area is a great tourist area and income from the beautiful landscape and wine areas will be compromised with this mine (we have seen the upper hunter where I come from destroyed by coal mining) .
-This mine will compete with farms and communities in the area for water in times of drought.


Sally Wilson
P.O. Box 630
Newport, NSW 2106

9/11/2012