Cobbora Coal Mine

Re: Cobbora Coal Project - Preferred Project Report Application No: 10-0001



Dear Sir/Madam,

I am a resident of Newcastle and have a professional experience in Environmental Science and a personnel interest in 21st Century Sustainable Energy Technologies

As a tax-payer I welcome the opportunity to comment on the proposed project, namely Cobbora Coal (situated in central west NSW north-west of Mudgee and east of Dubbo) because Cobbora is a state-owned coal mining project.

My understanding is that the proposal is to mine 20mtpa (million tonnes per annum) to produce 12mtpa of usable coal. This suggests an extremely poor quality product with high ash content. The project aims to provide cheap domestic coal to power stations in the Upper Hunter and Central Coast. The health impacts of using poor quality coal should therefore be properly assessed.

The justification for the project was based on projections of demand for coal-fired electricity over the next 10 years that do not take into account the drop in demand since this project was first proposed. The mine will cost the NSW taxpayer approx $3.4billion but will be run at a loss. That is, NSW Taxpayer's money will be further used to directly subsidize another coal-fired power generator. The argument for continued coal-fired electricity in comparison to the long-term benefits of renewable energy sources has not been convincingly made. In my opinion this money would be better invested in renewable energy sources.

The project has a very large footprint and will cause major environmental impacts on woodland habitat as well as groundwater and surface water sources and the loss of at least 79 Aboriginal cultural heritage sites. The clearing of 1,959ha woodland habitat will impact on species listed for national protection: eg Grassy Box Woodland; endangered and vulnerable plants, including 100% loss of the local population of Tylophora linearis, endangered bird species including australasian bittern, malleefowl, regent honeyeater, superb parrot; and vulnerable microbat species - southern long-eared bat, large-eared pied bat.



The mine will need to use up to 4,340 ML (million litres) of water per year from surface water and groundwater interception. The use of high security licensed 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 urban water supply from Windamere Dam.

The cost benefit analysis for the project has not taken into account the social disruption; competition for workforce with other industries, particularly the agricultural industry across western NSW; or the costs of major infrastructure upgrades, particularly rail lines, to accommodate additional coal transport. Towns and properties along the coal chain will be impacted by additional noise and dust from increased coal train movements.

As it stands this poorly conceived and unnecessary project would lock NSW into coal-fired electricity generation until at least 2036. It is inconceivable that as a scientist, parent and grandparent I could accept this.



Public criticisms of the Preferred Project Report (PPR) that have not as yet, in my opinion, been adequately addressed are:



1. The economic assessment of the project and response to submissions has not adequately addressed the cost of a state-owned coal mine to the taxpayers of NSW.



2. The project cannot guarantee a `reliable, secure and economically stable domestic coal supply (to)NSW generators' nor can it guarantee `affordable electricity in NSW.'



3. The justification for the mine is based on contracts negotiated by the ALP Govt as part of the Gentrader deal. These could be filled through other arrangements.



4. The PPR does not justify the increase in water demand for mining operations from the previous prediction of 3,700 ML per year up to 4,340 ML per year.



5. The increased pump rate from the Cudgegong River and access to higher natural flows has not been adequately assessed.



6. The PPR will increase the area of destroyed woodland by 92 ha including an additional 11 ha of threatened ecological communities.



7. The ecological footprint of the mine is too high and cannot be adequately offset. The PPR does not identify a final offset package because this is not achievable.



8. The increased height of over burden emplacements by 20m will increase dust emissions. The air quality model needs to be redone using all available meteorological information.



9. The proposal to implement the draft `Rail Infrastructure Noise Policy' will disadvantage local residents affected by increased noise from the proposed rail loop.



10. The issue of train length on the Ulan line has not been addressed as identified in the ARTC 2012 - 2020 Rail Corridor Capacity Strategy.



Yours respectfully,

Mark Alderton

$3 billion of taxpayers dollars on a polluting coal mine?

Not if I have any say in it (and remember, I vote)!

I could think of a dozen better ways of spending my money.

Try:
A) Improving the hospital system
B) Fix the Pacific Highway
C) Support the Gonski educational reforms
D) Help revitalise the Murrey/Darling River basin
E) Build a very fast train system and get the trucks off our roads
for starters.

But not on a bl..dy dirty coal mine, nor a toll road (destined to go
bankrupt) in Sydney.

Bruce Hancock
Brushgrove

Please stop the Cobbora coal project.

I live in the Hunter valley and have seen the complete devastation that mining has on the landscape.

Has someone set a deadline for the end of digging up coal and destroying our precious land because there are so many new mine opening every where.

It seems like there is a race to see who can get as much out of the ground as possible before ??
The constant expansion of mining is just another nail in the coffin for our civilisation .
And no I am not dramatising this . Think long and hard .

When will enough be enough.

Yours so very sincerely
Joanne Herbert
30 Forsythe pd
Black Hill
NSW 2322

To Dept of Planning and Infrastructure


Dear staff,


I wish to register my views against the potential Cobbora coalmine that 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.. It is almost unbelievable that a state government would propose such an old-fashioned, pre-sustainability idea. But I guess only a government that supports the Hunters and Shooters Party could do so. While our children are being taught sustainability and ethics, the state goverment is supporting unsustainable practices. How on earth can that make sense to the children? The half-price subsidised coal alone is backward step into unsustainability.


I voted for this government, and am more and more disappointed with it.


Ralph Pridmore PhD

Cobbora Coal Project - Preferred Project Report

Application No: 10-0001

Cobbora Coal Mine

5/3/13





Dear Premier O'Farrell and Planning Minister Hazzard,





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.



January this year is the hottest on record, Climate change is happening now. It is madness to consider providing Australia's electricity from coal fired power stations. Spend this $3 billion on alternative energy production. I feel like we live in a country still in the 1900's. Please do not let Australia be left behind the rest of the world. Care for our environment. Stop the Cobbora Coal Mine

expansion now!



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

Pat Schultz





Pat Schultz

177 Brown St

Armidale NSW 2350

ph (02) 67725852

M 0428725852

[email protected]

Dear Sirs,

Please do not allow the new Cobbora coal mine, proposed for east of Dubbo.

We need our clean land for agriculture and our wildlife habitat.

It would provide heavily subsidised coal to six large coal-fired power stations, lock in decades of carbon pollution, and delay investment in clean, renewable energy.

The money would be better spent on renewable energy options.

Be careful about what the State parliament is doing now. Its mistakes might confront us later on.

Mrs. J. Reygersberg

Dear Premier O'Farrell,

As Premier of N.S. W. a top priority should be the protection of the
environment. Coal mines destroy environments which should be left
natural for the health of

the planet, the animals and flora they support and for future
generations to enjoy. Also the fuel the coal mines provide helps
pollute the planet.

Please say NO! to the Cobbora coal mine.

sincerely,

Margaret Jaffe

Dear planners,
For the sake of our Community and our Planet;
Do not plan for MORE Coal, MORE pollution, MORE carbon emissions, MORE Environmental Destruction.
Instead, plan to put our Peoples Billions to the development of sustainable, non polluting sources of providing our energy needs.

Forget the Pick and Shovel and think Sun,Wind and Water.
Use OUR Billions for Education and Ingenuity.
Peter Nicholas
Nowra, NSW

--
Peter Nicholas

To Whom It may concern within the O'Farrell Government

You really must consider stopping this insane quest to destroy our beautiful rich country, you must understand our country is not just for the people living and enjoying it now but also for our future children, who will one day be the adults of tomorrow.
We must do all we can to ensure while we have some kind of respect and control do all we can to give the next generation an environment which is clean and healthy. This means the air we breath and also the water we drink.
If you have not had the opportunity to see the program " Gaslands " then please do enlighten yourselves. This is a documentary on the facts of Coal seam gas and what effects it has on any environment, including ours.
Please do not believe that the procedures in Australia will be any different from any other country that these companies seduce the governments with BS reports and $$$$. It will end in underground water pollution and air pollution.
I request your genuine consideration for all Australian's now and our future generations to be your true and only real concern. $$$$ are only short lived.

Thank you
Kind regards
Barbara Bible
A caring and true lover of our wonderful country

04/03/2013


Major Planning Assessments
Department of Planning and Infrastructure
GPO Box 39
Sydney 2001

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am opposed to the proposed Cobbora coal mine.
The proposal is based on out-dated data.

It will be subsidised by tax payers, and as a taxpayer would much prefer my money go into subsidising renewable energy, not not coal mines to subsidise outdated coalfired power stations.

As well as the climate issues with coal, there are also the local environmental issues of clearing local woodland and overusing local water resources; and the health issues for the local population, that arise from coal mining.

This is no longer necessary as the demand for coalfired power is on the decline. It was proposed by the Labour government to try to help rush through the sale of power stations. I would hope the present government would find much better, more efficient ways to spend our money

Yours sincerely




Peggy Fisher

Dear Sir/Madam,

Please rethink the NSW plans for future power generation by spending $3billion on solar and wind technologies rather than the filthy polluting coal fired power stations.

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 and damage to groundwater resources.

Yours sincerely
Peter Bellew

Dear Sir

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 is a totally unacceptable position to place the people of NSW in and I therefore ask that you disallow the opening of this mine.

Regards
John Fuller
3 Shackel Ave, Concord, NSW

Dear Planning Review Board, Premier O'Farrell,
I submit my strong objection to the Cobbora coal mine.
This project threatens water security for the Mudgee Area, including ground and surface water impacts as well as requiring the clearing of nearly 2 ooo ha of woodlands that are home to a variety of endangered and threatened animal and plant species.
At the cost of a massive $3.4 BILLION to be paid by NSW taxpayers!, and upon completion to be operated at a LOSS, this project is a direct subsidy to NSW power generators. Clearly such a huge coimmittment of public funds would be more effectively invested in renewable power generation, as clearly that is the direction we need for the future. We do not need to expand rent-seeking 'industrial revolution era' technologies.
This development should NOT proceed.

Sally Chapman
PO Box 230
Wauchope NSW 2446

Good Morning :



I would like to voice my objection to the Cobbora Coal Project.



1. This will prevent development of renewable sustainable energy sources & lock in a continuation of destructive carbon pollution.

2. The majority of NSW taxpayers want their money spent on environmentally sustainable sources of energy.

3. If approved this project would destroy vast areas of our natural environment.

4. The extraction of water from the Cudgegong River is totally unsustainable to an already fragile river system that is part of the overused Murray Darling basin.

5. Extraction of cheap lower grade coal will only increase destructive environmental impacts.







Regards:



Alan Carpenter



Inventory Controller



Ph: (02) 9609 0230



Mob: 0411 766 620



Fax: (02) 9609 4561

Cameron's Transport

[email protected]

NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure



Dear Sir/ Madam



OBJECTION: Cobbora Coal Project - Preferred Project Report, Application No: 10-0001





I am strenuously object to the above application for the following reasons -



1. 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.



2. 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. The project is fiscally irresponsible.



3. The Cobbora coal mine, would provide heavily subsidised coal to six large coal-fired power stations, lock in decades of carbon pollution, and delay investment in clean, renewable energy.



4. 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 and damage to groundwater resources.



Sincerely yours

John Berry

James Fleming



30 Calder rd

Darlington

NSW 2008

Dear Sir,

Re: Cobbora Coal Project

I welcome the opportunity to comment on this proposed project. We previously lived in the Upper Hunter Valley and experienced the adverse effects of coal mining at first hand. Our property was to the west of Muswellbrook and the more recent mine at Wybong, north-west of the mines around Singleton and south-east of the mines in the Ulan area. We were regularly subjected to the dust from these sources due to the prevailing winds from the south-east and the north-west.



Our health was impacted by the dust we experienced in the air, our water and in the soil. This situation was reported to the local member and the Local Area Health Service. Neither were interested or concerned to help us or the wider community in dealing with these uninvited effects. This lack of support from officialdom was disappointing.



I believe the rationale for this mine is to provide designated coal supplies for NSW power stations to ensure affordable power into the future. It would appear that changing technology and economies will see this project a white elephant long before the anticipated expiry of the mine. To my mind the $3bn that this project is expected to cost would be better directed to subsidizing the take up of more efficient appliances and equipment and reducing the demand for power. Not only would this spread the benefits to the voting public, but would reduce the huge expenses involved with maintaining and renewing power generation plants as well as have very positive environmental benefits. It is understood that power stations are the worst causes of pollution in the Stae.



The real costs, if the mine is approved, will be borne by individuals, existing rural businesses, adjacent communities and the ever neglected environment. From past experience we know that the mine will be given priority with water allocations ahead of existing legitimate users in established industries. Those downstream, all the way to the Murray River mouth, will be subjected to toxic spills and discharges from mining operations despite all the assurances from the company and the conditions imposed. People living in the environs will be subjected to the dust particles from the mine, the machinery and the explosives used in the operations. This dust will affect their air, water and soil, and consequently their health.


Noise and infrasound will be other sources of nuisance inflicted on those living in the vicinity of mines or the infrastructure supporting the operation. Changing water tables will impact on farming operations and the environment. The repair of any loss of amenity caused by mining operations should be a conditional responsibility placed on the operators of any mining development . The State already accepts this principle in the case of properties affected by road noise adjoining new motor ways.


If the economic assessment of the project factors-in the long term costs, including the on-going loss of income by affected farming, the health costs to individuals and communities, environmental and heritage damages and the long term legacy costs that society will be left with, would this project be an asset to the State? If the decision is made to proceed why should established residents and businesses be forced to pay for the `benefits' that will be enjoyed by the community? Society should be prepared to compensate those disadvantaged by any such development. Community, heritage and the environment should not be without value in any assessment.


Some of us believe an improved quality of life is of far more value than a higher standard of living. The real question is, are we planning for people or for corporations?


Yours faithfully,

Douglas Blackwell

Dear Premier and Minister,

Re: Cobbora Coal Project-PPR Application No 10-0001


I wish to voice my objection to this proposal citing these issues


* This is based on a contract negotiated by the previous ALP Government as part of a Gentrader deal.This can be filled by other arrangements.

* This is a 3 Billion dollar cost to taxpayers ,which could be better spent on services and infrastructure to actually benefit the taxpayer and the state of NSW.There is no proof this project will provide cheaper electricity to consumers

* The PPR does not justify water usage increases from 3,700ML a year to 4,340ML a year.This mine will pose a threat to the urban water security from Windamere Dam and could affect the natural flow of the Cudgegong River.This could all impact the Mudgee region agricultural and tourism industries.

* The clearing of 1,959ha of woodland habit will impact on species listed for national protection and also impacts on a threatened ecological community.The ecological footprint for the mine is also extremely large and the PPR cannot finalise an offset package as this is totally unachievable


The Project's justification is based on an incorrect 10 year projection for coal fired electricity.Demand has dropped since the project was proposed.This will lock NSW into coal fired electricity for the next decade using poor quality coal in which the long-term affects of its use have not been adequately assessed . The 3 Billions dollars would be better invested in developing clean renewable energy sources,this will also create new employment opportunities.


I look forward to your response

Kind Regards

Wayne Reynolds
18 Yanderra Ave
Bangor,NSW 2234

I wish to register my objection to this project. I am sure many people will have objected already in a far more erudite and eloquent way than me so I shall just say stop being shortsighted and destroying the environment in pursuit of dollars. It is good that you are not allowing CSG etc projects within 2 miles of communities and agriculture but you shouldn't be allowing them at all. You refuse windfarms because they don't look very nice and make a noise but allow mines that polute and kill wildlife and destroy the environment.

Regards
Helen

Premier Barry O'Farrell
Planning Minister Brad Hazzard
Nature Conservation Council of New South Wales
PO Box 137 Newtown NSW 2042

Dear Premier O'Farrell and Planning Minister Hazzard,
I am writing from West Haverstraw, NY, USA to submit comments regarding the proposed Cobbora coal mine. The Cobbora Coal project is proposed in central west NSW north-west of Mudgee and east of Dubbo. It is a state-owned coal mining project tied to the sale of the power stations. It will lock NSW into coal-fired electricity generation until at least 2036. The proposal is to mine 20mtpa (million tonnes per annum) to produce 12mtpa of usable coal - it is extremely poor quality product with high ash content. The project aims to provide cheap domestic coal to power stations in the Upper Hunter and Central Coast. The health impacts of using poor quality coal have not been assessed. The justification for the project is based on incorrect projections of demand for coal-fired electricity over the next 10 years. Demand has dropped significantly since this project was proposed. The price of black coal on the export market has also dropped below the projections used to justify the need to source cheaper coal for domestic use. The mine will cost the NSW taxpayer approx $3.4billion and will be run at a loss. It is a direct subsidy to power generators in NSW. The argument for continued coal-fired electricity in comparison to the long-term benefits of renewable energy sources has not been made. Taxpayer's money would be better invested in renewable energy sources. The project has a very large footprint and will cause major environmental impacts on woodland habitat as well as groundwater and surface water sources and loss of at least 79 Aboriginal cultural heritage sites.
The clearing of 1,959ha woodland habitat will impact on species listed for national protection: eg Grassy Box Woodland; endangered and vulnerable plants, including 100% loss of the local population of Tylophora linearis, endangered bird species including australasian bittern, malleefowl, regent honeyeater, superb parrot; and vulnerable microbat species - southern long-eared bat, large-eared pied bat. The mine will need to use up to 4,340 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 urban water supply from Windamere Dam. The cost benefit analysis for the project has not taken into account the social disruption; competition for workforce with other industries, particularly the agricultural industry across western NSW; or the costs of major infrastructure upgrades, particularly rail lines, to accommodate additional coal transport.Towns and properties along the
coal chain will be impacted by additional noise and dust from increased coal train movements.
Due to this multitude of environmental and public health risks I am opposed to the construction of this 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. In addition, 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.
The key points of objection to the construction of the Cobbora Coal Project, Preferred Project Report(PPR)are:
The economic assessment of the project and response to submissions has not adequately addressed the cost of a state-owned coal mine to the taxpayers of NSW.
The project cannot guarantee a `reliable, secure and economically stable domestic coal supply (to)NSW generators' nor can it guarantee `affordable electricity in NSW.
The justification for the mine is based on contracts negotiated by the ALP Govt as part of the Gentrader deal. These could be filled through other arrangements.
The PPR does not justify the increase in water demand for mining operations from the previous prediction of 3,700 ML per year up to 4,340 ML per year.
The increased pump rate from the Cudgegong River and access to higher natural flows has not been adequately assessed.
The PPR will increase the area of destroyed woodland by 92 ha including an additional 11 ha of threatened ecological communities.
The ecological footprint of the mine is too high and cannot be adequately offset. The PPR does not identify a final offset package because this is not achievable.
The increased height of over burden emplacements by 20m will increase dust emissions. The air quality model needs to be redone using all available meteorological information.
The proposal to implement the draft `Rail Infrastructure Noise Policy' will disadvantage local residents affected by increased noise from the proposed rail loop.
The issue of train length on the Ulan line has not been addressed as identified in the ARTC 2012 - 2020 Rail Corridor Capacity Strategy.
Due to these multiple environmental and public health concerns, As a physician and public health advocate, I am submitting these comments to strongly oppose the construction of the Cobbora Coal Mine Project. Thank you for consideration of my comments and letter.

Jean Marie Naples, MD-Ph.D.


Jean Marie Naples, MD-Ph.D. 9 Benson Street West Haverstraw, New York 10993-1302 USA email = [email protected]
March 3, 2013

Objection to - Cobbora Coal Project - Preferred Project Report

Application No: 10-0001

Monday, March 4, 2013

Dear Sir or Madam,


We object to above report for the following reasons.

The economic assessment and response to submissions has not adequately addressed the cost of a state owned coal mine to the taxpayers of NSW, as the project cannot guarantee a reliable and economically stable domestic coal supply nor can it guarantee affordable electricity in NSW.



There is no justification for the increase in water demand from 3700ML per year to 4340ML per year nor has the increased pump rate from the Cudgegong River been adequately assessed.

The amount of destroyed woodland will increase by 92 ha, this threatens ecological communities and the overall ecological footprint of the mine is too high and it is not adequately explained how this would be offset if in fact it could be.



Air quality from dust emissions is not adequately addressed neither is the noise impacts from the rail link and these two facts will disadvantage local residents. The living quality of local residents will be further destroyed and their property values degraded.

In fact this mine justification is based on contracts negotiated by the past ALP government as part of a Gentrader deal and could be filled through other arrangements.

Sincerely,

Richard Allan and Susanne Mary Skates


116 Washpool Road, Booral. NSW 2425