Dendrobium Mine Extension Project

I am writing as a concerned citizen of the area, urging you to reject the application for the proposed Dendrobium Mine Extension.

Firstly, the impacts of climate change are already undeniable, and the best science we have available says that we need to urgently transition away from fossil fuel power sources and move towards renewable energy. There is truly no more time to waste, and to do otherwise is gambling recklessly with the lives of future generations.

The proposed mine extension would have significant effects on the Illawarra water storage area, resulting in damage and loss of water to swamps, water courses and the Avon, Cordeaux and Nepean Reservoirs. With the extended drought we are experiencing, some of these dams are already at less than 25% capacity. We need to preserve and protect these areas and cannot afford the impacts of this proposed mine on our town’s future water security.

In addition, the extension itself will generate massive emissions that the region and the planet cannot withstand. The proposal is estimated to create up to 23.7 million tonnes of CO2e in the production stage and 237 million tonnes in the transport and consumption of the coal produced.
I ask that you reject this application from Illawarra Coal and commence a process to close the mine at Dendrobium permanently.
Thank you for considering this submission