Drayton Coal Mine Extension

coexistence has successfully been happening since the studs moved next to mines.
Sales and winning horses prove this. Please do not listen to the threats of studs leaving if drayton extension approved as this is a scare tactic, they are going no were, they will continue to produce world class horses existing next to mines.
Please approve this extension for many reasons ... Employment, community support and tax revenue. Yes mining companies pay taxes as do all there workers

We need this project to go ahead, I fully support this project

After reading this EIS I believe drayton coal have done everything they have been asked for to coincide with the horse studs. The horse studs should be greatful that Drayton have complied to everyone's wishes. I fully believe there will be no impact to the horse stud and know this going ahead will be of great value to singleton, Muswellbrook and surrounds and of course the families at Drayton coal.

The revised Drayton South Project Plans are perfectly reasonable having addressed previous PAC recommendations including reduced visuals, sound, dust and water use, and the increased buffer between the project and nearby horse studs.

Anglo have shown a commitment to co-exist with neighbouring industries and are a huge benefit to Upper Hunter.

I implore this project to proceed.

Dear Mr Baird,

My name is Mark Williams, and I have never written a letter like this before, but due to the importance and severity of the outcome I felt I had to.

The comments herein are my own comments and Anglo American and Drayton Mine have no knowledge of this letter.

I am currently employed at the Drayton Mine as an operator and have been there for the last 4 years, we relocated from Western Australia to the Hunter Valley in order to start a new life. Since relocating we have purchased a new house in Maitland, have a little girl called Chloe who is now 18 months old, and now have a 2nd child on the way. My wife currently works at Maitland hospital as an Occupational Therapist. We have integrated into the community and are looking forward to raising our children here.

If I may, I would like to add some key information regarding Drayton Mine which you may or may not be aware of. Anglo American contribute $30 million in state government royalties, $90 million in Wages, $50 million in local procurement each year and hundreds of millions in flow on benefits for the region each year. Drayton employs over 500 permanent staff and supports over 140 businesses locally spending over $60 million annually, who indirectly employ thousands more staff. We all live and work in the Hunter Valley, and spend our salaries in the Hunter Valley which also supports thousands more businesses. All Drayton Employees support the Westpac helicopter through weekly donations from our own salaries to the tune of over $250,000 a year helping to keep this valuable resource in the air, which has attended hundreds of road traffic accidents, business accidents and also horse stud accidents saving valuable time and saving many lives. Anglo and Drayton support numerous local charities, providing much needed funds to local projects, schools and community based requirements and sponsorships.

Anglo American and its employees have continued to promote coexistence between the business and the horse studs which we believe is essential. We have at no point ever wanted the horse studs to close business and move away, because many of the employees at Drayton own horses and some even have shares in race horses. We are all lovers of the equine and farming industry and love our local area, wineries, restaurants and all that the Hunter Valley stands for.

I believe that the Drayton South project should be approved and approved swiftly because we are swiftly running out of coal resources. Anglo American, Drayton and all its employees have continued to do the right thing. Some of which include spending over $200 Million for ongoing best practice rehabilitation of our existing mine. Drayton South we will be adopting more world class rehabilitation practices, air quality and dust issues will be monitored and will not affect the horse studs what so ever. Mine noise will be kept within existing background levels and no water will be released into the Hunter River. The mining area of the new Drayton South mine has been moved back behind the PAC prescribed ridgeline, providing a buffer between mining activities and the horse studs significantly increasing to over 2 km away. This will obviously decrease the size of the mine by 25 per cent to just a 15 year mine life, down from 27 years from the original application, showing that Anglo American values its coexistence strategy.

Please view the following information taken from the current EIS assessments undertaken by 2 independent health experts:

Two independent equine health experts have endorsed an assessment of Anglo American's Drayton South proposal which found the project will have no adverse effects on the health of horses at neighbouring studs.
Specialist equine veterinary surgeon and Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, Associate Professor Nicholas Kannegieter's Equine Health Assessment Report 2015 includes a scientific review of more than 100 veterinary science documents and air quality, acoustics and visual assessment data generated in the Drayton South Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
"Based on the literature review and evaluation of data generated in the EIS assessments, I concluded that in terms of dust, noise, vibration and lighting, the Drayton South Project will have no adverse effects on the health of horses on the Coolmore and Woodlands Studs," Associate Professor Kannegieter said.
Associate Professor Kristopher Hughes and Dr Deborah Racklyeft undertook separate independent peer reviews of Associate Professor Kannegieter's report and concluded his findings were justified.
Key findings of the Equine Health Assessment Report 2015 include:
Data generated in the air quality, acoustics and visual assessments indicate at the appropriate worse case levels of dust, noise, vibration and light that horses at both Coolmore and Woodlands Studs will be exposed to as a result of the Project will be far less than that which they are exposed to in a breeding and racing career;
Noise levels from the Project are not predicted to exceed current or future background levels at the horse studs and will not have any impact on the equine population. Noise levels from blasting will remain far below that of other noises in the environment, including farm machinery and helicopter landings at both horse studs.

The last Planning assessment commission gave 2 reasons for declining Anglo Americans Drayton South mine. The first was that it was not in the best interest of the community and secondly its boundaries were too close and would have a negative effect on both Coolmore and Darley horse studs. I believe with the new mine plan we have addressed both of these concerns. We have moved the mine back to over 2 kilometres away, and behind the PAC prescribed ridgeline. I am not sure how the PAC came to the conclusion that Drayton South was not in the best interests of the community being that, Drayton has been in operation for over 35 years and employs only local people, supports local businesses, charities, schools and community groups. Anglo has poured billions into the local community, and has also paid billions to the government in taxes and royalties. Something which I believe the horse stud has not. Many of the horse stud personnel are employed under the 457 visa scheme, paid a small salary, pay minimal tax and are made to live on site at the horse studs. They also do not support any local charities, schools or community groups. This said I feel that as Anglo has followed the previous PAC recommendations to the letter the expansion should go ahead, and if it is turned down for a 3rd time, then this planning process is flawed.

With the Hunter Valley unemployment at 13%, over twice the national average I am begging for your help to get this project approved. More and more people are leaving the area to seek employment elsewhere, putting pressure and stress on families having to relocate, and move their children from schools, clubs, groups and friends. This has an adverse effect on our families, children and friends. Crime has also hit an all-time high, as more and more people struggle in the local areas to find work. At last count there were thousands of miners out of work here in the Hunter Valley. Houses are left empty attracting unwanted criminal attention and an increase in drug use. The rental market we have been told by our local realty agent is dire, the worst they have ever seen.

There are only two outcomes to this situation:

Firstly if Drayton South is approved, we will not only secure 500 employees jobs, but thousands more associated jobs with contractors and businesses associated with the mine. Employees will spend their salaries locally, keeping local people employed. Our children will stay in schools. Community groups will benefit from thousands of dollars in sponsorships, and the government will also benefit from taxes and royalties. Horse studs will also continue to operate without any interruption or adverse effect from the mine. I believe a win for all parties involved.

Alternatively the second option would be to decline Drayton South, place 500 permanent staff out of work, and thousands more contractors and associated businesses out of business, lose millions in tax and make families relocate to find work, placing undue pressure on the already fragile housing market. This just isn't an option Mr Baird. Surely common sense must prevail.

I am begging you for your help to get this project which is not only good for the community but also good for the government in relation to taxes and royalties approved. Due to the stringent regulations placed on Drayton South, this project will have no adverse effect to the horse studs, which has been approved by many experts in the field.

Common sense must prevail with this project.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.

Dear Mr Baird,

My name is Samantha Williams, and I have never written a letter like this before, but due to the importance and severity of the outcome I felt I had to.

The following comments are my own comments and under no circumstances are the comments or thoughts of the new England health service.

I am currently employed by Hunter Valley New England Health service and have been for the last 4 years. I am an occupational therapist and love my job. Myself and husband relocated from Western Australia to the Hunter Valley in order to start a new life. Since relocating we have purchased a new house in Maitland, have a little girl called Chloe who is now 18 months old, and now have a 2nd child on the way. My Husband is a mine operator at Drayton Mine site near Muswellbrook and travels everyday to work completing a 11 hour day. We have integrated into the community and are looking forward to raising our children here.

If I may, I would like to add some key information regarding Drayton Mine which you may or may not be aware of. Anglo American contribute $30 million in state government royalties, $90 million in Wages, $50 million in local procurement each year and hundreds of millions in flow on benefits for the region each year. Drayton employs over 500 permanent staff and supports over 140 businesses locally spending over $60 million annually, who indirectly employ thousands more staff. We all live and work in the Hunter Valley, and spend our salaries in the Hunter Valley which also supports thousands more businesses. All Drayton Employees support the Westpac helicopter through weekly donations from our own salaries to the tune of over $250,000 a year helping to keep this valuable resource in the air, which has attended hundreds of road traffic accidents, business accidents and also horse stud accidents saving valuable time and saving many lives. Anglo and Drayton support numerous local charities, providing much needed funds to local projects, schools and community based requirements and sponsorships.

Anglo American and its employees have continued to promote coexistence between the business and the horse studs which we believe is essential. We have at no point ever wanted the horse studs to close business and move away, because many of the employees at Drayton own horses and some even have shares in race horses. We are all lovers of the equine and farming industry and love our local area, wineries, restaurants and all that the Hunter Valley stands for.

I believe that the Drayton South project should be approved and approved swiftly because they are swiftly running out of coal resources. Anglo American, Drayton and all its employees have continued to do the right thing. Some of which include spending over $200 Million for ongoing best practice rehabilitation of our existing mine. Drayton South we will be adopting more world class rehabilitation practices, air quality and dust issues will be monitored and will not affect the horse studs what so ever. Mine noise will be kept within existing background levels and no water will be released into the Hunter River. The mining area of the new Drayton South mine has been moved back behind the PAC prescribed ridgeline, providing a buffer between mining activities and the horse studs significantly increasing to over 2 km away. This will obviously decrease the size of the mine by 25 per cent to just a 15 year mine life, down from 27 years from the original application, showing that Anglo American values its coexistence strategy.

Please view the following information taken from the current EIS assessments undertaken by 2 independent health experts:

Two independent equine health experts have endorsed an assessment of Anglo American's Drayton South proposal which found the project will have no adverse effects on the health of horses at neighbouring studs.
Specialist equine veterinary surgeon and Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, Associate Professor Nicholas Kannegieter's Equine Health Assessment Report 2015 includes a scientific review of more than 100 veterinary science documents and air quality, acoustics and visual assessment data generated in the Drayton South Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
"Based on the literature review and evaluation of data generated in the EIS assessments, I concluded that in terms of dust, noise, vibration and lighting, the Drayton South Project will have no adverse effects on the health of horses on the Coolmore and Woodlands Studs," Associate Professor Kannegieter said.
Associate Professor Kristopher Hughes and Dr Deborah Racklyeft undertook separate independent peer reviews of Associate Professor Kannegieter's report and concluded his findings were justified.
Key findings of the Equine Health Assessment Report 2015 include:
Data generated in the air quality, acoustics and visual assessments indicate at the appropriate worse case levels of dust, noise, vibration and light that horses at both Coolmore and Woodlands Studs will be exposed to as a result of the Project will be far less than that which they are exposed to in a breeding and racing career;
Noise levels from the Project are not predicted to exceed current or future background levels at the horse studs and will not have any impact on the equine population. Noise levels from blasting will remain far below that of other noises in the environment, including farm machinery and helicopter landings at both horse studs.

The last Planning assessment commission gave 2 reasons for declining Anglo Americans Drayton South mine. The first was that it was not in the best interest of the community and secondly its boundaries were too close and would have a negative effect on both Coolmore and Darley horse studs. I believe with the new mine plan we have addressed both of these concerns. We have moved the mine back to over 2 kilometres away, and behind the PAC prescribed ridgeline. I am not sure how the PAC came to the conclusion that Drayton South was not in the best interests of the community being that, Drayton has been in operation for over 35 years and employs only local people, supports local businesses, charities, schools and community groups. Anglo has poured billions into the local community, and has also paid billions to the government in taxes and royalties. Something which I believe the horse stud has not. Many of the horse stud personnel are employed under the 457 visa scheme, paid a small salary, pay minimal tax and are made to live on site at the horse studs. They also do not support any local charities, schools or community groups. This said I feel that as Anglo has followed the previous PAC recommendations to the letter the expansion should go ahead, and if it is turned down for a 3rd time, then this planning process is flawed.

With the Hunter Valley unemployment at 13%, over twice the national average I am begging for your help to get this project approved. More and more people are leaving the area to seek employment elsewhere, putting pressure and stress on families having to relocate, and move their children from schools, clubs, groups and friends. This has an adverse effect on our families, children and friends. Crime has also hit an all-time high, as more and more people struggle in the local areas to find work. At last count there were thousands of miners out of work here in the Hunter Valley. Houses are left empty attracting unwanted criminal attention and an increase in drug use. The rental market we have been told by our local realty agent is dire, the worst they have ever seen.

There are only two outcomes to this situation:

Firstly if Drayton South is approved, we will not only secure 500 employees jobs, but thousands more associated jobs with contractors and businesses associated with the mine. Employees will spend their salaries locally, keeping local people employed. Our children will stay in schools. Community groups will benefit from thousands of dollars in sponsorships, and the government will also benefit from taxes and royalties. Horse studs will also continue to operate without any interruption or adverse effect from the mine. I believe a win for all parties involved.

Alternatively the second option would be to decline Drayton South, place 500 permanent staff out of work, and thousands more contractors and associated businesses out of business, lose millions in tax and make families relocate to find work, placing undue pressure on the already fragile housing market. This just isn't an option. Surely common sense must prevail.

I am begging you for your help to get this project which is not only good for the community but also good for the government in relation to taxes and royalties approved. Due to the stringent regulations placed on Drayton South, this project will have no adverse effect to the horse studs, which has been approved by many experts in the field.

Common sense must prevail with this project.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.

My name is Mark Williams, and I have never written a letter like this before, but due to the importance and severity of the outcome I felt I had to.

The comments herein are my own comments and Anglo American and Drayton Mine have no knowledge of this letter.

I am currently employed at the Drayton Mine as an operator and have been there for the last 4 years, we relocated from Western Australia to the Hunter Valley in order to start a new life. Since relocating we have purchased a new house in Maitland, have a little girl called Chloe who is now 18 months old, and now have a 2nd child on the way. My wife currently works at Maitland hospital as an Occupational Therapist. We have integrated into the community and are looking forward to raising our children here.

If I may, I would like to add some key information regarding Drayton Mine which you may or may not be aware of. Anglo American contribute $30 million in state government royalties, $90 million in Wages, $50 million in local procurement each year and hundreds of millions in flow on benefits for the region each year. Drayton employs over 500 permanent staff and supports over 140 businesses locally spending over $60 million annually, who indirectly employ thousands more staff. We all live and work in the Hunter Valley, and spend our salaries in the Hunter Valley which also supports thousands more businesses. All Drayton Employees support the Westpac helicopter through weekly donations from our own salaries to the tune of over $250,000 a year helping to keep this valuable resource in the air, which has attended hundreds of road traffic accidents, business accidents and also horse stud accidents saving valuable time and saving many lives. Anglo and Drayton support numerous local charities, providing much needed funds to local projects, schools and community based requirements and sponsorships.

Anglo American and its employees have continued to promote coexistence between the business and the horse studs which we believe is essential. We have at no point ever wanted the horse studs to close business and move away, because many of the employees at Drayton own horses and some even have shares in race horses. We are all lovers of the equine and farming industry and love our local area, wineries, restaurants and all that the Hunter Valley stands for.

I believe that the Drayton South project should be approved and approved swiftly because we are swiftly running out of coal resources. Anglo American, Drayton and all its employees have continued to do the right thing. Some of which include spending over $200 Million for ongoing best practice rehabilitation of our existing mine. Drayton South we will be adopting more world class rehabilitation practices, air quality and dust issues will be monitored and will not affect the horse studs what so ever. Mine noise will be kept within existing background levels and no water will be released into the Hunter River. The mining area of the new Drayton South mine has been moved back behind the PAC prescribed ridgeline, providing a buffer between mining activities and the horse studs significantly increasing to over 2 km away. This will obviously decrease the size of the mine by 25 per cent to just a 15 year mine life, down from 27 years from the original application, showing that Anglo American values its coexistence strategy.

Please view the following information taken from the current EIS assessments undertaken by 2 independent health experts:

Two independent equine health experts have endorsed an assessment of Anglo American's Drayton South proposal which found the project will have no adverse effects on the health of horses at neighbouring studs.
Specialist equine veterinary surgeon and Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, Associate Professor Nicholas Kannegieter's Equine Health Assessment Report 2015 includes a scientific review of more than 100 veterinary science documents and air quality, acoustics and visual assessment data generated in the Drayton South Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
"Based on the literature review and evaluation of data generated in the EIS assessments, I concluded that in terms of dust, noise, vibration and lighting, the Drayton South Project will have no adverse effects on the health of horses on the Coolmore and Woodlands Studs," Associate Professor Kannegieter said.
Associate Professor Kristopher Hughes and Dr Deborah Racklyeft undertook separate independent peer reviews of Associate Professor Kannegieter's report and concluded his findings were justified.
Key findings of the Equine Health Assessment Report 2015 include:
Data generated in the air quality, acoustics and visual assessments indicate at the appropriate worse case levels of dust, noise, vibration and light that horses at both Coolmore and Woodlands Studs will be exposed to as a result of the Project will be far less than that which they are exposed to in a breeding and racing career;
Noise levels from the Project are not predicted to exceed current or future background levels at the horse studs and will not have any impact on the equine population. Noise levels from blasting will remain far below that of other noises in the environment, including farm machinery and helicopter landings at both horse studs.

The last Planning assessment commission gave 2 reasons for declining Anglo Americans Drayton South mine. The first was that it was not in the best interest of the community and secondly its boundaries were too close and would have a negative effect on both Coolmore and Darley horse studs. I believe with the new mine plan we have addressed both of these concerns. We have moved the mine back to over 2 kilometres away, and behind the PAC prescribed ridgeline. I am not sure how the PAC came to the conclusion that Drayton South was not in the best interests of the community being that, Drayton has been in operation for over 35 years and employs only local people, supports local businesses, charities, schools and community groups. Anglo has poured billions into the local community, and has also paid billions to the government in taxes and royalties. Something which I believe the horse stud has not. Many of the horse stud personnel are employed under the 457 visa scheme, paid a small salary, pay minimal tax and are made to live on site at the horse studs. They also do not support any local charities, schools or community groups. This said I feel that as Anglo has followed the previous PAC recommendations to the letter the expansion should go ahead, and if it is turned down for a 3rd time, then this planning process is flawed.

With the Hunter Valley unemployment at 13%, over twice the national average I am begging for your help to get this project approved. More and more people are leaving the area to seek employment elsewhere, putting pressure and stress on families having to relocate, and move their children from schools, clubs, groups and friends. This has an adverse effect on our families, children and friends. Crime has also hit an all-time high, as more and more people struggle in the local areas to find work. At last count there were thousands of miners out of work here in the Hunter Valley. Houses are left empty attracting unwanted criminal attention and an increase in drug use. The rental market we have been told by our local realty agent is dire, the worst they have ever seen.

There are only two outcomes to this situation:

Firstly if Drayton South is approved, we will not only secure 500 employees jobs, but thousands more associated jobs with contractors and businesses associated with the mine. Employees will spend their salaries locally, keeping local people employed. Our children will stay in schools. Community groups will benefit from thousands of dollars in sponsorships, and the government will also benefit from taxes and royalties. Horse studs will also continue to operate without any interruption or adverse effect from the mine. I believe a win for all parties involved.

Alternatively the second option would be to decline Drayton South, place 500 permanent staff out of work, and thousands more contractors and associated businesses out of business, lose millions in tax and make families relocate to find work, placing undue pressure on the already fragile housing market. This just isn't an option Surely common sense must prevail.

I am begging you for your help to get this project which is not only good for the community but also good for the government in relation to taxes and royalties approved. Due to the stringent regulations placed on Drayton South, this project will have no adverse effect to the horse studs, which has been approved by many experts in the field.

Common sense must prevail with this project.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.

I fully support the Drayton South Project. AngloAmerican have been wonderful neighbours and have put so much into the local community, far more than any horse stud in the Hunter Valley. There have been fantastic changes to mining methods and controls in the past 20 years and there is no reason why the two industries cannot coexist. The area of the proposed mine has been set aside since the 1960s and the horse studs have been aware of the possibility of a mine next to them. It is wrong that they protest now and put many well paid people out of work.

as a farmer/miner/camp drafter I am appalled by the horse studs non negotiable outlook on this project. Anglo America has done everything to ensure that the horses health will be looked after and yet coolmore and darley still blatantly lie about the facts. I go to local camp drafts in the hunter and see fellow employees help donate to these small communities and not once have I seen these horse studs help support but the bigger race industry. I have and always will say " we can work together"

By supporting Drayton South I believe it will help the job vacancies decrease in the hunter especially with all the small businesses that Drayton deal business with. and as a young bloke trying to get into the mechanical career this will defiantly help me personally. Mining and farming can work together

we need the jobs and the support of this mine in the community

Co-existance between industries has occurred in the Hunter Valley for years & needs to continue to ensure all our residents have secure employment. The approval of Drayton South keeps lifelong residents in our small towns, which in turn keeps small business afloat, keeps families in the area, teachers in the schools etc. We have all lived & worked side by side for years, lets continue in this manner.

I wish to voice my strong support for the Drayton South proposal, and urge the Minister to promptly approve the modified application the subject of this Environmental Assessment.

My reasons for supporting this project are as follows:

1. The PAC decision made in relation to the previous proposal was nothing short of abhorrent. To conclude that all environmental performance indicators can be met by a project yet that project be unfit for approval is puzzling. The suggestion that "humans can live here, but not horses" is absurd. The decision makes NSW a laughing stock of the developed world.

2. Any suggestion that the economic significance of the project is somehow comparable or even dwarfed by that of the Thoroughbred Breeders in the local area is a farce. It is well known and understood that the local studs are nothing more than a tax write-off and play thing for the foreign rich and famous. I call upon the Minister to keep in mind the true value these enteprises provide to the state of NSW.

3. Anglo American have listened. They have adjusted. They have put forward a proposal that meets all environmental performance indicators and the requirements of the Mining SEPP. It is high time to end this farcical debate and approve the project.

To whom it may concern:

I am making this submission on behalf of my organisation, supporting the approval of the Drayton South project that has been submitted by Anglo American.

Our business operates in many areas throughout the Hunter Valley and is based at Kurri Kurri. We have previously carried out work at Drayton, however we have not been able to continue working at Drayton as a result of the protracted planning processes that the NSW Government requires Anglo and it's employees to suffer.

As the original mine is coming to the end of its life, in order to maintain employment for as many employees as possible, Drayton has understandably had to cut back on spending with local businesses and contracting companies such as ours. The decisions made by the PAC over the last few years relating to Drayton, and other coal projects in the Hunter Valley has had a direct and indirect impact on our business, and other local businesses.

I believe the campaign that has been run by the neighboring Horse Studs and the local equine industry has been nothing short of misleading and highly damaging for both industries.

Nevertheless, being familiar with the way that Drayton runs as an organisation, the high level of integrity that it's staff and management posess and being witness to their mining practices for several years, I believe their current submission and those submitted previously are responsible and well balanced plans to suit both industries.

The contribution that Drayton South will make to the local economy is invaluable, and despite campaigns run in opposition, will contribute much more to the local community than the local equine industry could. This is largely irrelevant, as there is more than enough room for both businesses to operate safely and with minimal impact on each other.

Without dwelling on the questionable financial contributions that Coolmore and Darley claim they make, it should be noted that despite threats to move from the area should this mine be approved, neither has made any real financial or future development references to Drayton. It would appear that both organisations recognise, internally at least, that the land they purchased and developed was in very close proximity to land that had been earmarked for mining development many years prior.

I find it perplexing that a mine plan that has already passed human environmental hurdles was rejected by the previous PAC because they considered the health of horses would be adversely affected. The PAC's decision sets a dangerous precedent and suggests that the life of an private investment should be considered more important than human life. The PAC made no accusations that the current environmental planning laws to protect the local human population were inadequate. It's an offense to any tax paying individual or company in this state that the individuals that comprise the PAC are empowered to make such contradictory decisions.

Drayton South is an essential development not just for the Upper Hunter, but the Hunter Valley as a whole. It is critical that Drayton be approved to secure the future of many local businesses, and enable them to continue employing people during a transitional period where the closure of more local mines is likely and the energy needs of the planet move away from fossil fuels.

The tax and royalties benefits for the NSW Government cannot be ignored either, as these will no doubt help fund and maintain infrastructure and vital community services.

The contribution to local schools, sporting teams and charities from Drayton will be a huge loss to the community if the project is not approved.

I cannot see any feasible reason as to why this mine should not be approved at this time. Our business relies on income from many different industries, including the equine and viticulture industries, mining and civil earthmoving and construction. It is imperative to our future that a reasonable compromise is approved, the latest plan submitted is yet another compromise at the expense of Drayton South when their previous plan was designed to allow comfortable coexistence.

The industries that we rely on for income, must coexist to secure our futures. The benefits of Drayton South are there to be seen, the Hunter Valley needs Drayton South. I have not seen any plans submitted by any opposing organisation outlining what their actions will be to mitigate the damage that would be caused to the local community and economy should Drayton South not be approved. I think this speaks volumes about those who are in opposition.

Drayton South is part of a great community and wants to support that community, they need to be given the credibility they deserve and a fair chance to continue being part of something that they have been a part of for over 25 years.

Based on the EIS completed it is apparent that the Drayton South Coal Project can be developed in an environmentally appropriate manner that enables resources extraction without significantly impacting the environment above acceptable limits. The predicted air quality and noise impacts have shown levels that remain below relevant criteria at all privately owned residences and that all other project elements are consistent with a mine of this nature.

Impacts are all relative depending on the nature of the subject, intentions or motives. Speaking as a local Muswellbrook resident it appears that the neighbouring horse studs have indicated that they could not possibly exist if the project was approved and that if it was they 'might' be forced to leave the area. Well then on the other side of the coin to state the obvious should the project be rejected then the company 'will' be forced to leave along with all the current employees when their current approval expires. Should a project be rejected because a neighbouring industry simply doesn't like it or because it claims to impacts on horse health? Should the health impacts of a horse be subject to better health impact criteria than a human?

Lest say the project is approved and the horse studs leave (however unlikely) due to apparent unacceptable impacts what would happen I suggest, albeit anecdotally that horse racing would go on without change, gambling would continue and various revenues will continue to be gained. Given the level of input into the local community from the two of the biggest names in world racing is barely noticeable to 90% of the Muswellbrook community on a daily basis it is laughable that this threat is even considered at a local level. Also I note that access to these horse studs from Sydney is via the Golden Highway (or private aircraft) which negates the need to visit both Singleton and Muswellbrook.

I just hope the NSW Government/Planning Assessment Commissioners get the decision right this time and approve the Drayton South Coal Project. Turning this into an us or them argument is pointless given that it should be a we!

I believe the Drayton South Project should be approved.
The project is in the public interest.

Drayton South is critical to our community and the local economy, saving 500 jobs and continuing to provide work for 140 local businesses and $50 million a year in procurement.

The benefits of Drayton South also extend beyond the local community, injecting $60 million in state royalties and taxes to the New South Wales Government annually, which could be used for roads, hospitals and schools.

Drayton supports local schools, sporting teams and many important local charities and community services. Without Drayton South our community will suffer.

The revised Drayton South plan has moved behind the Planning Assessment Commission's nominated ridgeline, ensuring that the mine will not be visible from the operating areas of the neighbouring horse studs and noise will remain within the current backend levels, with no discernible change in air quality. Horses would be subjected to more dust when they are being worked and trained.

The changes to the Drayton South project will mean there are no adverse impacts on the horse studs, ensuring that the mine can continue to successfully coexist with other local industries.

All that the workers want is a fair go, with the project assessed on its merits using facts and evidence.

My perspective on this issue is that previously decisions have been made in favour of the wealthy individuals who own the Coolmore and Darley horse stud farms to the detriment of the hard workers who toil on twelve hour shifts performing the hard work to boost the coal industry resulting in a viable economy for NSW. A key point to make in this discussion is that the horse studs established their operations subsequent to the operation of Drayton in full knowledge of the future prospects for the Drayton South expansion.

It is obvious that the decision will not only impact those individuals who will become unemployed if Drayton South is not approved, but the surrounding community by way of employment, sustainable business, schools and healthcare. When 500 hundred individuals and their families leave the area due to unemployment at Drayton to seek employment in a places where their skills can be utilised, such as Western Australia, their families will also leave; when services are no longer required for local businesses who service the Drayton coalmine, businesses will dissolve; and when the philanthropic efforts of 500 employees who are involved in regular workplace giving initiatives that support local charities ceases and the substantial donations that Anglo America provides the local community also ceases, local not-for-profits will also suffer.

The coal industry creates a vast revenue base through royalties and taxes for the State and Federal Governments, whereas the horseracing industry, in my view, appear to pay very little in taxation. Why would the State Government pass the buck and allow the PAC committee that is looking after the big end of town, mess up the State economy for an industry that supports the detriment of our communities by providing a forum for gambling and animal cruelty. It would appear that the future of New South Wales will rely on horse racing, casinos, poker machines and Keno, to the detriment of truly rural and regional pursuits.

My perspective on this issue is that previously decisions have been made in favour of the wealthy individuals who own the Coolmore and Darley horse stud farms to the detriment of the hard workers who toil on twelve hour shifts performing the hard work to boost the coal industry resulting in a viable economy for NSW. A key point to make in this discussion is that the horse studs established their operations subsequent to the operation of Drayton in full knowledge of the future prospects for the Drayton South expansion.

It is obvious that the decision will not only impact those individuals who will become unemployed if Drayton South is not approved, but the surrounding community by way of employment, sustainable business, schools and healthcare. When 500 hundred individuals and their families leave the area due to unemployment at Drayton to seek employment in a places where their skills can be utilised, such as Western Australia, their families will also leave; when services are no longer required for local businesses who service the Drayton coalmine, businesses will dissolve; and when the philanthropic efforts of 500 employees who are involved in regular workplace giving initiatives that support local charities ceases and the substantial donations that Anglo America provides the local community also ceases, local not-for-profits will also suffer.

The coal industry creates a vast revenue base through royalties and taxes for the State and Federal Governments, whereas the horseracing industry, in my view, appear to pay very little in taxation. Why would the State Government pass the buck and allow the PAC committee that is looking after the big end of town, mess up the State economy for an industry that supports the detriment of our communities by providing a forum for gambling and animal cruelty. It would appear that the future of New South Wales will rely on horse racing, casinos, poker machines and Keno, to the detriment of truly rural and regional pursuits.

I am all for the Drayton South mine extension. It means so much to the community but needless to say it means more to me and my family and all the kids that I care for. See my husband is one of the 500 workers that will be affected by this decision. So let me tell you how just one person out of these 500 makes so much of a difference. If my husband was to lose his job lets see what the snowball effect would be. He becomes unemployed and joins the long list of unemployed (don't equate this as a % put it in actual numbers we are amongst 10's of thousands then) through out Australia without a job its only a matter of time then that the banks would sell us up then because I have no house to care for daycare children there goes my job too. Now thats 2 of us out of work. Then comes the children's parents some whom are single parents and would have to try and find somewhere else to place their children or quit their jobs to stay at home to care for their children. I do have a few parents in this situation.
Decisions like this that affect jobs affects putting food on the table, causes depression and heartache for so many.
Anglo at Drayton are prepared to give employment to their employees with Drayton South extension and continue giving money to the community through so many organisations that we need this mine to continue.

I am all for the Drayton South mine extension. Drayton contributes so much to the local community, schools, sports and charities. The current Drayton mine is all but exhausted and now we are at a critical stage where employees will lose their jobs if this Drayton South extension doesn't get approved very quickly.
Drayton have co-existed with horse studs nearby for the past 30 years without any fuss at all so I'm convinced that we can continue to co-exist for a further 15 years no problem at all.
I am one of the 500 employees fighting for my position at Drayton. Employment is a major factor in everyones life as it puts food on the table and a roof over our head. Drayton pay $60 million in royalties and taxes annually which is a significant amount of money that if the extension is rejected then this is $60 million that you are prepared to forego when the Department of Employment has just released data in the Muswellbrook Chronicle dated May 8, 2015 stating that Muswellbrook's jobless rate has almost doubled from 5% to 9.8% within 12 months prior to December 2014.
Can you imagine what this figure will be for this area if you add 500 more jobs to this figure by end of 2015? More so with 9.8% already looking for work how are 500 more people going to find work?
Not very easily I imagine so the government will end up supporting them as well and the government just turned down $60 million a year. Hmmm this wouldn't be a very business like option to me so I emplore you to consider how much is at stake here and approve the Drayton South mine extension. We can co-exist with local horse studs in fact Google Edinglassie Homestead's location in relation to Mt Arthur Coal Mine and Bengalla Coal Mine.
If you were playing cricket in Edinglassie's horse paddock you would lose cricket balls in Mt Arthur pit than you would in any backyard game.
Edinglassie have 130 to 160 horses on this property to which they bred the top money earner in one year of racing. The effects of Mt Arthur coal mine haven't hurt any horses on Edinglassie property to which all elements of mining could of had an impact but doesn't seem to have harmed any horses there.
The Drayton South extension has no visual impact from the Golden Highway to which Coolmore & Darley Horse studs are on the Southern side of. There wouldn't be any dust or noise from behind 2 ridge lines in fact if you were going to visit either of these 2 horse studs you wouldn't know where Drayton South was without telling you.
I once again would like to approve Drayton South. It is for the better of the community.