Drayton Coal Mine Extension

I would like to introduce myself. My name is Brad Collins I am 43 years of age and I have lived in the local Denman area all my life. Since leaving School I have worked in the local Coal Mining industry as a Maintenance Contractor. During this time I have witnessed the huge amount of financial support that the local Coal Mining industry including Anglo Drayton has put back into the local communities. This has come through support to our local Schools, sporting groups, charity clubs and local councils etc.

Now I have my own Business, I employ 45 local people including apprentices all of which are from the local Denman and Muswellbrook areas. I estimate that Drayton Coal generates 25% of my business revenue. I am very passionate about my local community and endeavour to support the local Junior/ Senior sporting clubs, schools, community events etc through donations and sponsorships each year. I will continue to do this while ever it is financially viable

I am also a supporter of the horse industry. I along with a lot of other members of the mining community enjoy the sport and its people. I, like many others from the Mining sector have shares in race horses and thoroughly enjoy days out the races with friends and family. But in saying this I have never witnessed any community support, donations or sponsorship from our local horse studs. From what I see from my long term community presence the local horse industry employ a lot of short term casual people as it is very seasonal.

I have a lot of great friends and long term work colleagues that will be devastated by the closure of Drayton mine. Outside of mining in the Hunter Valley there is no other industry they can fall back on. There is no other industry that can offer production or trades careers like Drayton Mine. If we lose Drayton Mine this will mean my company will have to down size which will more than likely result in a loss of my continuing community support. It isn't as if it is a new mine with new opportunities, it is an existing mine with existing jobs at stake. Our local community needs this industry to survive.

My belief is if Drayton Mine were to close it will not only affect our business but will have a domino effect right across the local area. It will affect the retail shops, real estate, other local contracting service providers that rely on Drayton's support. It's not just Drayton Mine that support the local community but all of these small local companies that rely on Drayton including ours through added employment and allowing us all to invest money back into our local community. I am more than confident in saying the Local horse industry will not pick up this short fall.

In short I see the benefits of both industries and truly believe they must co-exist, this includes Drayton South Mine having the ability and continue supporting the local community going forward as they have done for many years in the past.



Many kind regards


Brad Collins
Director
MMS Engineering

26 Wallarah Rd Muswellbrook, NSW 2333
Mail: PO 229 Muswellbrook, NSW 2333
P +61 2 65421900| F +61 2 65421999| M +61 407299470
E: [email protected]


Brad Collins
MMS Engineering

26 Wallarah Rd Muswellbrook, NSW 2333
Mail: PO 229 Muswellbrook, NSW 2333
P +61 2 65421900| F +61 2 65421999| M +61 407299470
E: [email protected]
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To Whom it may concern

I would like to introduce myself. My name is Brad Collins I am 43 years of age and I have lived in the local Denman area all my life. Since leaving School I have worked in the local Coal Mining industry as a Maintenance Contractor. During this time I have witnessed the huge amount of financial support that the local Coal Mining industry including Anglo Drayton has put back into the local communities. This has come through support to our local Schools, sporting groups, charity clubs and local councils etc.

Now I have my own Business, I employ 45 local people including apprentices all of which are from the local Denman and Muswellbrook areas. I estimate that Drayton Coal generates 25% of my business revenue. I am very passionate about my local community and endeavour to support the local Junior/ Senior sporting clubs, schools, community events etc through donations and sponsorships each year. I will continue to do this while ever it is financially viable

I am also a supporter of the horse industry. I along with a lot of other members of the mining community enjoy the sport and its people. I, like many others from the Mining sector have shares in race horses and thoroughly enjoy days out the races with friends and family. But in saying this I have never witnessed any community support, donations or sponsorship from our local horse studs. From what I see from my long term community presence the local horse industry employ a lot of short term casual people as it is very seasonal.

I have a lot of great friends and long term work colleagues that will be devastated by the closure of Drayton mine. Outside of mining in the Hunter Valley there is no other industry they can fall back on. There is no other industry that can offer production or trades careers like Drayton Mine. If we lose Drayton Mine this will mean my company will have to down size which will more than likely result in a loss of my continuing community support. It isn't as if it is a new mine with new opportunities, it is an existing mine with existing jobs at stake. Our local community needs this industry to survive.

My belief is if Drayton Mine were to close it will not only affect our business but will have a domino effect right across the local area. It will affect the retail shops, real estate, other local contracting service providers that rely on Drayton's support. It's not just Drayton Mine that support the local community but all of these small local companies that rely on Drayton including ours through added employment and allowing us all to invest money back into our local community. I am more than confident in saying the Local horse industry will not pick up this short fall.

In short I see the benefits of both industries and truly believe they must co-exist, this includes Drayton South Mine having the ability and continue supporting the local community going forward as they have done for many years in the past.



Many kind regards


Brad Collins
Director
MMS Engineering

26 Wallarah Rd Muswellbrook, NSW 2333
Mail: PO 229 Muswellbrook, NSW 2333
P +61 2 65421900| F +61 2 65421999| M +61 407299470
E: [email protected]

Mining has been on a decline since July 2012, we need some confidence within the industry. Drayton has been a major contributor to the local ecconomy for many years and holds a solid reputation. Our government must see some common sense.

I want the State Government to say no to this mine project.
Coal mining is a thing of the past.
Its about time that we invest in renewable energy.

I object the the second application by Anglo American for Drayton South open cut mine project for the following reasons:

The impact this mining proposal will have on neighbouring industries and community:
wine and thoroughbred industries are key employers in the region and the project is right across the road from the two biggest studs and the Hollydene winery. This will have flow on effects to the other producers and the community in the region.

Health:
* Concerns regarding the impact of continuing increases in mining dust on community health.
* No cumulative impacts have been considered.
* Precautionary principle regarding health effects short and long term should be applied;
there is insufficient data to make a sensible determination regarding the health effects upon the residents of the regions that are already exposed to high density coal mining, particularly open cut.

Water issues:
* pollution of water sources / water quality
* known and documented breaches of the codes of conduct / regulations regarding water usage and disposal.

Soil and Land capacity:
* Lack of evidence that the land can be returned to a viable agricultural use post the mining project;
* Soil characteristics, including types and depth;
* Topography;
* Agricultural support infrastructure;
* Weed management,
* Bio security-(a set of preventive measures designed to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases, quarantined pests, invasive alien species, living modified organisms)

The economic benefits of the project do not outweigh the risk of losing Coolmore and Darley and the potential demise of the equine industry in the area with flow-on impacts on the viticultural tourism industries.

The project is not in the public interest.

I've read the EIS, the benefits far outweigh any potential negatives. The mine would continue to provide employment for 500 people at the mine plus all the people who work for companies that support mining.
Approve the project.

I support the Drayton South Coal Project 100% let's keep our friends and family employed!!

I oppose approval of the Drayton South Coal Project as an expansion of an existing open cut coal mine. The project has been rejected already yet the mine keeps re-submitting it again. When a mine runs out of coal it should rehabilitate the land and close. Yet they never do. There is enough open cut coal mines in the hunter already!

The independent Planning Assessment Commission:
agreed that the Coolmore and Darley studs are highly important to the equine Critical Industry Cluster and consequently the broader region, and should be protected from the impacts of mining;
found the proposed mine would threaten the studs' reputation and brand;
was not convinced that the air quality impacts would be acceptable;
found that dust control would be a significant challenge;
concluded that the air quality impacts of the project are not considered acceptable;
found that the mine would impact on the water quality and quantity of both groundwater and surface water resources;
considered that there is value in maintaining a wide range of industries within a diversified economy;
noted that this one mine has the potential to severely impact on the studs, putting the equine industry at risk;
considered that the landscape of the studs and their surrounds warrants conservation and protection;
recommended that Drayton South open cut coal mine plan proposed for this site should not be approved.

Experts advising the independent Planning Assessment Commission found that:
the studs' significance to the broader Critical Industry Cluster meant they should be afforded total protection from the impacts of mining;
Drayton South's Environmental Assessment is lacking with respect to its assessment of potential impacts on Coolmore and (Darley) Woodlands horse studs and entirely deficient in its description and analysis of the equine CIC;
Thoroughbred horse studs of the nature and scale of Coolmore and Woodlands, and open cut coal mining as proposed by the Project are incompatible land uses. These landuses cannot co-exist in close proximity to one another.
Coolmore and Darley studs should be provided absolute protection from impacts of open-cut mining as proposed by the Project in order to preserve the sustainability of the CIC.
An appropriate buffer distance between the Project and the Coolmore and Woodlands horse studs will be one that prevents and avoids all potential impacts.
Despite requirements of the Director General, assessment of the impacts on the CIC is largely absent.
The EA fails to adequately describe the CIC or the role of Coolmore and Woodlands in it.

I support the approval of the Drayton South Coal Project. I consider that approval of mining developments in NSW, such as this which are sensitive to the surrounding environment and existing land uses in their design; are of minimal adverse impact; provide ongoing or new direct and indirect employment opportunities and will assist the development and/or retention of long-term viable communities in rural areas through this employment and other financial mechanisms, represents a responsible use of the State's mineral resource and would benefit all people in the State through its contributions to State revenue, should be supported.
Further, I believe that the opposition by the likes of Coolmore and Woodlands Studs and their threats to relocate if approval of the application is granted, should be seen as nothing more than a veiled attempt at blackmail. Based on the information presented in the EIS and the assessment by the peer reviewers, there appears to be no scientific or rational reason for their stance other than the NIMBY approach to development.
For NSW as a whole, and particularly its rural communities, to prosper there needs to be a diversity of activities and industries operating. Mining, various forms of agriculture, tourism and other industries can and do co-exist throughout the Hunter Valley and elsewhere.

John Borg
Coolmore Australia
Jerrys Plains NSW 2330

17th June 2015

Dear Ms McNally

RE: Objection to Drayton South Coal Project Application Number SSD6875

My name is John Borg and I live in Jerrys Plains, NSW, and am writing as a very concerned resident to object to the second application by Anglo American for the Drayton South open cut coal mine project.

I am 35 years of age and am the Agriculture Manager for Coolmore Australia. I reside at Coolmore with my wife and my two young children and have for 12 years. I have been employed by Coolmore for 17 years. I have grown up in the Hunter Valley and have participated in local sporting clubs and have volunteered within my community for my whole life. I am concerned that the future and wellbeing of my family and myself depends on the short life span of the Drayton South project.

Thirty five years ago, my family were forced to move from Ravensworth to Denman as the airborn dust from mining had severely affected their vegetable farming operations. We have seen and have experienced with our own children when we leave the area for a period of time, that our health is dramatically improved. The number of children in our area that have Asthma is extremely alarming. Many friends have left the area, including a local doctor and his family, because of the air quality making them extremely sick and/or generally unwell most of the time.

The effects that this project will have on our health and the environment are undeniable and endless. Also I am constantly fixing our fences from fatigued mine workers running of the Golden Highway and have even had a family friend die in a car accident because of an overtired shift worker. We are in constant fear of our roads and my family drive to and from school every day. We are constantly bombarded with oversized transport and delays from blasting. We can never be prepared for what we face on our roads and are always either early or late to appointments and school. We also have to buy water for drinking and cooking, when this essential source should be free and clean for all communities.

I love the Hunter Valley and I love my job. I have seen the lows of mining. I know that I live in the heart of mining, but cannot accept that the short life span of the Drayton South project will destroy all that our community has worked so hard for. We all know that farming in this area would continue long after Drayton South has finished. I hope that my family, myself and my community have a future here and that the Hunter Valley is not turned into an empty, lifeless town that was once so rich in Agriculture.

I ask that you consider and register my objection to the Drayton South open cut coal proposal.

Yours sincerely
John Borg

Dear Ms McNally

Re: Objection to Drayton South Coal Project Application Number: SSD 6875

I am writing as a concerned Hunter resident, Coolmore Australia employee and son of a farmer of 50 years. I object to the second application by Anglo American for the Drayton South open cut coal mine project.

I have lived in the Hunter Valley for the last 19 years and worked in a number of industries, including a very volatile and uncertain mining services industry (even during the so-called boom). I have always held the view that our Hunter industries should be able to find common ground and work together fairly and equitably. No industry or employer is more important or powerful than anyone else (regardless of size, wealth, numbers of employees or government revenue potential) and no industry or employer should ever have the right to force other viable and economically sound industries or employers out of business or out of the Hunter.

During the last few years in particular I have seen the effects of the downturn in the mining industry. It has been shocking but globally driven and completely out of our control. There will continue to be cost cutting, loss of mining jobs and an introduction of new and more efficient technologies and practices for many years to come just to keep pace with global mining trends/needs and remain economically viable. No mining conglomerate can guarantee jobs - there will always be a reason to cut.

Why would any Government consider more destruction of other non-mining but economically viable industries and employers that will outlive mining in Australia.


My reasons for objecting to this proposal are as follows:

1) Coolmore Australia is my employer and provides my local Hunter family with a living

* Coolmore has existed for over 20 years here in the Hunter and is not threatened at all by the current downturn in mining. It provides employment longevity beyond a deteriorating need for coal and associated industries in the Hunter - why put this viability, longevity and economic contribution at risk.
* Why threaten the very existence of a viable agricultural/equine industry with the uncertainty of a mine expansion when there are many world indicators showing a decline (and a permanent decline) in coal need.



2) This expansion proposal is not in the public interest in my opinion:

This is Anglo American's second application for a mine on this site. The previous application was refused by the Planning Assessment Commission in 2014 on grounds including:

* The economic benefits of the project do not outweigh the risk of losing Coolmore and Darley and the potential demise of the equine industry in the area with flow‐on impacts on the viticulture tourism industries.
* An open cut coal mine in this location will pose similar threats to the Hunter Valley's sustainable wine, equine and tourism industries and the thousands of people they employ.

This application in my view continues not to be in the public interest.


3) Economic Impact Assessment:

The Planning Assessment Commission refused a mine plan on this site in 2014 on the grounds that "the economic benefits of the project do not outweigh the risk of losing Coolmore and Darley and the potential demise of the equine industry in the area with flow‐on impacts on the viticulture and tourism industries".

This project has the potential to detrimentally affect the economic diversity of the Hunter Valley by threatening the future of sustainable wine, equine and tourism industries.

Anglo American, on numerous occasions, has argued that a smaller mine plan would render the Project economically unviable.
* The economic analysis does not justify why a smaller mine plan is now economic.

The threat this one mine poses to the wine and equine critical industry clusters in the Hunter Valley and to tourism, to the community and many thousands of sustainable jobs, is unacceptable and should be rejected.


4) Visual Impact Assessment:

This project remains less than 1km from key studs and wineries. This proximity is unacceptable and the requirement for a far greater exclusion zone has never been properly addressed. The Project will impact on tourists, investors and clients travelling via the Golden Highway to the Upper Hunter and as such the concerns raised by previous PACs and Gateway Panel regarding visual amenity remain unaddressed and a significant concern.



5) Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Heritage:

I have been advised that the Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal heritage issues have not been comprehensively addressed.

* There are nearly 200 Aboriginal `sites' potentially affected by this project - which have not been appropriately assessed.
* A cultural heritage landscape assessment has not been undertaken in accordance with NSW heritage assessment criteria.


6) Acoustic Impact Assessment:

The noise impact assessment is misleading and has the potential to exceed prescribed noise limits stipulated by the NSW Industrial Noise Policy

No evidence is provided to assure landholders that the Project will comply with NSW noise limits, and recent penalties issued to mines regarding noise breaches are hardly a deterrent for any mine to comply.

The effect of the increased noise on the community as well as the multimillion dollar thoroughbred industry is unacceptable.


7) Rehabilitation

In the 2014 PAC Determination Report, the PAC raised serious concerns on the matter of rehabilitation.

"The contention was if the Drayton South mine is not a viable mine, it could be placed in caretaker mode following any approval. If this were to occur, this new consent would allow the proponent to defer its rehabilitation responsibility for virtually the life of the approval being sought, notwithstanding the Department's recommended conditions which require a Rehabilitation Strategy for the Drayton Complex by June 2015, which must include the details of a timetable for the rehabilitation stages for both the existing Drayton mine and Drayton South.

Given the lack of progress with rehabilitation works on the existing mine, the Commission is not confident that the Rehabilitation Strategy will be implemented and the disturbed areas will be progressively rehabilitated regardless of whether the proposed mine goes ahead or is put in caretaker mode." (p 18)

I am not satisfied that appropriate rehabilitation is taking place currently anywhere in the Hunter Valley by any mine owner. They will do whatever they can get away with. I have no confidence that the Proponent will comply with its rehabilitation commitments in the future - particularly if both current and future rehabilitation commitments are deferred for a further 15 years.

This issue remains a significant concern for myself and the community.


8) Grounds for Previous rejections/refusals:

PAC Review Report 2013: The PAC recommended:

* The Coolmore and (Darley) Woodlands horse studs should be recognised as essential to the broader Equine Critical Industry Cluster and given the highest level of protection from the impacts of mining.
* The mine plan for the site should not be approved.
PAC Determination Report 2014: PAC Refused the Project:

* The project does not provide sufficient buffer to protect Coolmore and Darley from the impacts of mining as recommended in the PAC Review Report and the Gateway Panel Report.
* The project has not demonstrated that it will not adversely impact on equine health and the operations of the Coolmore and Darley horse studs.
* The approach of monitoring the response of thoroughbred horses to the mine's operation to address uncertainty is not acceptable because once the damage to the operations of the studs occurs, it is irreversible.
* The economic benefits of the project do not outweigh the risk of losing Coolmore and Darley and the potential demise of the equine industry in the area with flow‐on impacts on the viticulture tourism industries.
* The project is not in the public interest.



I respectfully ask that you register my objection to this proposal and seriously consider my objections when assessing the appropriateness of the Drayton South open cut coal Proposal.

I am writing this as I strongly object to the third application by Anglo American for the Drayton South Coal Mine.
I feel that this mine is not in the public interest, as it will have a huge negative effect on the local thoroughbred and wine industries.
The Four Corners program on Monday night highlighted the need for the coal industry to reconsider the future of coal and fossil fuels. The demand for coal is slowing down and the focus now should be on sourcing more sustainable sources of power. Expanding the Drayton South Mine will just be a band aid short term fix for a much longer term problem .Expanding this mine will jeopardise the future jobs and security of two large thoroughbred studs, both of which are here for the long term employing hundreds of local people and attracting long term overseas investment in our local product of Hunter Valley bred horses.
I respectfully ask that you register my objection to this proposal and seriously consider my objections when assessing the appropriateness of the Drayton South open cut coal proposal

Having previously worked for a large mine near Muswellbrook for three years I witnessed first hand the disregard coal mines have for their neighbours and the environment. numerous times I was out in the pit and saw operations continue on when the weather should've dictated that they stop due to the amount of dust escaping the mine. Time and time again production and profit was put ahead of the environment and community.

Now working for Darley I see how much they contribute to the community they operate in without seeking any publicity for their support. I have had the pleasure of seeing the beauty of their farms up close.

I believe there should be no further expansion to the mining footprint in the Hunter Valley and certainly none that threatens the viability of any other established industry.

I strongly object to the expansion of the Drayton South Coal Mine due to the irreversible impact it will have on the Equine and Wine industry in the area. To say nothing of the impact on local farmers and there families.
The state government is elected by the people, for the people. Not for big business to have a free run at whatever they want.

Regards
Christina Metlikovec

I am writing as a concerned employee of a stud farm and resident of the Hunter to object to the application by Anglo American for the Drayton South open coal mine.

I have lived in the region for almost a decade and appreciate that mining has been a profitable industry and supplied jobs to the people of the hunter and the wider population for a number of decades including a number of my own family and friends. There comes a point in time however where we must as a wider community realise that it is not a sustainable industry and it will eventually come to an end. As such we cannot allow it to continually encroach on and eradicate other sustainable businesses and communities.

Living in a nearby town with the number of mines already in place when I arrived almost a decade ago, you would be forgiven for thinking as I did that the likes of Jerry's Plains and Bulga were simply mining communities, located in close proximity of multiple mine sites and reaping some financial benefits of workers passing through as a trade off for the impacts on health and the environment that follow a mine.
However this is not accurate, having spent 18 months working for a thoroughbred stud farm and having learnt the opposing perspective which has been seen for decades by residents both current and past, my eyes have been opened to the ever encroaching industry that is mining. The sad truth is that as mining encroaches further into the beautiful rural landscape and pastures of communities that are the Hunter Valley, residents and businesses are driven out, many due to health and environmental concerns and effects. To deny this fact is naive and to value a short term project with limited financial benefit over the longevity of a community and other businesses is not in the best interests of Australia or the local community.

Whilst I have heard many stories from mine workers through the previous proposals not wanting to lose their lifestyles if this mine does not go ahead, there has been no focus on the jobs of those who live locally, working in the agricultural industry whose jobs may also be lost if this proposal is approved, and I believe the number of these jobs far outweighs those proposed by Anglo.
The focus of the David & Goliath battle as it seems would be the mine verse the two major studs in the area Darley and Coolmore, but the truth is there are a vast number of smaller studs and wineries whose businesses will suffer should this proposal be approved in addition to hundreds of residents. These businesses are standing together to fight for their right, and the rights of their workers to maintain the industry which they too have spent decades building and growing to support the Australian economy. Not only that, but to secure the long lasting and viable business opportunity and a rural environment for our children to inherit.

There are a number of concerns I have with the proposal set out by Anglo American, each of which has a knock on effect that will no doubt result in the eventual demise of what are sustainable and enjoyable businesses to work in and be a part of, as well as being valuable members of the Australian community.

The thoroughbred industry is one of unique standing, we seek to breed and prepare the best race horses across the globe. The investment put into this, both financially and physically can only be seen from inside the gates of the studs, whether big or small. The visual impact alone from having the edge of a mine 1km from our gate, as opposed to rolling green hills and pastures will of course have a detrimental impact on the businesses viability as well as the potential to attract investors and clients. This is in addition to the health impacts associated with both the workers and horses. You would never expect an Olympic athlete to train next to a coal mine because the health effects are evident, so how can it be said that a racehorse can be reared and prepared in that environment without ill effect? Simply put it cannot. Trainers and clients want horses in peak physical condition - can Anglo American guarantee that this mine, in such close proximity will not affect the health of the horses - no. Can the health of myself and other workers and the vast number of community residents be guaranteed with this mine in such close proximity, no.

For Anglo American to declare there will be no adverse health impact from the mine is not logical, considering the 2011 implementation of the Order 41 periodic health assessments. This requires all workers on a mine site to have three yearly medical assessments, to ensure the workers do not suffer any adverse health effects from working at the mine. This is because it is known that mining does have health consequences and they can take years to become evident. How then, will the health effect on the workers not employed on mine sites but in such close proximity, or residents and school children of the local community be monitored and at whose cost? When the monitoring shows that there is a health impact from this mine, what will the course of action be to rectify the situation? Shut down the mine or advise the residents and workers to move on? The pollution of the air quality does not only affect the horses, it affects the residents and other employees in the community and should not be ignored.

The safety of workers in the industry is another concern. We work closely with all our horses and even the most gentle can startle from something as simple as a gust of wind due to the sensitivity of their hearing. All stud farms ensure their horses have the best care, but what will the consequence be when the mine blasts potentially 1-2 times a day? Has the effect on the horses from the noise and vibrations been considered and has the knock on effect to the safety of the worker handling them been taken into account? I do not believe this has been spoken about or considered and it should be.

Coexistence is a term that has been thrown about by the mining industry declaring that the two industries can work side by side without ill effect, which according to the current proposal is in the literal sense of the word, with only 1km separating their boundaries. The term coexistence means to exist at the same time in harmony despite different ideologies or fundamental agreements. From a mining perspective, yes, they can coexist with most other industries and communities, because they do not pose a risk to or prevent this giant's work, they can continue to mine and blast. However the same cannot be said with the reverse. The thoroughbred industry cannot function with an open cut coal mine at its doorstep. Whether the risk to horses or workers is actual or perceived, the industry will be affected. Much like the decreasing value of coal, the value of each and every horse on stud farms is at risk, as well as their health, due to the environmental surroundings it is raised in and exposed to. This will eventually lead to any stud in close proximity becoming unviable, no matter if big or small because the cost to breed and raise will overcome the sale price. That is without bringing into the picture the actual physical health effects on the horses and employees, as well as residents that will be exposed to this new mine site if approved. The studs in this area are vital to the Equine Critical Industry Cluster as has been determined by the previous Planning and Assessment Commissions, and need to be protected from the impacts of mining. If the studs are forced from their land to maintain the quality of their business, other studs would not replace them because they would face the same limitations and problems as those leaving.

Much like the miners that have spoken before me, I do not want to lose my job or income because an important part of Australian industry is forced away from its home. The difference I suppose as well is that I actually enjoy my job and where I work. I'm not in it for the money whilst it is the way I pay my bills, I am here, as are many others in agriculture, because it is a great and rewarding place to work, in a sustainable industry where I can work for the rest of my life. Unlike that of the proposed mine which will be here for 15 years and then the story begins again, leaving behind desolate communities and the unemployment of the mine workers.

The NSW Government must draw a line in the sand to stop the mining industry from continuing to overpower smaller communities and businesses for the sake of a dollar and now is the time. I respectfully ask that you register my objection to this proposal when assessing the appropriateness of the Drayton South open cut mine and step out of your box as I did to take a serious look at this application from the perspective of the community and the smaller non mining businesses, and the extensive affect it will have on them if this short term project is approved.

Being a concerned parent I'm not really happy with the developement. We live in close proxcimity toDrayton and I have 3 children with asthma .1 child being a chronic asthmatic. We battle with the rubbish thats in the air now this will just add more.
our rain tanks are full of black dirt from the mines blasting into our air.The dust does travel afar as i have seen this when surrounding mines blast.
This is a continual health battle for our children.we did not ask for this and have no possibility to move.
Our beautiful valley is ruined my children's health is a big issue. Think of all those children that suffer under these conditions.My daughter has had 4 asthma attacks in the last 3 weeks with 5 sinius infections in the last four months she has had asthma since she was under 1 year old and growing out of it is impossible with all these extensions going on.When she is ill it is a trip to the doctors every 2nd day for a few weeks. It is controlled as well as it could be with all the trips to the doctors even with her medication being changed and doing her spirometry every day .She has had a lot of time off school this has made a big impact on her school years as this year she is in year 12 and is struggling with this because of being sick being no fault of her own.Yes there are jobs at risk BUT what will we leave for our children in years to come and how will they cope with the air pollutants and their health.

To whom it may concern,

I wish to voice my overwhelming support for Drayton South project. I think my view is the view of the general population within the local communities surrounding the mine.

With Upper Hunter unemployment figures sitting at around 12% how can Drayton South be rejected with no good reason? 500 direct jobs are supported by Drayton and will continue to be supported by the Drayton South project. This is not taking into account the 140 local businesses that do business with Drayton. Did you know that over $100000 a year is donated by the workforce at Drayton to the Westpac Rescue helicopter! What a blow to the community should this money for a community project disappear because the Drayton South project was rejected. This is not to mention the local schools, sporting teams and many important local charities and community services supported by Drayton.

You will find that those who are objecting to Drayton South and who are making the loudest noises are generally hard-core greenies NOT from the local communities and who object to any new mine or mine extension. The other major group objecting to the mine are people from the horse breeding industry.

It should be pointed out that the horse breeding industry has used some extreme views and emotive suggestions to try and stop the Drayton South project from going ahead. They've said things like the Drayton South project will destroy the entire horse breeding industry should the mine proceed near Darley and Coolmore studs! Ridiculous! This can be seen with the recent record horse sales from the Bathurst and Scone areas. So clearly the entire horse breeding industry isn't dependant on Coolmore and Darley. Coupled with this fact is the NSW government's recent decision to lower the taxes imposed on the horse racing industry. This will allow more horse breeding players to enter the market. It will also leave a hole in the NSW government's budget. This money can be partly replaced to the tune of $60 million in state royalties and taxes to the NSW government annually that the Drayton South project would pay.

The revised Drayton South plan has moved the mine behind the Planning Assessment Commission's (PAC) 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. 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. The PAC's recent approval of Mount Thorley Warkworth mine extension is another reason why the Drayton South project should be approved because if mine extensions can be approved near human communities then they should definitely be approved near horse farms because people are more important than horses! In fact the Rix's Creek mine is 2km from Singleton Heights. For these reasons the Drayton South project should be approved.

Regards
Adam Jordan
Gunnedah

19 06 2015 The Secretary

The Department of Planning & Environment

GPO Box 39

SYDNEY NSW 2001 Dear Ms McNally, I have lived in the Upper Hunter for over 30 years.The valley used to be fertile,with lucerne ,cattle farms and dairies.As coal mines consumed these farms,I stupidly believed that Governments had strict environmental rules for coal mines,to ensure the safety of the catchment and public.The necrotic cancerous growth of mines has destroyed more farm and bushland habitat;rendered waterways saline;infected the air with toxic gasses and increased asthma and poor health rates.For years I have had no satisfaction from the NSW Environment and
Planning Departments regarding Toxic gas events at my home,complements of the existing Drayton mine.I came to the conclusion that Government was not willing to upset the powerful Coal Lobby by enforcing any Environmental laws.Such is the desire of Government's to put coal mine interests above public interests,they are changing the rules,to make it easier for mines to pollute.My feelings were vindicated when I read the Open letter of resignation of Mr David Paull (www.coalseamgasnews.org/news/an-open-resignation-letter-to-office-of-environment-and-heritage.)In this he states "The Mining SEPP and its more recent amendments also make a mockery of a transparent assessment process...". If this Drayton South Proposal is accepted you need to explain clearly to each NSW citizen why,given the many dodgy issues raised in Mr Paull's letter. An Independent Environmental Compliance Audit - Drayton Coal - by Parsons Brinckerhoff October 2012 (www.angloamerican.com.au). documents the many flaws in Anglo American's current environmental practices that the Government bodies have overlooked for years.If you allow this Drayton South proposal, you must guarantee NSW citizens that Anglo American will meet their environmental obligations . By now you can see that I believe the NSW coal industry is a liability. Direct subsidies to coal mines by NSW tax payers:
* coal (port) terminal leases
* the provision of rail infrastructure to get coal to port or to power stations
* tax rebates on diesel fuel
* wholesale electricity costs
* clean coal technology research
* coal sector jobs packages
* coal exploration
Tax payers are also paying the bills for:
* environmental degradation caused by past and present mining
* the loss of prime agricultural land
* water allocations given to mines meaning farms go without in times of drought
* contamination of water ways
* health costs due to mine emission pollution
* climate change: severe weather events, bushfires, floods, extended droughts, etc Meanwhile,Anglo American take their profits out of Australia to overseas shareholders,paying little tax in Australia.As a taxpayer,I feel ripped off! If you allow this Drayton South proposal,then you must put a dollar value on Anglo American's share of each of the above costs to NSW /Aust.taxpayers,then, subtract this from their profits,before they leave the country. Anglo American's lack of preparation for closing the existing mine is highlighted by the Parsons Brinckerhoff study, and sighted by the latest PAC rejection(P.18). Costs to taxpayers for dealing with old mine's toxicity is escalating, security payments(if paid) may never be enough to cover the actual rehabilitation cost (www.governmentnews.com.au/2014/07/deep-dig-answers-disused-mines). According to the PAC(p18) rejection,and Mr Paull,,forAnglo American might well be able to walk away from rehabilitating BOTH mine sites,should economic circumstances arise.If you permit this Drayton South proposal,you need to assure taxpayers that Anglo American have sufficient funds UPFRONT to cover ALL the rehabilitation costs now, and into the future,for
both mines,so the sucker taxpayer is not left with the bill. This Drayton South proposal makes no economic sense.Coal prices are low,they may never return to anywhere near the prices Anglo American expect.Civilized countries are turning away from fossil fuels. China and India are planning to mine more of their own coal.Anglo American say they'll employ the same 500 people on a smaller 15 year mine, that it was originally employing on the larger 25 year previously proposed mine???? If you believe it,I don't..If you permit this Drayton South proposal,you are putting at risk established, long term,sustainable industries,and their employees,for a 15 year economic uncertainty. You need to assure the public that NO other industry would be in any way affected,and,if they are ,that Anglo American,not taxpayers are liable for any compensation. I hope you will consider my concerns and note my objection to the proposed Drayton South Mine With regards,Kaye Monro.

Those who feel this project is not in the common interest should drive around Muswellbrook and Singleton and see how many local businesses support it, as they fear for their survival should the project not go ahead. Those that feel that mining impacts on horses should drive past Edinglassie Stud and see that a stud can still produce first class winners and provide horses to top trainers even while being only a road's width away from Mt Arthur mine.

This new pit is needed to provide certainty for more than just the 500 people who work there, but also all those who indirectly rely on the revenue, from coffee shops to contractors, charities and other community organisations.