Glendell Continued Operations Project

I wish to support the Glendell Continued Operations Project.

Extending and permitting further investment in fossil fuel development suggests a blatant disregard for evidence based, human induced climate change that is directly linked to fossil fuel production. As a young adult looking to a future of mass species extinction, poor water management strategies and a water crises, lack of political leadership on emissions targets and a lack of investment and transition to renewable energy sources, further funding coal development in this country is shameful and blatant stupidity.
Additionally, the extension and increased production of the Glendell coal mine will further decrease air quality and poses serious health risks. Glendell and Ravensworth East alone produces more than 215, 453 of PM2.5 pollution prior to this proposed extension. The current standard set for air quality monitoring are inadequate to protect the population from particulate pollution. Burning coal for heat or power is a known chief source of particulate pollution and this poses a significant health risk for communities both in the Hunter valley region and surrounding residents.
In summary, I whole heartedly object to the extension of the Glendell continued operations project.

Extending this company's ability to mine in the Hunter will expand Australia's already disproportionately high contribution to global emissions, and expedite the ongoing approach of the climate crisis in Australia. We are currently suffering from the worst bushfire season in living history, which I, and many others, attribute almost solely to the climate crisis, encouraged and spurred on by the inaction of the government to turn to renewable energies, and reliance on the coal and mining industries.
The people of the Hunter no longer want to rely on mining corporations for industry, who are more than happy to contribute to the impending threat of climate change at the expense of our community, and never come to our aid when we need it. Allowing this extension to proceed is condemning our community to years, maybe decades of insufferable bushfire seasons and drought, and no amount of jobs is worth that risk.

This new project will help boost the regions economy until 2044, not just the mining community but the greater general community also.

By providing direct and indirect jobs in the Singleton and surrounding area this new project is needed in the Hunter.

Glencore does a great job at rehabilitating the mined land that it is responsible for

I 100% object to any redevelopment, extension, new works etc of fossil fuel development projects. Specifically I object to Glendell Mine's application to continue open cut mining and/or extend into any new areas. I object to their application to remove 135 million tonnes of coal until 2044! How is it justified to double annual coal production at a time when a reduction in temperature is required not an increase!! shame. We have not even emerged from the belly of the worst bushfire epidemics in our knowledge of Australian history and everyone knows it is directly attributed to climate change and is only going to get worse! Keep the coal in the ground. Do NOT extend the licence to Glendell. I call for it to be ended NOT extended until 2044!!

It is disgusting that the government would want to increase coal production in the midst of the worst fires Australia has seen in decades. This project would only worsen the state of the already fragile environment and lead to the destruction of even more Australian homes and families.

The assessment itself says that the project is consistent with the IPCC’s “high emissions A2 emission trajectory scenario” This scenario is projected to result in warming by about 3.4C by 2100. We have just witnessed horrifying bushfires greatly exacerbated by just one degree of warming. What would 3 to 4 degrees of warming look like? This alone should be enough to stop this from going ahead. It also is inconsistent with NSW’s stated climate change policy as it clearly assumes failure to meet the Paris Agreement temperature goals.

The groundwater assessment shows a cumulative drawdown of over 2 metres. This will have a shocking affect. Stress is already being experienced in the area because of water loss. As we head into hotter years with less rainfall this will only get worse. Loss of subsoil moisture has also been a contributory factor to the ferocious nature of recent fires in the state.

This will also add to the air pollution levels in Camberwell Singleton and surrounding areas.

The Glendell Continuation Project will result in 230.8 million tonnes of greenhouse gases over the life of the project.
For all these reasons I urge not to allow this project to proceed.

I completely object to the expansion of this mine. It will not benefit Singleton, The Hunter Valley or Australia. It will only contribute further to Australia’s CO2 emissions.
In an era where we NEED to be transitioning away from our dependence on fossil fuels — expansion is moving us in the wrong direction. Yes jobs will be lost as this coal mine reaches the end of its life but our government needs to do some future planning working with miners and helping them move towards other industries offering them opportunities to Re skill.
I plead with you to see sense and consider what has happened this summer 19/20 with the rise in temperates and catastrophic fires across the country. To do the right thing by US the citizens and refuse this proposed expansion.

I think that this will support the community and affect the families of not gone ahead.

We are experiencing the worst drought, the hottest Spring and Summer and the most devastating bushfires as a consequence increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. To approve the expansion and increased rate of extraction of this coal operation is a crime against humanity and all the living things with which we share this planet.
This project is consistent with the IPCC’s high emissions A2emission trajectory scenario. The A2 scenario is projected to result in warming by approximately 3.4C by 2100.

I strongly oppose the Glendell Continued Operations Project proposal, latest mine expansion in the Hunter Valey. Glendell is part of the Mount Owen mine complex, which already had a major expansion approved in the last two years. This further expansion would extract an additional an additional 135 million tonnes (Mt) of run-of-mine (ROM) coal and more than double the rate of extraction at the Glendell pit from 4.5mtpa to 10mtpa.

Under its current consent, mining in Glendell pit would wrap up in 2024, but the Glendell Continuation Project would extend mining operations at the site to 2044 – well beyond the date after which coal burning for electricity is supposed to have ceased if we are to meet our climate change goals.

• This project further extends mining in a heavily-mined area, exacerbating air pollution and water loss.
• The mine’s groundwater assessment shows that dramatic drawdown of the coal seam under the Bowman’s Creek alluvium propagates upward into the alluvium and causes drawdown and loss of surface water.
• This adds to stress already being experienced in the area from other mines, and the groundwater assessment also shows cumulative draw down of over 2 metres in the alluvium during the proposed mining operations.
• The mine assessment admits that most air quality monitoring sites in the vicinity of Glendell Mine have experienced at least one day above the national standards for PM10 particulate pollution in the past seven years and some exceeded annual average thresholds in the last two years. Camberwell and Singleton also exceeded the PM2.5 criterion last year.
• But the EIS uses a low pollution year, 2014, as its base year, setting background air pollution levels at less than half of the pollution concentrations experienced in the vicinity more recently. Nevertheless, the assessment shows intensification of PM2.5 and PM10 air pollution in Camberwell and surrounding areas.
• The Glendell Continuation Project will result in 230.8 million tonnes of greenhouse gases over the life of the project. This is in addition to the greenhouse pollution from the rest of the Mount Owen complex.
• The assessment admits that the project is consistent with the IPCC’s “high emissions A2 emission trajectory scenario.” This is a shocking admission and all the more shocking that it did not prompt the company to withdraw the proposal. The A2 scenario is projected to result in warming by approximately 3.4C by 2100. As the greenhouse assessment outlines, this scenario is associated with increased maximum temperatures, hot days and severe fire danger days.
• This project is not consistent with NSW’s climate change policy, the principle of inter-generational equity nor the public interest, as it clearly assumes failure to meet the Paris Agreement temperature goals and worsening climate change impacts for New South Wales.
The whole appoval process is as totally corrupt as the NSW Planning Department and doubtless will be approved. Think of your grandchildren for a change, not the cash.

This aggressive increase in coal production will only increase environmental and community destruction as a result of the ongoing climate crisis and its effects, including drought, a rise in average temperatures, megablazes across bushland, and even droughts. Australia needs to abandon non-renewable sources of energy, such as coal, as it is contributing to global catastrophes.

• This project further extends mining in a heavily-mined area, exacerbating air pollution and water loss.
• The mine’s groundwater assessment shows that dramatic drawdown of the coal seam under the Bowman’s Creek alluvium propagates upward into the alluvium and causes drawdown and loss of surface water.
• This adds to stress already being experienced in the area from other mines, and the groundwater assessment also shows cumulative draw down of over 2 metres in the alluvium during the proposed mining operations.
• The mine assessment admits that most air quality monitoring sites in the vicinity of Glendell Mine have experienced at least one day above the national standards for PM10 particulate pollution in the past seven years and some exceeded annual average thresholds in the last two years. Camberwell and Singleton also exceeded the PM2.5 criterion last year.
• But the EIS uses a low pollution year, 2014, as its base year, setting background air pollution levels at less than half of the pollution concentrations experienced in the vicinity more recently. Nevertheless, the assessment shows intensification of PM2.5 and PM10 air pollution in Camberwell and surrounding areas.
• The Glendell Continuation Project will result in 230.8 million tonnes of greenhouse gases over the life of the project. This is in addition to the greenhouse pollution from the rest of the Mount Owen complex.
• The assessment admits that the project is consistent with the IPCC’s “high emissions A2 emission trajectory scenario.” This is a shocking admission and all the more shocking that it did not prompt the company to withdraw the proposal. The A2 scenario is projected to result in warming by approximately 3.4C by 2100. As the greenhouse assessment outlines, this scenario is associated with increased maximum temperatures, hot days and severe fire danger days.
• This project is not consistent with NSW’s climate change policy, the principle of inter-generational equity nor the public interest, as it clearly assumes failure to meet the Paris Agreement temperature goals and worsening climate change impacts for New South Wales.

I want to strongly voice my objection to the Glendell Continued Operations Project currently under assessment. It fails to satisfy the objects of the EP and A act, in particular:
1. It fails "to promote the social and economic welfare of the community and a better environment by the proper management, development and conservation of the State’s natural and other resources," The application will result in further compromising our environment, both locally and internationally. We now need to focus on conserving and improving our environment and NSW needs to lead the way with this. It will also compromise the social welfare of the community through the removal of a significant heritage item.
2. The very nature of the proposal fails to "facilitate ecologically sustainable development by integrating relevant economic, environmental and social considerations in decision-making". Extension of mining including extraction of an additional 140 million tonnes of ROM coal until 2044 at an increased rate of 10 million tonnes per annum is so directly appose to the intention of the objects it is laughable.
3. The proposal also fails to protect the environment in anyway whatsoever.
4. Removing an extremely significant European heritage item contradicts the object "to promote the sustainable management of built and cultural heritage (including Aboriginal cultural heritage),"
Beyond these sound planning arguments, the expansion of a coal mine, to allow operations to 2044, clearly fail to align with Australia's commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the broader consensus that global warming is real and the need for immediate action is urgent.
In summary I object based on its environmental impacts and heritage impact. This proposal is not in the public interest.

This supports the community in so many ways.

I object to the Glendell Continued Operations Project on several counts:
It is another increment in a very recent series of Extensions, which if added into one step, would be so entirely unreasonable as to dismiss its credibility. It is creep.

There is huge air pollution directly affecting global climate change, expected from this mine extension over its very long life: 230Mt of greenhouse gases added to existing emissions is consistent with the highest damaging pollution levels. Cumulative impacts must be taken into account now, particularly as the effects of climate change are now obvious to all government levels as well as to the people.

The data shows that the alluvium would be affected by water draw-down as a result of extra mining in this location. The watercourses shown (very clearly in the Aboriginal heritage report also) run right through the additional pit area so as to interrupt natural water flow in the larger context. Water is too valuable for this to be allowed.

Aboriginal heritage has been revealed and exactly located, throughout the site. The Ravensworth Homestead echoes the earlier choices for a dwelling place.
Enough human heritage has been destroyed in this nation both original and colonial. The Homestead complex is stated to be of State heritage significance.

The original landforms are once again being destroyed, and no theoretic rehabilitation can rectify the destruction and its effects on the whole community.

The duration of the proposed extraction is unacceptable considering its contribution to climate change, and the inevitability of the decline in demand.
There is no reason to waste Australia's labour resources and training on even more coal mining; resources and training will be needed for truly useful futures.

I totally oppose the granting of this extension, and all the destruction it entails.

The continued operations plays a paramount role in productivity and security for the Hunter region by ensuring employment and economic growth. The potential longevity with approval and impact of the broader community economically, all mining related and unrelated businesses are directly affected. Other aspects are also required to be taken into consideration and from viewing related documents I believe Glencore has addressed these and has proven history of doing so in the Hunter Valley , in returning mined land back into productive, sustainable , proven farming land, and regeneration of bushland which is proven habitable to native species. I have viewed both proposed options for the Ravesworth homestead and both options have credit in there own standing. To see the homestead restored and utilised which will see the community have access to a piece of the region's history and learn about our culture as Australians. Relocated could be an extremely valuable learning tool and cultural centre for our younger generation, this can be achieved by it being relocated without losing historical significance.

I am disgusted to find that out that despite the 2019-2020 drought and mega fires, the government is STILL considering the approval of additional coal extraction. It defies belief! There are so many reasons why the Glendell Continuation Project should NOT be approved:
1. It is not consistent with NSW’s climate change policy, the principle of inter-generational equity nor the public interest, as it clearly assumes failure to meet the Paris Agreement temperature goals and worsening climate change impacts for New South Wales. The project would extend mining operations at the site to 2044 – well beyond the date after which coal burning for electricity is supposed to have ceased if we are to meet our climate change goals.
2. It further extends mining in a heavily-mined area, exacerbating air pollution and water loss.
3. The mine’s groundwater assessment shows that dramatic drawdown of the coal seam under the Bowman’s Creek alluvium propagates upward into the alluvium and causes drawdown and loss of surface water. This adds to stress already being experienced in the area from other mines, and the groundwater assessment also shows cumulative draw down of over 2 metres in the alluvium during the proposed mining operations. How is this in any way acceptable given the current drought?
4. The mine assessment admits that most air quality monitoring sites in the vicinity of Glendell Mine have experienced at least one day above the national standards for PM10 particulate pollution in the past seven years and some exceeded annual average thresholds in the last two years. Camberwell and Singleton also exceeded the PM2.5 criterion last year. But the EIS uses a low pollution year, 2014, as its base year, setting background air pollution levels at less than half of the pollution concentrations experienced in the vicinity more recently. Nevertheless, the assessment shows intensification of PM2.5 and PM10 air pollution in Camberwell and surrounding areas.
5. It will result in 230.8 million tonnes of greenhouse gases over the life of the project. This is in addition to the greenhouse pollution from the rest of the Mount Owen complex. The assessment admits that the project is consistent with the IPCC’s “high emissions A2 emission trajectory scenario.” This is a shocking admission and all the more shocking that it did not prompt the company to withdraw the proposal. The A2 scenario is projected to result in warming by approximately 3.4C by 2100. As the greenhouse assessment outlines, this scenario is associated with increased maximum temperatures, hot days and severe fire danger days.
KEEP THE COAL IN THE GROUND! IT IS TIME TO MOVE ON FROM THIS 19TH CENTURY TECHNOLOGY!

With the current fires in NSW, we need to take action on climate change immediately or lose all our indigenous flora and fauna. We also need to increase carbon sequestration to compensate for the release of carbon from the forests burnt. This project will have the opposite effect, increasing the likelihood of more, and bigger fires.
This project further extends mining in a heavily-mined area, exacerbating air pollution and water loss.
The mine’s groundwater assessment shows that dramatic drawdown of the coal seam under the Bowman’s Creek alluvium propagates upward into the alluvium and causes drawdown and loss of surface water.
This adds to stress already being experienced in the area from other mines, and the groundwater assessment also shows cumulative draw down of over 2 metres in the alluvium during the proposed mining operations.
The mine assessment admits that most air quality monitoring sites in the vicinity of Glendell Mine have experienced at least one day above the national standards for PM10 particulate pollution in the past seven years and some exceeded annual average thresholds in the last two years. Camberwell and Singleton also exceeded the PM2.5 criterion last year.
But the EIS uses a low pollution year, 2014, as its base year, setting background air pollution levels at less than half of the pollution concentrations experienced in the vicinity more recently. Nevertheless, the assessment shows intensification of PM2.5 and PM10 air pollution in Camberwell and surrounding areas.
The Glendell Continuation Project will result in 230.8 million tonnes of greenhouse gases over the life of the project. This is in addition to the greenhouse pollution from the rest of the Mount Owen complex.
The assessment admits that the project is consistent with the IPCC’s “high emissions A2 emission trajectory scenario.” This is a shocking admission and all the more shocking that it did not prompt the company to withdraw the proposal. The A2 scenario is projected to result in warming by approximately 3.4C by 2100. As the greenhouse assessment outlines, this scenario is associated with increased maximum temperatures, hot days and severe fire danger days.
This project is not consistent with NSW’s climate change policy, the principle of inter-generational equity nor the public interest, as it clearly assumes failure to meet the Paris Agreement temperature goals and worsening climate change impacts for New South Wales.

Given the current state of the planet and the clear science that the climate is changing, this proposal can not and should not go ahead. The future is not with digging coal out of the ground and I object to this project for all of the reasons below:
-This project further extends mining in a heavily-mined area, exacerbating air pollution and water loss.
-The mine’s groundwater assessment shows that dramatic drawdown of the coal seam under the Bowman’s Creek alluvium propagates upward into the alluvium and causes drawdown and loss of surface water. This adds to stress already being experienced in the area from other mines, and the groundwater assessment also shows cumulative draw down of over 2 metres in the alluvium during the proposed mining operations.
-The mine assessment admits that most air quality monitoring sites in the vicinity of Glendell Mine have experienced at least one day above the national standards for PM10 particulate pollution in the past seven years and some exceeded annual average thresholds in the last two years. Camberwell and Singleton also exceeded the PM2.5 criterion last year.But the EIS uses a low pollution year, 2014, as its base year, setting background air pollution levels at less than half of the pollution concentrations experienced in the vicinity more recently. Nevertheless, the assessment shows intensification of PM2.5 and PM10 air pollution in Camberwell and surrounding areas.
-The Glendell Continuation Project will result in 230.8 million tonnes of greenhouse gases over the life of the project. This is in addition to the greenhouse pollution from the rest of the Mount Owen complex.
-The assessment admits that the project is consistent with the IPCC’s “high emissions A2 emission trajectory scenario.” This is a shocking admission and all the more shocking that it did not prompt the company to withdraw the proposal. The A2 scenario is projected to result in warming by approximately 3.4C by 2100. As the greenhouse assessment outlines, this scenario is associated with increased maximum temperatures, hot days and severe fire danger days.
This project is not consistent with NSW’s climate change policy, the principle of inter-generational equity nor the public interest, as it clearly assumes failure to meet the Paris Agreement temperature goals and worsening climate change impacts for New South Wales.
I find it unbelievable that a submission like this is even being considered for approval.