HVO North Open Cut Coal Continuation Project

I fully support the HVO continuation project in its entirety. The economic benefits extend well beyond the Muswellbrook and Singleton Shires into the entire Hunter Valley. Add to that the taxes and royalties that state and federal governments receive and it would have a large hole in the budgets of many people. The reductions they have made in their emissions is noteworthy and I'm sure they'll continue to look at ways to reduce their emissions as new technologies emerge.

I am in support of the HVO continuation project as it continues to provide for families, businesses, local and federal economies.

To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing as a long-term and proud employee of Hunter Valley Operations (HVO), and as a resident of the Upper Hunter region. I wish to express my strong support for the continuation of HVO North and South Open Cut Coal Continuation Projects.
Commitment to Safety and Compliance
I have worked in the field of engineering, safety and compliance at HVO for many years. My daily responsibility is ensuring that our people return home safe and healthy, our operations meet or exceed regulatory requirements, and that we continually improve how we manage risks. Based on my professional experience, I believe the mine operates to the highest safety and compliance standards. I am proud to work for a mine that demonstrates not only health and safety compliance, but leadership in responsible mining.
Supporting Local Communities and Future Generations
Beyond my professional role, I am an active community member. My wages are spent locally—in the shops, schools, and small businesses of Muswellbrook, Singleton, and the Upper Hunter. HVO supports local charities and schools through direct programs, grants, and volunteering, which I also personally contribute to.
Equally important, I am passionate about encouraging young people into STEM, engineering, trades, and mining careers. Through school visits, mentoring, and community initiatives, I have seen firsthand how the presence of large, international mining houses like Yancoal and Glencore creates real opportunities for local students to build skilled, rewarding careers without leaving the region.
Economic Benefits and Regional Stability
The continuation of HVO is essential to the economy of our region and the State. According to the independent EY Economic Impact Assessment (2024):
• The project is expected to deliver net benefits of over $7.8 billion to NSW.
• It will continue to provide direct and indirect jobs for approximately 1,500 full-time employees, supporting thousands more families and businesses across the supply chain.
• The mine will contribute billions in royalties, corporate taxes, and local procurement, ensuring the State and local councils can continue to provide services and infrastructure.
The project provides certainty and stability for workers, businesses, and schools in the Hunter Valley during a time of economic transition. Importantly, it gives our communities more time to adapt and diversify while maintaining livelihoods.
Environmental and Social Responsibility
HVO is not ignoring its environmental responsibilities. The amended continuation project has been designed to:
• Reduce total coal extraction volumes compared to earlier proposals.
• Avoid sensitive ecological areas such as the Warkworth Sands Woodland.
• Improve Lemington Road with a new Hunter River bridge, enhancing safety and flood resilience for the broader community.
• Commit $1 million over the first 10 years of the project to support Aboriginal community initiatives aligned with Closing the Gap.
• Deliver progressive rehabilitation outcomes with 40% of final land use restored to native ecosystems and the remainder to grazing land.
This demonstrates HVO’s commitment to balancing mining with environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
Conclusion
HVO has been part of the Hunter Valley for more than 75 years. It has provided stable employment, world-class coal exports, and lasting community investment. The continuation project offers a sensible, balanced path forward—one that protects jobs, sustains local businesses, supports schools and charities, and ensures safe, compliant operations with ongoing environmental responsibility.
As both a dedicated employee and as a resident of the Upper Hunter who lives, works, shops, and raises a family here, I fully support the approval of the HVO Continuation Project. It represents not only the continuation of mining, but the continuation of strong, resilient communities in our Valley.
Sincerely,
Alison Pepper, Scone NSW

I support the project as it will maintain 1500 job and billions of dollars of investment, all while reducing emissions and using existing infrastructure.

This is good for local families, jobs and the economy.
Please approve

As this is my place of work, I am supporting the approval of this project.
HVO also employs 1500 direct jobs as well as great many supporting contract companies and service providers.
HVO are heavily involved within the community of the Upper Hunter Valley, supporting local charities, schools and public interest groups with their Community Grants.
As well as providing jobs for skilled and unskilled workforce, HVO also upskills with training courses and Apprenticeship programs.
HVO also intends on upgrading Lemington Road as part of this project, which at times becomes a major thoroughfare when there are incident and or accidents on the 2 major highways that pass through the Hunter Valley.
Lemington Road currently has a Low-Level bridge over the Hunter River, Moses Crossing, which regular floods making Lemington Road impassable. This Low-Level crossing will be removed making Lemington Road much safer at the times when diversion are required to keep the traffic flowing at these unfortunate times.

This is good for local families, jobs and the economy.
Please approve

Submission in Support of the HVO Continuation Project Amendment

I support the approval of the HVO Continuation Project Amendment. This project will keep around 1,500 people employed, support 800 local suppliers, and contribute billions to the economy, with most of it spent locally.

The amendment also reduces the mine life, cuts total coal production by over 220 million tonnes and reduces Scope 1 emissions by 43%.

This is an important project for the Hunter region, and I support it’s approval.

I wish to formally register my support for the Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) North and South Continuation Projects. These proposals offer significant benefits to the Hunter Valley region, particularly through job retention, economic stability, and support for essential regional services.

Hunter Valley Operations encompasses two interconnected open-cut coal sites separated by the Hunter River, located northwest of Singleton. The continuation project proposes extending operations to 2050 at HVO North (currently approved until 2025) and 2045 at HVO South (currently approved until 2030). These extensions are important for maintaining the region’s economic and social fabric.

The projects will secure approximately 1,500 ongoing jobs, including apprenticeships and construction roles, while also preserving indirect support for local businesses, contractors, and service providers. In 2022 alone, HVO contributed over $1.5 billion to the economy, with long-term benefits valued at over $4 billion. Royalties and taxes generated will continue to fund essential infrastructure such as roads, schools, and healthcare, ensuring broader community benefits.

Importantly, the continuation projects involve no increase in approved annual production rates and will primarily re-mine previously disturbed areas. This approach minimises new environmental impacts while allowing for effective rehabilitation. I also recognise the effort HVO has made to respond meaningfully to community feedback, amending its proposal and adopting best practice in emission management and mitigation strategies.

In summary, I support the continuation of HVO North to 2050 and HVO South to 2045 because they preserve jobs, maintain economic stability, support community services, and demonstrate a responsible approach to environmental management.

I respectfully request that the proposal be approved and encourage continued monitoring, rehabilitation, and innovation in emissions reduction.

Thank you for considering my submission.

I honestly don’t think the people in the hunter and NSW understand the business the coal sector creates and the amount of other business at are supported by the companies like HVO and their employees.

I strongly support the proposed continuation of mining operations at HVO North (and HVO South). For several decades, the Hunter Valley Operations mine has been instrumental in shaping the socio-economic landscape at local and regional levels, while also making significant contributions to the state and national economies. Approving this continuation project is essential not only for sustaining direct employment for the current workforce but also for generating substantial economic activity that benefits surrounding local government areas and the broader Hunter Region, as well as New South Wales and Australia as a whole. The ongoing operations at HVO will bolster job security, stimulate local businesses, and foster positive growth within the regional community, ensuring that it continues to thrive economically and socially.

I believe the project is in the best interest of the Country and the local communities

I have worked at HVO for 15 years and can see the wealth and employment it brings to the community. This continuation Project is a must for the future of the area.

I strongly support the approval of this new mine. The project will deliver significant benefits for the local community, including direct employment, apprenticeships, and business opportunities for local suppliers. Importantly, the proponent has committed to responsible environmental management and rehabilitation, ensuring that the project balances economic growth with sustainability.

The Hunter region will benefit from this project approval providing sustained financial input into the local and NSW economies.