HVO South Open Cut Coal Continuation Project

HVO continuing operations is critical to the local communities in the Hunter region, providing jobs to thousands of residents both directly and indirectly. There is strong demand from international customers for HVOs high quality Thermal and Semi Soft Coking Coal.

Supportive of the project, controls in place to manage environmental impacts and sustainability for the Hunter Valley Region supporting the local people and state/national governments

HVO is an integral part of the Hunter Valley. HVO not only promotes economic stability in the area and personal prosperity through employment but also provides environmental protection and resource management opportunities that would be lost over time due to natural degradation.

I support this project and what it will bring to the hunter.

We need these jobs in our community

I fully support this project

Great company to work for and doing a lot for the community.

I support the continuation as I have worked at HVO for nearly 12 years I am a father of 2 kids and love what I do and what the company gives back to the community I hope that one day my kids will work along side me

I think it is highly crucial for hunter valley operations to stay open for the hunter valleys economy, they do a lot of good for the surrounding communities and would be extremely concerning to see what would happen to the hunter if it was to be shut down. I am privileged enough to be employed by HVO which has given many of great opportunities and hoping many more going forward in my career.

The valley needs HVO

I support this project on the basis that is,

1. A complying development application that should be approved on the basis that it meets the assessment criteria
2. That is supports the local, regional, state and federal economies. This is through purchasing goods and services from businesses or by providing income taxes, company taxes and royalties that would currently not be offset by other primary industry.

I am concerned that the decision to request HVO to re-submit a modified application is not based on the project meeting the original assessment guidelines rather than opinion of "what is approvable". I believe HVO have modified this application considerably based on those opinions and would strongly object to further modification or challenge to reduce this project further based on our region needing to support investment not drive it away.

There is no doubt a substantial amount of people both locally and within the state that will either not comment at all or if they do have no concerns with the project. I would request that the assessment consider that those, like myself, who support the project and generally have a limited amount of information to write in response to the application are given a degree of weighting such that those in opposition are not the only voices heard because there is more content in their objection than what is written in support of the project. Impacts have already been minimised in this project submission to meet strict planning requirements, and this project should be approved on that basis that it delivers far more benefit than it does impact.

Thankyou for the consideration.

Regards,

Ashley McLeod

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HVO is crucial to the local economy and the greater NSW area

I live and work in the Hunter Valley of NSW and believe this project is in the best interest of the residents in the local community and state of NSW. The continued operations will provide ongoing jobs both direct and through support services. As other local mining operations come to a natural end of life the Hunter and the NSW state government need well managed projects like HVO to continue providing job security and prosperity for its residents while alternative industries are developed for employment.

I fully support this project and the associated HVO North project.

Please do not approve this coal mine's expansion. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is very clear - no more coal projects should be approved if humanity is to have a chance of beating climate change.

I am in support on the HVO continuation project, as an employee at HVO, this is my livelihood and provides for my family and many others in the same situation. I see first hand the steps the industry takes to reduce its impact on the environment and ensures all areas surrounding remain unaffected by the industry. Closing mines is only taking steps backwards for the Australian economy not only for our coat of living but also as a nation on the global market. Mines have always been needed and will continue to do so

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

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.