Mandalong Mine Extension

I wish to write in support of the above mentioned Mandalong project extension.

I have been employed by Centennial Coal - Mandalong for the past 9 years now, and this job is very important to me.

I believe, as a work place, we have been a great support to local business, and tend to personally support local businesses in the process.

I also believe we have an excellent track record with being environmentally sound, and will continue to do so well into the future.

MANDALONG SOUTHERN EXTENSION PROJECT

APPLICATION SSD 5144

We, the Central Coast Greens, object to the Mandalong Mine Southern Extension Project and wish it to be rejected on the following grounds:-
CLIMATE CHANGE
* The proposed expansion of this mega mine will produce 6Mtpa of coal for the next 21 years working 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Given the coal is high quality thermal coal, basing its CO2 emissions on 78% anthracite with full combustion, this coal mine alone will generate another 8.58Mt of CO2 per annum during the life of the mine up to 2035-6. To prevent dangerous climate change we need to keep 80% of the available coal in the ground, let this be one of the deposits.
* Greenhouse gas emissions added to this are the diesel used in production, fugitive gases and electricity. A trial to flare the methane emissions is not good enough and fugitive emissions must be captured and flared as part of the conditions, at least that reduces the danger of those emissions by a factor of 21. This is noted as a moderate risk in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
* The current working life of the mine finishes in 2018, there should be no more coal extracted from this mine after that date.
WATER RESOURCES
* Groundwater will increase from 3ML in 2018 to 5.9ML in 2035-6 per day. It is proposed to send this toxic salty mine water, laced with heavy metals, up to the Cooranbong exit and in to an unnamed creek before arriving in Muddy Lake which is a modest swamp that then feeds in to Lake Macquarie. This is noted in the EIS as a significant risk.
* There is already slight chronic toxicity to macro-invertebrates species and this will potentially increase the loads of heavy metals and salt discharged in to this unnamed creek. This is unacceptable particularly as the modelling accounts for the 1 in 100 year flooding only. It does not account for the known behaviour of climate change which will mean those one in one hundred rain events will become more frequent and records will be broken. There is no plan to deal with the toxic overflow downstream of these events.
* Putting that much extra water daily into a system will inevitably change the ecosystem, stream banks will suffer and the Muddy Lake swamp will be too wet for too long adversely affecting the natural ecosystem.
* The alluvium across the project area shows unconfined shallow aquifers with the water table
1-3m below the ground level, aquifer thickness is less than 20m. These will only remain if the Munmorah conglomerate and sandstone units are not damaged by subsidence.

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* There is a real risk of loss of groundwater from porous and fractured rock which will affect ecosystems and habitats for many endangered species of fauna and birds.
* Mining has impacted groundwater levels in deeper overburden rocks in the Mandalong Mine's current operations.
FLORA and FAUNA
* Nine hollow bearing trees will be removed with no plans to replace the loss on site with boxes or new plantings. This must be remedied.
* Flora and fauna are at risk over the entire site from loss of water and habitat due to subsidence risk and groundwater loss.
* Centennial Coal states it is a large land owner in the mine site area and appears to think that therefore it has no need for any rehabilitation on its own lands, this is unacceptable as any damage on its lands will affect flora and fauna, ecosystems and surrounding landholders. Centennial Coal must have a rigorous plan of rehabilitation and restoration where possible across its own land as well.
SUBSIDENCE
* Noted in the EIS as a significant risk the loss of vegetation caused by subsidence and loss of habitat around the Mandalong South Surface Site.
* Noted as a moderate risk in the EIS is the effect of subsidence exceeding the safe, serviceable, repair standard requiring acquisition of properties. Given the extreme trauma to landholders and home owners who go through the experience of mine subsidence and the battle for compensation from the Mine Subsidence Board, there should be a binding agreement with an agreed value negotiated now between the potentially adversely affected landholders and Centennial Coal for adequate compensation before mining starts.
* Centennial Coal's figures for subsidence are:-
Longwall mining Panel width Subsidence range
160m 0.08 - 0.46m
180m 0.14-0.87m
200m 0.22-0.74m
Chain pillars subsidence is 0.1-0.94m or 0.12-1.1 plus 20%
Occasional surface cracking 0.27-1.34m
From the EIS diagrams, substantial sections of the following creeks will experience subsidence:-
Moran's Creek 1-1.5m
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Mannering Creek 0.6-0.7m
Wyong Creek 0.5m
Zone A could experience continuous sub-surface cracking of 111-189m
Undermining significant faults may result in higher continuous fracturing, connectivity and water inflow in to mine workings.
The project area will suffer from subsidence, tilting and bending which could result in sandstone boulders being dislodged downslope from the steep areas of the project.
There is the potential for extra subsidence above a previously extracted panel with compression of chain pillars.
This project is adjacent to the proposed development of the Wallarah 2 Coal mine.
The above are all given figures and quotes from the EIS. The EIS always left wriggle room for worse case situations and there can be no confidence in their figures given the history of mine subsidence across the region most notably at Chain Valley Bay in the mid 80's but more alarmingly and recently the serious subsidence in the Mount Sugarloaf State Conservation Area that covers 23% of the area (Sydney Morning Herald 28th August 2013 Donna Page). The Glencore West Wallsend Colliery, formerly Xstrata, was supposed to only experience subsidence over 84ha or 11% of the mine site and has approved plans that have comprehensively failed with much greater than expected subsidence in its longwall 41 section.
This gives no confidence to the above figures which are already in the moderate to significant risk range.
The Mount Sugarloaf State Conservation Area has crumbled cliffs, destroyed waterways, a massive chasm 120m x 17m, a total hillside collapse, another depression where trees had died and has impacted on the escarpment 160m above the mine.
The Mandalong South Extension Project is a deep coal seam at 480m and is relying on the massive conglomerate and sandstone overburdens remaining intact. There is no guarantee that this is what will happen. If the subsidence exceeds expectations, and there are too many instances of this being recorded in our very recent history, especially with longwall mining, there could be a domino effect of calamitous proportions. Creeks already suffering large subsidence could be further compromised or, in fact, destroyed in the area. There would be a great deal of significant vegetation loss adversely impacting on the flora and fauna of the area including many endangered species.



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ECONOMY
The project will bring an extra 115 jobs and 35 extra contractors during longwall relocations on current predictions with no further technological advances in mining further reducing the need for humans to be employed.
This is not significant employment when we know the Centre for Full Employment and Equity has assessed there to be more than 78 000 highly skilled jobs in the Renewable Energy industry were Australia to have the political will to go down that path.
ABORIGINAL HERITAGE
According to the EIS, a number of significant Aboriginal heritage sites will be compromised. This is a totally unacceptable state of affairs and completely disrespectful to Australia's first inhabitants. No site should be touched, across such a vast area there must be other places that can be accessed that will not impinge on our Aboriginal heritage.
In conclusion, the precautionary principle should be invoked and the project rejected on environmental grounds of damaging sensitive Aboriginal heritage sites, unacceptable increase in the volume of groundwater to be discharged and the potential for dangerous levels of toxic groundwater to escape, potential for serious subsidence across the site and adverse contribution to climate change.

As a citizen who lives, works, and is a land owner in the local area, i am supporting the southern expansion project. the benefits this mine will bring out weigh the negatives. It will continue to provide jobs, boost the local economy in the form of wages spent in the local area and donations made by the mine to support the community. it will be a great energy source for not only the local area but the entire hunter region. the extension will have minimum impact on the surrounding enivironment as did the mandalong mine which was an extension of the cooranbong mine.

In practice, the project will be an extension of the current Mandalong Mine. Therefore the project will be building on the good and effective principles successfully applied in the current Mandalong Mine. This includes minimum surface subsidence, sound environmental practices, relatively small surface infrastructure footprint as the coal is transferred via underground tunnels to the power stations and the hauling facility at the closed Cooranbong mine, safe mining methods with an excellent safety record for well trained employees.
The mine provides the bulk of the coal required for electricity generation in the Lake Macquarie area.
The current Mandalong Mine employs over 300 persons and supports a range of other companies via contracting and supplying equipment and services. The expenditure by employees and their family members will continue to support the regional economy.
The mine supports local communities via sponsorships including contributing to the Westpac Helicopter Service.
The mine has good relations with the community under which mining is currently undertaken.
Given the above comments I am of the view that this project has significant benefits to the community and the state and I therefore support it.

I have worked in the mining industry for the majority of my life.
Mandalong (& its Extension) are very important for my continued work - my family, friends & colleagues all rely on its future.
I spend the majority of my wages in the local area and those businesses benefit from my employment.
The Company (Centennial) is very Communitity minded - they & I also support local sporting clubs & charities, all which could be affected if I lost my job.
I have been retrenched 3 times previously, causing plenty of pain & anguish on all around our family. The communitity was severly affected also.
If the mine does not get approval it closes in 2018. The project extends that life to 2035.
The State benefits from royalties that provide police, nurses etc.
Mandalong has a good history of environmental management and we don't destroy people's houses by undermining them.
The proposed mine plan is designed to continue to minimise the impacts to surface infrastructure and the environment.

Mandalong Mine is a very environmentally and community minded site. Mandalong Mine has a great record in doing the right thing for our local area and environment.
I look forward to Mandalong Mine being actively involved in our community in years to come.

I have been employed in the Coal minning industry for over 32 years, I have worked for various minning companies over these years. One of the reasons I am working for Centennial Mandalong is there high regard for safety for there workforce, the community and the inviroment around them. Centennial Mandalong supplies coal to power stations in NSW and employ's more then 300 people, which I am one of them who puts money back into the community which inturn creates employment opportunities in other businesses to give financial security for my family and there's. We need Mandalong Southern Extension to be approved as it will maintain the present workforce have employment for the future and future employee's.

Wyong Shire Ratepayers & Residents Association Inc.
Y1677648

web: www.facebook.com/wyongshire.ratepayersresidents email : [email protected]





Objection to MANDALONG SOUTHERN EXTENSION PROJECT APPLICATION SSD 5144SSD 5144


WSRRA is a network of ratepayers / residents of Wyong Shire who have a variety of interests and or concerns: community development / capacity building, social, environmental and economic -, governance, heritage - or specific concerns: eg rates increases, LEP - DCP, planning / DA matters, water / mining in the valleys, flooding, lake restoration or policy issues.
WSRRA was incorporated as an association Y 1677648 on 8 March 1993.


1. GHG emissions from 6MTpa of extra coal extracted for the next 21 years from 2018 plus fugitive methane gases, diesel in production and transport adding to climate change and poorer air quality.
2. Extra groundwater extraction from 3.1ML per day in 2018 to 5.9ML per day in 2035-6, all in to an unnamed creek that feeds a swamp then Muddy Lake to Lake Macquarie, water contains heavy metals and salt. Creek already suffering chronic slight toxicity, wetland will be changed. No account for climate change variations in flow and intensity.
3. Subsidence between 0.5m to 1.5m across three creeks, Wyong, Moran and Mannering. Significant subsidence over the site, exacerbated by previous panel removals and relying on the conglomerate and sandstone overburden to hold across the panel spans to remain intact. These failed comprehensively against their approved plan for the Sugarloaf State Conservation Area. The subsidence will affect native flora and fauna including a number of threatened species and residences.
4. Centennial Coal is a large land owner in the mine site area yet appears to have no rehabilitation plan.
We believe all extractive industries should rehabilitate any damage on their lands as it will affect flora and fauna, ecosystems and surrounding landholders.

5. Noted as a moderate risk in the EIS is the effect of subsidence exceeding the safe, serviceable, repair standard requiring acquisition of properties.

Any risk of substantial subsidence must be carefully assessed.
6 Aboriginal significant sites will be compromised. According to the EIS, a number of significant Aboriginal heritage sites will be compromised. This is a totally unacceptable
7. No replacement for the removal of nine hollow bearing trees.
8. The relatively insignificant additional employment of 115 jobs and 35 extra contractors during long wall relocations does not, in our view, outweigh the significant environmental damage likely to occur should this proposal be approved.


On behalf of
Wyong Shire Ratepayers and Residents Association Inc

I am a employee of centennial coal Mandalong and also a long time resident of Morisset . Mandalong colliery has a young work force and I would guess a vast majority of these men would be in their mid thirties, this of course is the age of young families and large mortgages and the hope of long term employment would be paramount to them achieving their goals and future financial ease. Mandalong collieries infrastructure permits product to be transported to both delta and eraring power stations by mostly underground conveyance minimising noise and dust pollutants , The collieries history shows that we are environmentally conscience and work closely with locals to minimise issues. Being a local I also see the wealth spent within the town and the sponsoring of sporting groups and the help shown to organizations. I submit to you that approval of the extension will allow Centennial Coal continued production, ensuring jobs and continual support to the area

The future of mandalong and its 350 employees is greatly relied on by the expansion into the mandalong south project, the mine is a leader in the industry of community awareness and environmental responsibilities.

Mandalong south extension needs to go ahead as it will ensure the livelihoods of 400 direct employees( including myself ) as well as 100's of contractors and suppliers and their families for the next 25 years. Mandalong is also the main contracted supplier of thermal coal to our local power stations that power most of the state. The infrastructure is purpose built for this with the coal conveyed underground for most of its journey to the power stations, meaning no environmental impacts to the surrounding area. Mandalong has an excellent history of controlling subsidence and is extremely environmentally conscious which is proven. Centennial is a supporter of the local community itself, it's employees are also big supporters of the local community and economy as well. Reasonable hours worked and good incomes allow many miners to be actively involved in the community and not afraid to spend money( on Australian made products like I do). By not allowing Mandalong to continue , the best example of a sustainable environmentally driven coal mine will be lost. More importantly an entire community of working, prosperous families will be lost from this economically fragile yet nationally important region.

I see the extension of Centennial Coal Mandalong South as a positive move as it will continue supporting jobs in the Newcastle region for another 25 years, as well as supplying coal to our local power stations. Although Mining has received much bad press in the current political climate, I know this mine to have a strong environmental focus, which is vitally important in today's vision for a sustainable future. Our family supports renewable energy but also realises that there is still a very real need for coal fired energy, as without it, not only would there be major job loss in all related industries, which has already affected the economical well being of the members of surrounding communities, but it could also impact on the ability to have simple and equitable access to a crucial resource...ENERGY...

I support it

I am one of over 300 people working at Mandalong mine and it is very important to myself and my family that Mandalong mine continue to operate for many more years. In my experience the company has always considered the local environment and been open to the community and employees.
Mandalong supplies coal to the local power stations without using any rail or road infrastructure.
Centennial coal is a supporter of my local sailing club as well as many other community groups and projects.

To whom it may concern,

I am currently an employee of Mandalong Mine, and have progressed from Apprentice to Mechanical Fitter at the site.

The site provides specific on the job training, a healthy culture for young workers and employment in a convenient location. Many people are passionate about coal mining, and this extends to the team that are developing the companies portfolio to include the Mandalong South Extension.

I believe it would be foolish of those "against" the development to subscribe to the theory that those involved in mining have complete disregard for the diverse environments which are effected (positively and negatively) by the operation. It is with great consideration of all factors that a proposal like this is developed, and careful planning and accurate projections all focus on providing a realistic view of the operation.

This ensures that:
-the mine can operate effectively and legally
-the mine has provided feedback opportunity and a formal complaint system, should any problems arise
- all regulations are adhered to

Given the largely positive potential of continuing the project, I support the progression, not only for my own continued employment, but for the many people studying, practicing and preparing to enter the mining industry in the future, so that they can then take on future projects and solutions.

As yet, there is still a strong need for power generation, and this is achieved through locally produced coal. It is vital for the state that this continues.

Malcolm.

I support this project as it contributes to the economic benefit of Australia. To the best of my knowledege the project team has effectively and satisfactorily addressed the environmental impacts.

Extending the existing colliery's boundaries is must in my opinion
Not to, would isolate a reserve of good quality resource that would be lost forever
Apart for the near 400 jobs that currently exist at the colliery that would be lost., scores more would be lost through local and feeder company's that support this business losing their support
In todays financial situation the country nor individuals could afford to lose this for no good or logical reason.

To date the company has a good track record of predicting subsidence and has kept it minimalized and strived to meet ecological and environmental demands.

It has in place existing infrastructure to remove and transport the mineral so no additional trucks or trains are required, minimising disruption to local residents and roadways.

It is under non developed land so minimal disruption could be expected.it is merely an extension of a working colliery that has been in place for over 10 years providing employment and supporting local business

I believe the positives far out weigh the negatives

Submission,
We have lived in Mandalong for the past 30 years, having purchased our property after extensive overseas & domestic travelling. We chose Mandalong for it's rural lifestyle, the fact that it was not undermined nor in a mine subsidence area, it's affordability & proximity to Sydney, where our parents lived. We have built our home & raised our 3 children who, although they have moved away, relish in their upbringing in our forest. There were no tarred roads or fast-food outlets but plenty of piece & quiet. At night there were no other lights visible but the stars. The electrification of the rail-line along with the construction of the (now) M1 motorway were significant developments which enhanced our lifestyle but did not impact on our immediate environment.
The Mandalong of to-day is a totally different place & we are faced with angst as we approach retirement in these rapidly changing surroundings.

Social Issues:
Mandalong Mine has already had a detrimental effect on the landowners of Mandalong Valley & the creation of the Mandalong South Mine will further the effects of solastalgia already experienced by most residents.
Professors Glenn Albrecht & Neil Higginbotham describe solastalgia as - the homesickness you feel without leaving your home, the distress caused by environmental change & the changing of the most important relationship we have with our home environment. This phenomena is has become widespread in the Mandalong Valley.
There has been no recommence, to Mandalong landowners, in any form for this disruptive effect studies into which have been well documented.
Road Transport Issues:
When we settled in Mandalong in 1983 Mandalong road was a dirt road from what is now the roundabout on Freemans Drive at the Golf Course, all the way to Dooralong. A substantial amount has now been tarred however I doubt it was ever constructed to cater for the volume or type traffic this new mine will inflict on it. It is in reality a tar paved forest road, winding & dangerous. Mixing construction & commercial traffic with local road users will be dangerous unless the road is widened & upgraded. This will not alleviate the additional traffic & associated noise this new mine will create, not only to landowners near the mine site, but to residents of the entire valley.
Water Issues:
The high summer humidity experienced in Mandalong valley is due, in part, to the fact it is a Coastal Floodplain & acts as a Bushfire deterrent because of the amount of moisture in the air being evaporated from the soils of the valley floor. It is most important this situation does not change, in any way, as it would result in the valley being more susceptible to bushfire events. In the 20 years I spent as an active member of Mandalong volunteer Bush Fire brigade we never attended a severe fire in Mandalong.
Bushfire Control:
EIS states that "No drilling will be conducted on total fire ban days" surely , in light of recent events in the Blue Mountains, there should be no "Hot Work" or drilling on days of High Fire Danger or above.
Thank you for taking the time to read this submission & I hope that the (overseas owned) company will be convinced to look after the community in a substantial fashion as they reap huge profits from our valley while we must endure the mental & physical discomfort we moved here to avoid in the first place.
Peace be with you.
Mick Astles

Mr Mark Farrar
9/ 215 Darby Street
Cooks Hill, 2300

Dear Sir/ Madam,
I am writing to you today in support of the Mandalong South Extension Project, currently under review with the Department of Planning and Infrastructure.
I have been employed at Mandalong Mine for the last 18 months, in that time I have experienced firsthand the positive impact which Centennial Coal has on its direct environment and the wider community. There is no doubt the continual operation of Mandalong Mine is of great benefit to many people involved in our community.
The possibility of long term employment at Mandalong Mine is of great significance to my family and I. The Mine extension until 2035 would mean financial stability for myself and over 300 employees currently apart of the Mandalong Mine workforce. Not only is this beneficial to the employees directly, but the salaries and wages of these employees would no doubt be spent in the community, bolstering various local businesses and services which survive off of our financial influence currently.
Mandalong has an exemplary track record in producing coal with minimal impacts to its surrounding infrastructure and resources. Working at the Mine daily, I am aware of the high standards set in all areas to achieve such results. I am confident an extension to Mandalong South would only continue this level of achievement, and add to the sustainability of local power which is dependent on Mandalong Mine's coal production.
Centennial Coal supports many local sporting teams and community based initiatives that I am familiar with and a part of. I play rugby league in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie area which is supported by Centennial Coals' sponsorship. Without the financial support of Mandalong Mine, such community based groups and activities would cease to exist.
I feel the Mandalong South Extension proposal would significantly add to many facets of the community. I strongly support this proposal and hope my local community which currently benefits from the operation of Mandalong mine, does so well into the future.
Yours Sincerely,

Mark Farrar

I work at the mine at Mandalong and I would like this to go ahead for my future and my family's future.