Mangoola Coal Continued Operations Project

I totally object to the proposed expansion of the Mangoola Coal Continued Operation Project on the grounds of,
1- The noise levels that will impact our property situated only 1km from the most western end of the proposed pit
2- The likely impact on our ground water bore situated North West of the mine in the Sydney City aquifer and 88 meters from ground level and flowing at approx 400 liters per minute
3 - The impact on property value and the ability to sell our property on an open market.
4- Dust levels which would be way above the Australian standards
5- Blasting- noise and ground vibration would cause damage to our residence particularly on pre-split blasting
6- increased traffic in the area on sub par country roads
7- School bus stop for our kids being approximately 800 meters from the proposed pit.

1. The quality of air will be worse than it is now (and it has been recorded that the air quality in the Hunter region is worse than China)
2. The proposed expansion will endanger our water supply, the water supply to our property is 88 metres under ground and will be in serious jeopardy. The mine would not and could not guarantee a water supply.
3. The increased traffic on the already rough country roads will no doubt make the roads worse to drive on and much more dangerous. The roads are not maintained by the mine nor the council now, let alone after the the increased truck and vehicle use will make them much worse.
4. The increased noise from the mine machinery will make living in the country noisier than Iiving in the city.
5. The property values are plummeting and are in danger of being null and void, with no re-sale ability.
6. The local community is being destroyed by the mine. Local people who have run businesses from home have had hugely reduced production, reduced business, therefore reduced income caused by the mine.
7. The mine blasting being in such close proximity to our property (800m) would be regarded as seriously dangerous.

The continuation of Mangoola Coal will keep myself and my wife employed, as well as my friends and family working directly and indirectly with the pit. As a Wybong resident I fully support the extension.

I'm in full support of the mangoola mine extension, Glencore go above and beyond to reduce the impacts on their neighbours, the rehabilitation on this site is first class, the financial benefits for our local community have been massive especially for local sporting facilities, alot of mangoola's workforce are both men and women in their 30's and 40's raising young families in our community and an extra five years of work has a massive impact on their lives and I'd like to see mangoola extend even further if it's possible, they've proved they can do it with minimal negative impact on the local community and environment.

I wish to submit a note of support for the Mangoola Coal Continued Operations Project.
To date, the economic and social benefits of the original Mangoola Coal operation have been significant in the local government area.
The employment of local people, who spend their wages with local businesses will be sustained with the approval of this project.
The business relationship between suppliers and the Mangoola operation will also be sustained. These businesses also employ many local people who in turn spend their wages with local businesses.
Mangoola Coal is a well known and reliable supporter of many local events as well as community and sporting groups and with the approval of this project, this support will continue well into the future.
Mangoola Coal is a low impact worlds best practice operation, widely acknowledged for their excellent environmental and rehabilitation standards.
The benefits in approving this project are many and I trust that it will be given the full support of the NSW Government.

Yours sincerely
Chris March

I wish to submit a note of support for the Mangoola Coal Continued Operations Project.
To date, the economic and social benefits of the original Mangoola Coal operation have been significant in the local government area.
The employment of local people, who spend their wages with local businesses will be sustained with the approval of this project.
The business relationship between suppliers and the Mangoola operation will also be sustained. These businesses also employ many local people who in turn spend their wages with local businesses.
Mangoola Coal is a well known and reliable supporter of many local events as well as community and sporting groups and with the approval of this project, this support will continue well into the future.
Mangoola Coal is a low impact worlds best practice operation, widely acknowledged for their excellent environmental and rehabilitation standards.
The benefits in approving this project are many and I trust that it will be given the full support of the NSW Government.
I live locally and fully support the project.

Yours sincerely
Sharon Barbeler

I wish to submit a letter of support for the Mangoola Coal Continued Operations Project. I am a Small Business Owner in Singleton.
To date, the economic and social benefits of the original Mangoola Coal operation have been significant in the local government area.
The employment of local people, who spend their wages with local businesses will be sustained with the approval of this project.
The business relationship between suppliers and the Mangoola operation will also be sustained. These businesses also employ many local people who in turn spend their wages with local businesses - including mine.
Mangoola Coal is a well-known and reliable supporter of many local events as well as community and sporting groups and with the approval of this project, this support will continue well into the future.
Mangoola Coal is a low impact world’s best practice operation, widely acknowledged for their excellent environmental and rehabilitation standards.
The benefits in approving this project are many and I trust that it will be given the full support of the NSW Government.

Yours sincerely,
Rebecca Clark
Owner, Redbournberry Clothing Co.
Singleton

Sir,
Ref: Mangoola Extension.
I am sending my submission in the form of a document which is attached. I have also attached three other documents which I believe may be considered as part of this submission. I trust that this method of presentation is satisfactory
These are: (All pdf.
Esdaile – Mangoola Submission 07-2019
Singleton Argus 19-04-2019
Singleton Argus 23-11-2017
Banks – A feedback loop of soil benefits

Please advise if you require an alternative method of presentation.

R J ESDAILE

Continued operation of Mangoola mine ensures economical and community growth within the Muswellbrook and Upper Hunter region. Mangoola conducts operations in an environmentally responsible manner and provides ongoing partnership with the local community. It is important the continuation project is approved to ensure community partnership and vibrancy is sustained for the local region.

Mangoola failure to observe conditions 3 and 8 in relation to residence 205 over 8 years.

Mangoola Coal Continued Operations will provide extended employment for the people who rely on this operation for their livelihood. Mangoola also provides employment for a variety of business partners in the Muswellbrook and surrounding area. Mangoola has a reputation for responsible mining, excellent rehabilitation of the land and working with neighbours and regulators alike to ensure we have a safe and compliant workplace.

I am a resident of the Upper Hunter and I strongly object to this project. My children are 5th generation of our family of graziers at Scone. We have relatives living close by to Mangoola Coal Mine who we visit regularly. The Upper Hunter is already suffering the effects of the cumulative impacts of so many mining operations in the area. Our community is striving for a sustainable and healthy future with diversity of industry and long term employment. We want to ensure this sustainable future for our children and we want to protect our farms, our air and our water resources. I strongly object to the project based on the following:
1. Air Quality/Health – due to the already existing multiple mining operations, the Upper Hunter currently experiences regular air quality exceedances. Our airshed is already overburdened by existing mining operations with cumulative impacts including increased incidence of respiratory disease (especially asthma) and low birthweights for babies. Our local sustainable agricultural industries rely on the clean, green and pristine air which our area has been known and valued for. We do not need or want to be increasing the footprint of existing mining operations. This will only lead to greater air quality issues and exceedances, putting our communities and their health at even greater risk; and further threatening our other sustainable agricultural industries.
2. Water Resources - we depend on our water resources to support and sustain agricultural enterprises in the Upper Hunter. The security of our water resources is threatened by mining operations. I understand Mangoola has previously exceeded their own forecasts for water usage. We cannot afford to be threatening water resources essential for long term sustainable industries such as agriculture and thoroughbreds for short term economic benefit from coal mining, which is also to the detriment of the environment.
3. Noise - the project will result in increased unacceptable noise impacts on the community and residents in proximity to the mine.
4. Community/Social - the project will contribute to the ongoing degradation of the local community - in both numbers and spirit. Many residents will leave the area due to the negative environmental, air quality and noise impacts. For those who are unable to sell their properties (due to decreased land values or lack of buyers due to the impact of a mine being in close proximity), as well as those that feel they have no choice but to move away, this will lead to solastalgia (a form of mental or existential distress caused by the negative transformation of one's environment).
5. Land Values - the project will directly negatively impact land values within the area. Values will decrease and lead to an inability for some residents to sell their properties due to the negative impacts (air quality/noise/light) from the project encroaching on their properties.
5. Environmental - this project will increase the already multiple negative impacts which mining is already having on our local environment. With reference to the Rocky Hill decision by Chief Justice Preston, now is the time that rapid and deep decreases in emissions are needed to ensure climate targets can be met. The cumulative impacts from the already existing multiple mines in the Upper Hunter already significantly impact the environment. Additional mining is not needed and is considered a tipping point in terms of long term negative impacts on our environment.

My family has bred seedstock beef cattle for 105 years over 5 generations on our property at Scone. I have relatives who live close to Mangoola Coal Operations and visit the area regularly. The Upper Hunter has already reached tipping point in terms of the cumulative impacts from the multiple mining operations in existence. Our community wants a sustainable future with industries that do not destroy our local environment as is currently occurring with mining. A balance is required and to obtain this balance there must be a stop put to further mining in the Upper Hunter, for the sake of our communities and our future. I strongly object to this project for the following reasons:
1. Air quality/Health issues - the Upper Hunter regularly experiences air quality exceedances to the detriment of the community's health and well-being. This project will only add to the already very concerning and dangerous levels of air pollution, due to the cumulative impacts of the many existing mines in the area. This also negatively impacts our other alternative and sustainable industries including agriculture, throughbreds and wine.
2. Social/Community Impacts - The project will be destructive to the fabric of the local community. Residents will be negatively impacted by way of poor air quality, noise and light emitted from the project. Land values in the local area especially will decrease; and some residents will be unable to sell their properties at all due to the proximity of the project, and because potential buyers will not be willing to suffer the negative impacts. Other residents will move away due to the negative impacts of the project which will further diminish the community.
3. Impact on water resources - Mangoola has already exceeded its own previous forecasts for water usage in its existing operations. This is a major concern regarding security of water resources especially in relation to other sustainable industries in the area requiring essential water supplies to continue to operate.
4. Environmental Impacts - It is time that the Planning Department and NSW Government consider this seriously in their decision making; and support alternative, innovative and sustainable industries in conjunction with renewable energy projects, as opposed to additional high emission, fossil fuel industry projects. Our landscape is being severely damaged by mining projects to the point of no return. We want to preserve our environment for future generations. This project will only serve to increase the multiple negative impacts on our local environment.
5. Impact on other sustainable industries - the issues of air quality, land degradation and community impacts as outlined above all contribute to negatively impact on other sustainable industries within the Upper Hunter. Agriculture, thoroughbreds and wine industries may not employ the numbers in the short term the mines do, but our jobs are ongoing for generations. Our young skilled workforce is constantly being taken by the mining industry. We need an industry balance in this region. The Department of Planning needs to be aware of our other existing sustainable industries and support them by way of ceasing further mining projects in the area.

I am a member of a family which has farmed cattle in the Upper Hunter for the last 100+ years. I am in my 20’s, I have a great love of the land and the Upper Hunter area. I wish to help ensure it remains intact to be enjoyed for future generations. I have relatives who live close to Mangoola Coal Mine and I have major concerns about this project based on the following:
• I have concerns regarding the direct impact of coal operations on air quality and thereby the health of residents in the Upper Hunter. There have been recent multiple repeated air quality exceedances due to the already existing mine operations in the Upper Hunter. If approved, the project would only serve to increase exceedances and directly impact the local communities.
• Our water resources are critical to the residents and the already existing sustainable industries in the area. I do not feel it is appropriate for any amount of risk to be presented to the water resources in the area.
• I feel there should be consideration of the climate change issue and that no further mining operations should be developed in this area. Instead there should be priority and focus placed on development of sustainable industries and renewable energy alternatives to mining.
• The impact on land values in the local area which will negatively impact residents both financially and socially. Some residents are likely to be unable to sell their properties in the future due to the proximity of the project. There will also be a social impact on the local community due to residents leaving and reluctance of new residents to move to the area due to the project and its impacts.
I am currently studying an Economics Degree at University with an Agricultural Economics major. I feel enough is enough in the Upper Hunter Region. It is time the Planning Department and the NSW Government realised we need some balance in the equation of mining versus sustainable agricultural businesses. As a future farmer continuing as a fifth generation member of my family in this region, I want to see some certainty and protection of agriculture for my future and generations to come.

I am 5th generation of a farming family which has resided and worked in the Upper Hunter for more than 100 years. I have relatives who live in close proximity to Mangoola Coal Mine and I strongly oppose this project. The cumulative issue of mines in the Hunter Valley poses a very tangible threat to its agricultural and tourism industries - both of which are long term, sustainable and environmentally-friendly. The Upper Hunter in particular boasts strong tourism drawings to regions such as Glenbawn Dam, the Barrington Tops and the numerous bush walks around the region. The continuous expansion of open cut coal mines could turn the Upper Hunter into a barren landscape similar to that around Singleton and the army base.
The issues/impacts supporting my opposition to this project include:
1. Environmental - this project will increase the significant negative impacts mining is already having on our local environment. With reference to the Rocky Hill decision by Chief Justice Preston, now is the time that rapid and deep decreases in emissions are needed to ensure climate targets can be met. Additional mining is not needed and is considered a tipping point in terms of long term negative impacts on our environment.
2. Air Quality - the Upper Hunter currently experiences regular air quality exceedances. The valley's airshed is already overburdened by existing mining operations with cumulative impacts including increased incidence of respiratory disease. We do not need or want to be increasing the footprint of existing mining operations. This will only lead to greater air quality issues and exceedances, putting our communities and their health at even greater risk; and further threatening our other sustainable agricultural industries.
3. Noise - increased noise pollution due to increased size of mining operations, increased number of machinery movements and proximity to residences
4. Social/Community - the project will directly impact the health, wellbeing and spirit of the local community due to the to air quality, noise, visual, and financial impacts (related to decreased land values).
5. Land Values - local land values will decline if the project proceeds and some landholders may be unable to sell their properties at all. Any potential buyers will be unwilling to be subjected to the numerous negative impacts of the project and will therefore seek properties elsewhere.
6. Future Sustainable Industries - any further mining projects in the area increase the already excessive cumulative impacts of existing mining operations and threaten the future of other sustainable industries in the area such as agriculture, thoroughbreds and wine. We want to ensure the Hunter Valley is preserved for the future of these industries with a clean, green, pristine environment to ensure their certainty. This project greatly threatens the environment with the many negative impacts on the landscape, air and water resources.

I am 5th generation of an Upper Hunter cattle breeding operation. I am 18 years old and wish to ensure the future of our local farms and farmers; and the health and well-being of our communities. I have relatives who live in the local area near Mangoola Coal Mine and visit there often. I oppose this project based on the following reasons:
• The Upper Hunter already has multiple mining operations which currently impact negatively on air quality – evidenced by repeated air quality exceedances. Any additional operations such as this project will only serve to exacerbate this issue. Air quality exceedances have a negative impact on the health of all residents in the Upper Hunter. It is important to ensure clean air and healthy living conditions for our current and future generations living in the area. This project will only add to the already serious air quality issues in the Upper Hunter and should not be approved on this issue alone.
• Water resources are essential to the sustainable agricultural industries already operating in the Upper Hunter. I feel it is important to preserve and ensure the security of water resources for sustainable industries including agriculture, thoroughbreds and wine. Any threat to this resource would severely and negatively impact those agricultural enterprises; which would otherwise have the potential to produce and employ in the area for generations to come. I understand Mangoola has already exceeded its previously forecast levels of water usage which I consider a threat to our sustainable industries' water resources.
• In relation to the climate change issue, it is time that the Planning Department and NSW Government consider this seriously in their decision making; and support alternative, innovative and sustainable industries in conjunction with renewable energy projects, as opposed to additional high emission, fossil fuel industry projects.
• Impact on Sustainable Industries - I feel strongly about supporting and ensuring that our agricultural industry in the Upper Hunter is protected, to ensure it continues to provide food and employment for our communities for an unlimited time. With the multiple mining operations already in existence in the Upper Hunter there is a real risk of imbalance between mining and agriculture if further operations are approved. The negative health and environmental impacts presented by the project outweigh the relative short term employment opportunities for a limited number workforce. In contrast, our local agricultural industries can ensure sustainable, long term employment opportunities for the community without fear or risk of a resource being depleted and the employment opportunities drying up.
• Noise and Visual Impacts - this project will negatively impact the local community due to increased noise and visual impacts
• Negative impact on land values - the project will decrease local property values and therefore will financially disadvantage local residents, some of whom may even be unable to sell their properties due to the impacts of the project.
• Community/Social Impacts - the project will contribute to further community degradation which has already occurred as a result of existing mining operations in the area. A number of residents will leave the area due to the project's impacts and others who remain will have the spirit and strength of their local community diminished as a result.

This proposal is a simple life extension (opposed to increased production rates or a green field project) and enables an additional 5-6yrs employment at current manning levels as well as the ongoing economic gain for the local communities. The land to be disturbed isn't valuable farming land so I'd prefer this go ahead than another parcel of land being mined that has other valuable prospects. The existing operation has a good record of flora & fauna regeneration post disturbance and if anything have actually added to the areas profile.

This project needs to go ahead as it supports 100's of families to live in the area, which is important in rural centres. Without mining in the Upper Hunter, many small and medium sized towns would cease to exist as they currently are able. The mine is environmentally conscious, as they park up equipment when it is windy or use dust reductions techniques to minimise impact, eg watering. The mine is also conscious of rehabilitation of used land, and is committed to ensuring zero impact from their industry

I support the Mangoola Coal Continued Operations Project. Mangoola has a proven track record of managing the environmental impacts of mining as well as delivering a very high standard of progressive rehabilitation. The continuation of the Mangoola operations will provide economic benefits to both the local community and State Government, as well as continuing to support the Mangoola workforce which is predominantly locally sourced (Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook and Singleton LGAs). The mine site rehabilitation is by some of (if not) the best quality rehabilitation across the Hunter Valley and a prime example of what can be achieved with the right approach.