Maules Creek Coal Mine

The Maules Creek coal mining project should be rejected on the grounds that coal is an outdated fuel source that is causing catastrophic and irreversible climate change and the mining and exporting of it is, in that regard, unjust and globally irresponsible.

The devastating effects of massive coal mines like Maules Creek will be seen for hundreds of years to come. Any short term economic gain for the local community will be insignificant in the face of the climate change it contributes to, and the local environmental damage it will create.

Sincerely

Alison Potter

The Maules Creek Coal Mine commits the people of NSW to another 20 years of shameful environmental destruction, at a time of global climate emergency, and global species extinction.

The NSW government is hiding from its global and local environmental responsibilities. By serving the short term profit interests of the coal industry, it is in effect acting for agents of climate change denial.

Increase carbon emissions from land clearing. Increased carbon emissions from energy cost of infrastructure creation, mining and transport of coal. The Coal will be burned, mainly after export, mainly for the benefit of foreign owners and foreign nations, and will add 25 million tonnes per annum of global greenhouse gas emissions. Over twenty years, 500 million tonnes.

This open cut mine will cause permanent habitat and soil loss, through destruction of native bush, reducing the viability of many endangered species.

It will create a massive deep hole in the ground, affecting water table and aquifer flows.

It will destroy the health and integrity of the landscape and community around Maules Creek.

NSW has no need of new coal mines, nor new coal power stations.

This proposed mine is a plan to commit global environmental crime. The NSW government environment approval processes is seriously corrupt if this project is approved.

i object to the approval of this development on the following grounds:
1. There has been no assessment of the greenhouse gases emitted as a result of burning the fossil fuels from Maules Creek. With atmospheric carbon dioxide levels already higher than any time in the last 650,000 years it is madness to be engaging in activities that will release millions more tonnes. The relationship between increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and increasing global temperatures is also clearly established. The continued burning of coal from expansion of the coal industry will see that temperature rise to the point where it will endanger the very future of life on this planet. This is a significant impact. It cannot be mitigated.

2. This mine will result in the clearing of almost 1700 hectares of native forest/woodland from an area where almost all of that landscape has already been completely cleared. No farmer would be allowed to clear this forest, particularly not the hundreds of hectares of Endangered Ecological Community. Why a separate set of rules for the mining industry? What happened to the level playing field?

3. This mine will use huge volumes of water. It will deplete groundwater and probably impact on the aquifers. The impacts of the mine on water have not been adequately addressed and can in no way be claimed as not significant.

I strongly object to the proposed Maules Creek coal mine in Leard State Forest. This project will create a massive void in the landscape so deep it will be below sea level. How can this not affect the water table?

It will utterly destroy the ecological community on the surface which is one of the few remaining intact areas of grassy whitebox woodland, an endangered ecological community. No offset can balance out this loss. No rehabilitation can make up for the impact on the presently threatened species such as koalas, the Eastern Cave Bat and several bird species.

Water, soils, air and biodiversity will suffer if this proposal goes ahead. These earthly wonders are the reason why we have life on this planet. This proposal not only jeapoardises life on these local public lands but also on this planet. This one mine will contribute to the equivalent of more than 15% of all greenhouse emissions from NSW annually. Global warming and its impacts will not be able to be solved by the relatively meagre amounts of money made by the state government from this project. This is so easy to see that the only conclusion that anyone can make from a proposal like this is that some people will be made very rich at the expense of future generations who will be left to clean up the mess. This is not the legacy I wish to leave.

I am absolutely appalled that you are even considering this monster of a mine. Growth for growth's sake, profit over people. Profit over everything. I expect my government to act for the people of this state, not for mining companies that can provide only economic benefit to themselves and bribes into govt coffers (for what otherwise are mining royalties - a sop to ensuret that their greedy desires are met).

This mine will contribute enormously to carbon emissions, when we are all urged to "do our bit" to reduce carbon footprints.

This mine will clear another 1,665 hectares of what is OUR State Forest, even though govt has seen fit to immorally privatise it.

This mine will create a hole 320m deep, interfering with ground water and surrounding ecosystems

Offsetting "negative impacts" is obscene. It is a license to do whatever damage a company likes, so long as it does "something nice" somewhere else. Fines for damage are laughable when compared to company profits, and the reaction of appropriate departments in the past (and currently) to other companies sends a clear message to Aston that it need not worry about its operations - the needs of people, communities, the environment are not worthy of consideration.

I implore you, do not approve this mine. For once, say no. For once, act for the people and for the state, not for mining interests, not for the promise of money for the sake of money, projections of jobs that do not exist, promise of reparations that will be inadequate. If reparations are needed or mooted, then the risk is too high.

Once this mine is approved and begun, it will be too late to undo it. History will look on this time and shake its head at the madness and greed that allowed so much to be destroyed in the name of profit, and supported by lies, bullying and govt support.

Please, say no.

I strongly object to the approval for the Maules Creek mine. Continuing down the path of environmental destruction is not good for our economic or physical well-being. The Maules Creek Coal Mine will:
* Clear a total of 1,665 hectares of native bush, taking the total clearing in the Leard Forest to over 3,500 hectares.
* Clear 545 hectares of the White Box Grassy Woodland endangered community, taking the total clearing of endangered communities in Leard Forest to over 1,169 hectares.
* Impact on habitat for up to 36 threatened species which are known or likely to occur in Leard State Forest, including Painted Honeyeater, Koala, Turquoise Parrot and Eastern Cave Bat.
* Contribute to the destruction of the largest remnant of vegetation left on the heavily cleared Liverpool Plains.
* Result in a final pit depth of 320m that will cause massive depressurisation of the water table and impact on springs and unique groundwater dependent ecosystems.
* Result in a final void that will permanently deplete groundwater, interfere with aquifers and divert surface water.
* Make an enormous contribution to global warming amounting to at least 25 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per annum from burning the coal that is produced. This is equivalent to more than 15% of all emissions from NSW annually.
* Forever change the quiet rural community of Maules Creek into a giant industrial zone with impacts on health, air quality, noise and amenity.
Stop being so short-sighted. Ban this mine completely.

I am absolutely appalled that you are even considering this monster of a mine. Growth for growth's sake, profit over people. Profit over everything. I expect my government to act for the people of this state, not for mining companies that can provide only economic benefit to themselves and bribes into govt coffers (for what otherwise are mining royalties - a sop to ensuret that their greedy desires are met).

This mine will contribute enormously to carbon emissions, when we are all urged to "do our bit" to reduce carbon footprints.

This mine will clear another 1,665 hectares of what is OUR State Forest, even though govt has seen fit to immorally privatise it.

This mine will create a hole 320m deep, interfering with ground water and surrounding ecosystems

Offsetting "negative impacts" is obscene. It is a license to do whatever damage a company likes, so long as it does "something nice" somewhere else. Fines for damage are laughable when compared to company profits, and the reaction of appropriate departments in the past (and currently) to other companies sends a clear message to Aston that it need not worry about its operations - the needs of people, communities, the environment are not worthy of consideration.

I implore you, do not approve this mine. For once, say no. For once, act for the people and for the state, not for mining interests, not for the promise of money for the sake of money, projections of jobs that do not exist, promise of reparations that will be inadequate. If reparations are needed or mooted, then the risk is too high.

Once this mine is approved and begun, it will be too late to undo it. History will look on this time and shake its head at the madness and greed that allowed so much to be destroyed in the name of profit, and supported by lies, bullying and govt support.

Please, say no.

I strongly disagree with this project. We cannot allow endangered ecosystems such as these to be threatened once again by humans. The idea of clearing such pristine native forests and encompassed fauna - which will never be seen again - for overseas export, appals me! For a country that has introduced a carbon tax to reduce carbon, approving such a project would be a disgrace, and for what reason? Surely there are other ways to boost the economy, than to destroy beautiful locations such as the Leard State Forest and send carbon overseas only to further enhance the problem of climate change anyway? For one, the upcoming environmental sector is a great way to boost economics and protect the environment at the same time, is it not?

I strongly object to this project and it should not be approved. Should it be approved, I will be one among many who will stand for the environment, because that is what we are!

I am absolutely appalled that you are even considering this monster of a mine. Growth for growth's sake, profit over people. Profit over everything. I expect my government to act for the people of this state, not for mining companies that can provide only economic benefit to themselves and bribes into govt coffers (for what otherwise are mining royalties - a sop to ensuret that their greedy desires are met).

This mine will contribute enormously to carbon emissions, when we are all urged to "do our bit" to reduce carbon footprints.

This mine will clear another 1,665 hectares of what is OUR State Forest, even though govt has seen fit to immorally privatise it.

This mine will create a hole 320m deep, interfering with ground water and surrounding ecosystems

Offsetting "negative impacts" is obscene. It is a license to do whatever damage a company likes, so long as it does "something nice" somewhere else. Fines for damage are laughable when compared to company profits, and the reaction of appropriate departments in the past (and currently) to other companies sends a clear message to Aston that it need not worry about its operations - the needs of people, communities, the environment are not worthy of consideration.

I implore you, do not approve this mine. For once, say no. For once, act for the people and for the state, not for mining interests, not for the promise of money for the sake of money, projections of jobs that do not exist, promise of reparations that will be inadequate. If reparations are needed or mooted, then the risk is too high.

Once this mine is approved and begun, it will be too late to undo it. History will look on this time and shake its head at the madness and greed that allowed so much to be destroyed in the name of profit, and supported by lies, bullying and govt support.

Please, say no.

I strongly disagree with this project. We cannot allow endangered ecosystems such as these to be threatened once again by humans. The idea of clearing such pristine native forests and encompassed fauna - which will never be seen again - for overseas export, appals me! For a country that has introduced a carbon tax to reduce carbon, approving such a project would be a disgrace, and for what reason? Surely there are other ways to boost the economy, than to destroy beautiful locations such as the Leard State Forest and send carbon overseas only to further enhance the problem of climate change anyway? For one, the upcoming environmental sector is a great way to boost economics and protect the environment at the same time, is it not?

I strongly object to this project and it should not be approved. Should it be approved, I will be one among many who will stand for the environment, because that is what we are!

I strongly object to this proposal.

The proposal compromises the states commitment to Forest protection.

The Maules Creek Coal Mine will:

* Clear a total of 1,665 hectares of native bush, taking the total clearing in the Leard Forest to over 3,500 hectares.

* Clear 545 hectares of the White Box Grassy Woodland endangered community, taking the total clearing of endangered communities in Leard Forest to over 1,169 hectares.

* Impact on habitat for up to 36 threatened species which are known or likely to occur in Leard State Forest, including Painted Honeyeater, Koala, Turquoise Parrot and Eastern Cave Bat.

* Contribute to the destruction of the largest remnant of vegetation left on the heavily cleared Liverpool Plains.

* Result in a final pit depth of 320m that will cause massive depressurisation of the water table and impact on springs and unique groundwater dependent ecosystems.

* Result in a final void that will permanently deplete groundwater, interfere with aquifers and divert surface water.

* Make an enormous contribution to global warming amounting to at least 25 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per annum from burning the coal that is produced. This is equivalent to more than 15% of all emissions from NSW annually.

* Forever change the quiet rural community of Maules Creek into a giant industrial zone with impacts on health, air quality, noise and amenity.

I want to register my strong objection to the development of the Maules Creek Coal Mine. I believe that this development is inappropriate for many reasons, including the following:

The Maules Creek Coal Mine will result in:

* the clearing of valuable native bushland and forest, destroying habitats and impacting negatively on a large number of threatened species

* destroying the largest remnant of vegetation left on the heavily cleared Liverpool Plain

* creating an enormous pit 320 m deep that will cause massive depressurisation of the water table, impact on springs and unique groundwater dependent ecosystems, permanently deplete groundwater, interfere with aquifers and divert surface water

* make an enormous contribution to global warming - at least 25 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per annum from burning the coal that is produced - equivalent to MORE THAN 15% OF ALL EMISSIONS FROM NSW ANNUALLY.

* forever change the quiet rural community of Maules Creek into a giant industrial zone with impacts on health, air quality, noise and general quality of life for the local community. Extra jobs will NOT compensate these people for this catastrophic change in their lives.

To whom it may concern,
NSW Government/Narrabri Shire Council,

I am writing to you today as an Australian voter & as an extremely concerned citizen to make it clear that I am strongly opposed to this development, I object to it, it should never be approved.

The massive open-cut Maules Creek Coal Mine involves clearing one of the best remaining stands of an endangered ecosystem. Such reckless destruction is nothing more than short term greed & is not in the best interests of the people of Australia & future generations.

The Maules Creek Coal Mine will:

* Clear a total of 1,665 hectares of native bush, taking the total clearing in the Leard Forest to over 3,500 hectares.

* Clear 545 hectares of the White Box Grassy Woodland endangered community, taking the total clearing of endangered communities in Leard Forest to over 1,169 hectares.

* Impact on habitat for up to 36 threatened species which are known or likely to occur in Leard State Forest, including Painted Honeyeater, Koala, Turquoise Parrot and Eastern Cave Bat.

* Contribute to the destruction of the largest remnant of vegetation left on the heavily cleared Liverpool Plains.

* Result in a final pit depth of 320m that will cause massive depressurisation of the water table and impact on springs and unique groundwater dependent ecosystems.

* Result in a final void that will permanently deplete groundwater, interfere with aquifers and divert surface water.

* Make an enormous contribution to global warming amounting to at least 25 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per annum from burning the coal that is produced. This is equivalent to more than 15% of all emissions from NSW annually.

* Forever change the quiet rural community of Maules Creek into a giant industrial zone with impacts on health, air quality, noise and amenity.

Please stop putting greed & evil before life & good, walk away from this ecological disaster. We are sacrificing all that is good about this country, it's spirit, its unique irreplaceable fauna & flora, not to mention our own humanity.

Please don't approve this insane project which endangers plant and animal life, and also human health. Don' let economy destroy our Earth.

To whom it may concern,
NSW Government/Narrabri Shire Council,

I am writing to you today as an Australian voter & as an extremely concerned citizen to make it clear that I am strongly opposed to this development, I object to it, it should never be approved.

The massive open-cut Maules Creek Coal Mine involves clearing one of the best remaining stands of an endangered ecosystem. Such reckless destruction is nothing more than short term greed & is not in the best interests of the people of Australia & future generations.

The Maules Creek Coal Mine will:

* Clear a total of 1,665 hectares of native bush, taking the total clearing in the Leard Forest to over 3,500 hectares.

* Clear 545 hectares of the White Box Grassy Woodland endangered community, taking the total clearing of endangered communities in Leard Forest to over 1,169 hectares.

* Impact on habitat for up to 36 threatened species which are known or likely to occur in Leard State Forest, including Painted Honeyeater, Koala, Turquoise Parrot and Eastern Cave Bat.

* Contribute to the destruction of the largest remnant of vegetation left on the heavily cleared Liverpool Plains.

* Result in a final pit depth of 320m that will cause massive depressurisation of the water table and impact on springs and unique groundwater dependent ecosystems.

* Result in a final void that will permanently deplete groundwater, interfere with aquifers and divert surface water.

* Make an enormous contribution to global warming amounting to at least 25 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per annum from burning the coal that is produced. This is equivalent to more than 15% of all emissions from NSW annually.

* Forever change the quiet rural community of Maules Creek into a giant industrial zone with impacts on health, air quality, noise and amenity.

Please stop putting greed & evil before life & good, walk away from this ecological disaster. We are sacrificing all that is good about this country, it's spirit, its unique irreplaceable fauna & flora, not to mention our own humanity.

I strongly oppose the Maules Creek Coal Mine for the following reasons:
the Liverpool Plains are far too valuable as a food growing centre to have any mining, above or below ground - this is prime agricultural land and no assurances from the mining proponents will satisfy me that there will be no loss of arable land. Australia has an appalling record of finding out too late that clearing of land and mining impacts are not as fool proof as those hoping to make money out of such ventures state.

The final pit depth of 320 m will assuredly have a massive impact on the water table - it is beyond comprehension that any Government department can favour dollars in the short term over water and food for the nation they are governing in the near, and very long, term.

I suppose with so little regard for human life it is too much to expect that there should be any concern about loss of habitat and threatened animal or plant species.

What truly sad and frightening times we live in.

The proposal for the massive clearing of thousands of hectares of one of the best remaining stands of an endangered ecosystem to create a huge open cut coal mine is criminal. Effectively public land (State Forest) is being privatised to benefit a coal company and on an enormous scale.
Open cut mining is an anachronism and should have been banned years ago. It is obvious from the destruction of the land in the Pilbara and closer to home in the Hunter Valley that this type of mining cannot continue with its deleterious effects on the environment, agricultural land and aquifers. I am totally opposed to the proposed Maules Creek coal mine.

I object because the Maules Ck Coalmine will:

Clear a total of 1,665 hectares of native bush, taking the total clearing in the Leard Forest to over 3,500 hectares.

Clear 545 hectares of the White Box Grassy Woodland endangered community, taking the total clearing of endangered communities in Leard Forest to over 1,169 hectares.

Impact on habitat for up to 36 threatened species which are known or likely to occur in Leard State Forest, including Painted Honeyeater, Koala, Turquoise Parrot and Eastern Cave Bat.

Contribute to the destruction of the largest remnant of vegetation left on the heavily cleared Liverpool Plains.

Result in a final pit depth of 320m that will cause massive depressurisation of the water table and impact on springs and unique groundwater dependent ecosystems.

Result in a final void that will permanently deplete groundwater, interfere with aquifers and divert surface water.

Make an enormous contribution to global warming amounting to at least 25 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per annum from burning the coal that is produced. This is equivalent to more than 15% of all emissions from NSW annually.

Forever change the quiet rural community of Maules Creek into a giant industrial zone with impacts on health, air quality, noise and amenity.

Regards,

Rowena

I must say I appreciate this public consultation and hope it will be meaningful.
I strongly oppose the construction of this plant. First, because it makes appear the former State Forest status as a joke made in order to ease the public outcry only for a while. Secondly, because the landclearing required for the plant will obviously impact on one of the best remaining stands of an endangered ecosystem.
Thank you.

This proposed mine would destroy the area but also anything close to it and contribute to Global warming while many Governments talk about the threat of climate change they do little but token gestures confusing children who are are taught of the problem then see our elders doing the opposite which contributes to our children's anger and potential drug abuse. There is also the issue of water use age that I could not find in your proposal. There are some many more reasons for this proposed mine not to go ahead. Please I beg of you to take all the scientific evidence into account. Because Australia is holding the record for mammal extinction it appears to me we as a society has not learn't from previous failings.

I object to this mine