Maules Creek Continuation Project

I fully support this project. It is my view that the extension of the mine would benefit the community and its people greatly.

Mining in the area supports many local people and businesses

I support the Maules creek extension

This site provides many jobs and I think their work should continue

I object to the Maules Creek Continuation Project (SSD-63428218) - the proposal extends mining to 2044 and increases processing to 14 Mtpa but fails to meet key SEARs requirements:

No evidence of free, prior and informed consent from all Traditional Owner groups, despite undetermined Aboriginal Land Claims and possible Native Title.

Significant risks to EPBC-listed species and water resources; no reconciled cumulative water impacts.

Unverified Indigenous employment/procurement claims (“20% identify”), risking “black cladding” / blakwashing (like greenwashing).

No demonstration of project design changes from First Nations engagement.

Consent should be refused, or if approved, strict conditions applied for cultural consent, water transparency, biodiversity safeguards and verified Indigenous participation.

The continuation of Maules Creek is an integral part for securing jobs in the Gunnedah and Narrabri Shires for many years to come.

Maules Creek mine and its operations are important for the local community.

I live in Boggabri and work for Whitehaven Coal.
I was born and bred in Boggabri, as were several generations before me. My great-great-great grandparent's burial site is a local tourist attraction.
Mining has revived the local community and companies like Whitehaven have enabled locals to stay local and raise families, when they would have otherwise had to leave the area to find work.
I support the continuation of the Maules Creek Project as I value the enormous benefit to the community and the ethical approach taken by the mine operator.

Hi there,
I think this is a fantastic opportunity to provide further job security and certainty for the local area of Maules Creek. We need to see more projects like this if we are to provide jobs for our kids in the future. In addition, lets not forget that Maules Creek Mine contributed ~$168 million in royalties to the NSW Government in FY24.
This is a fantastic initiative and needs to be endorsed.
Cheers
Tim

GBP Cranes & Heavy Haulage support the Maules Creek continuation project .
As a Gunnedah & Narrabri based contractor working at Maules Creek GBP are fortunate to be able to grow our business through this continuation project and in turn support our workforce of almost 60 local people and their families. Our workforce are local to Gunnedah, Narrabri and Tamworth, and projects such as the Maules Creek continuation ensure our local communities thrive, supporting schools, daycares, small business and sporting organisations. Projects such as these allow us a business to support local community groups through charitable donations, of which we are proud to sponsor many groups across the region. This continuation ensures school leavers have the opportunity to build careers in the local area and additionally bring their families up here, without having to leave the region for better opportunities. We support this project for the continued support of our local community.

The Maules Creek Mine is on land donated to the public for conservation by the Leard family. It is the largest remnant box gum woodland in Australia and habitat for over 300 native species. In particular the trees in the white box gum area of the proposed extension contain hollows and food essential for the survival of bird and bat species native to the area. The planned mine extension not only destroys habitat but will also fragment left over areas of the forest. To allow the extension of this mine is to disrespect the wishes of the Leard family and endanger the survival of native plants and animals.
The mine already creates dust, noise and water use which is affecting local farms and communities as well as disrupting the feeding and breeding cycles of native animals (see attachment 1). Whitehaven have also tried to obstruct local farmers and community members from accessing information about the large number of environmental breaches from the existing mine (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-04/whitehaven-coal-environment-licence-breaches-raise-concerns/8771156). The extension will add to these problems as well as ultimately contributing to climate change and extreme weather events affecting the whole of Australia. This is a burden we must not inflict on future generations. I ask that the application to extend the Maules Creek Coal Mine be rejected.

I fully support this very important project because of the enormous economic benefit to Gunnedah, the broader surrounds and the wider State and national economy. The huge benefit to the whole economy was made so clear to me in my former role as Mayor of Gunnedah Shire as it was almost incomprehensible to me that our small town as well as the broader area could so easily change its horizons when mining commenced particularly the Maules Creek Project. What a difference can be made when there is certainty of jobs and opportunities for young apprentices, women as well as our indigenous community! Who could have foretold what our community would now look like after Maules Creek commenced.
This Continuation Project will mean an increase in the workforce from 865 to an average of 940 positions - importantly 75% of these positions will locally sourced and 20% identifying as Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander.
Opportunities for employment in our country areas is rare, and to be able to link in to such chances for many different abilities is so rare out in the bush. Age is not a barrier to opportunities and many travel from other areas in order to access this.
It has been incredible too to see our smaller as well as larger local businesses tap into the opportunities available with $200million being spent in our local businesses. No other production project has the ability to provide such economic benefits to our area.
I understand that there will be a small increase in coal production with no change to transport volumes.
I know that the EIS is required to outline very detailed protections for water and air quality and Aboriginal heritage as well as biodiversity and am happy with the information provided.
The Company, Whitehaven, I know has a proven track record which is well known and greatly appreciated by all those who benefit
from their community involvement and investment - with millions of dollars donated towards economic development, health, education and many special interest groups with over $1.5billion in taxes and royalties across the country.
I know that the Whitehaven group allow a water-sharing pipeline across its operations which greatly assists in improving drought resilience as well as helping reduce external water use.
On another note, perhaps not on such a financial note but more on the resilience and community benefit to a country area, the growth in the wellbeing and broader outlook has been enormous as our community absorbs the varied Nationals from across the globe who come to work with Whitehaven and bring all their numerous and unusual talents to mesh in with our traditional Aussie ways. A few short years ago our local Shire Librarian commented that she had been called upon to provide books etc in 7 other language groups and now the number is over 29 different cultures. This can only benefit country towns as our 'new folks' come committed to their employment.
To close my submission, I would like to reiterate that I am totally in favour of the Maules Creek Continuation Project.

I am writing to express my strong support for the Maules Creek Continuation Project. This project is vital not only for the economic and social wellbeing of our local region, but also for maintaining Australia’s role as a responsible global energy supplier.

The continuation of operations at Maules Creek will sustain hundreds of local jobs and support regional businesses, with Whitehaven Coal demonstrating a strong commitment to local employment and community investment. The proposed environmental initiatives, including the creation of over 2,000 hectares of native woodland, reflect a genuine effort to balance development with ecological stewardship.

Importantly, this project also has broader global implications. If Australia, with its high environmental, safety, and governance standards, does not supply high-quality thermal coal to the international market, that demand will not disappear. Instead, it will be met by producers in jurisdictions with significantly lower environmental and social standards. This would result in higher global emissions and poorer outcomes for both people and the planet.

By continuing to export responsibly mined coal, Australia can help ensure that global energy needs are met in a way that is more environmentally and ethically sound. At the same time, the revenue generated supports our economy and funds public services.

In conclusion, the Maules Creek Continuation Project represents a responsible and necessary step forward. I urge the Department to approve the project in recognition of its local and global benefits.

I support this Project for the ongoing benefits it will provide to the north-west community

I am a local of Gunnedah and it will produce jobs and sustain income for my family.

This project provides valuable benefits to regional communities and economies. Whitehaven is a responsible mining organisation and this project will support continued employment for a large local workforce, including a significant proportion of indigenous Australians.

I would like to express my strong support for the Mules Creek Project, particularly from a community perspective.

This project holds great promise for delivering long-term benefits to the region through local job creation, increased economic activity, and meaningful partnerships with local businesses and service providers. It is a significant step toward ensuring continued investment in the local economy while promoting responsible resource development.

The Mules Creek Project has been designed with a clear focus on environmental stewardship, cultural respect, and community engagement. By incorporating feedback from traditional owners, landholders, and local stakeholders, the project demonstrates a genuine commitment to listening to and working with the people who matter most.

I support the Maules Creek Continuation Project which will create further employment opportunities and continues to bring economic benefit to the region.

I 100% support the Maules Creek Continuation Project until 2044.

In enabling this, it means the project will continue to provide so many opportunities for the local community, businesses and suppliers in the millions.

The continuation will keep more people employed, support for local towns and businesses and being a MCC employee I strongly support the continuation project.