Maules Creek Continuation Project

Extending of the mine will impact negatively on the natural water supply and will contribute to the demise of a critically endangered species being the Swift parrot. The area surrounding is critical habitat for this bird and many other species of bird and mammal. The area should be put aside for conservation not mining, once this habitat is removed it can’t be replanted and grow to preserve these animals. Once it is taken it will be lost.

I object to approval of this project firstly as it is effectively banking an approval that won’t start until 2034. The NSW Government shouldn’t be approving a coal mine expansion now that will not even start until 2034 as it is locking in greenhouse gas emissions far into the future that we can’t afford. This proposal is designed to ‘bank’ an approval now before climate laws are strengthened further in response to the rapidly escalating impacts of global warming in the form of more extreme weather events.

Secondly, this project will clear over 500 hectares of key foraging habitat for the Swift Parrot, despite only 500 of them remaining in the wild, and will push the species closer to extinction. This is a key site for the Swift Parrot and must not be put at risk. The project will also clear a further 428 hectares of the unique Leard State Forest, resulting in over 46% of the State Forest having been cleared in total for three coal mines. Our scarce and precious public lands should not be destroyed for coal mine profits.

Thirdly, Whitehaven is a serial offender when it comes to ignoring environmental protection laws. Whitehaven Coal has an appalling compliance record. In the last 10 years, Whitehaven has been found guilty or investigated for breaches of the law on 35 occasions, many of them including multiple offences. They have been prosecuted numerous times.

Forthly, this expansion poses a major risk to local water resources – it will suck down water beneath local creeks and the groundwater used by farmers to water their stock. Whitehaven has already been prosecuted for stealing water at the Maules Ck coal mine at the height of the last drought.

Fifthly, this expansion will harm the local farming community at Maules Ck and cause negative social impacts. It will further empty the district of families through alienation of productive land, and create dangerous dust pollution and escalating noise for surrounding areas, whilst creating division and conflict. It will exacerbate the housing crisis in the region.

And finally, I object to approval of this project as NSW communities are already experiencing devastating impacts from global warming and this project will produce an extra 238 million tonnes of total greenhouse gas pollution. The direct emissions from the mining process itself of over 3 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions will completely undermine NSW achieving climate targets.

The Maules Creek mine life extension is vital for the continuation of 900+ permanent local Jobs and the $200m+ annual spend with local businesses. The mine provides not just jobs but career pathways for young people in the area and I would like to see this continue for as long as possible.

I support this project as it sustains employment for thousands of families across the region.

I live in Bulga NSW and live with the consequences of government forcing through the expansion of the Mount Thorley Warkworth open-cut coalmine. The people of Bulga appealed this expansion and won in two Courts only for government "change the rules" in order to override those decisions.
Our formerly harmonious and close-knit community has been gutted leaving only a few "old-timers" and changing the community.
We have experienced the Climate Change-driven more frequent catastrophic adverse weather events including both floods and fire.
I have grandchildren and great grandchildren and I fear for their future welfare and way of life.
I see firsthand, the diminution of the wonderful variety and numbers of birdlife outside my house.
The mining of fossil-fuels in Australia must be allowed to cease not to expand.
To do anything to encourage more mining (both coal and gas) is the height of folly and an obscene disregard for the welfare of all people gobally.

If the extraction of this coal is vital for the safety and security of Australia then the argument for the coal supersedes the environmental argument.
BUT if it is only being dug up to export , which is the case here I believe, then the environmental considerations should significantly outweigh the short term financial gain.

✘This project shames Australia internationally.✘

1). It will clear a further 428 hectares of the Leard State Forest, resulting in over 46% of the State Forest having been cleared in total for three coal mines. Coal profits, and the subsidies coal mines receive, are one issue. But the shameful reputation of Australia as the only rich country that allows the continual rape and destruction of it's forest is a bigger issue. AUSTRALIA IS TOP OF THE LIST FOR DEFORESTATION IN RICH COUNTRIES.

2) I have just returned from Europe where the servo stations are increasingly clean electric sites. I have seen the change myself as they transition to clean energy. Puts Australia, with all its sunshine, to shame.
We are all experiencing devastating impacts from global warming. This project will produce an extra 238 million tonnes of total greenhouse gas pollution.
The direct emissions from the mining process itself ( 3 million tonnes ) , will completely undermine Australia achieving climate targets.

3) Australia already has a terrible reputation internationally as having the worst record on earth for small mammal extinctions. Our birds are suffering just as much. This project will clear another 428 hectares of key foraging habitat for the endangered Swift Parrot.

✘Domestically✘

This shameful mine will destroy water resouces, disperse communities , damage agriculture.
And all this damage for whom? For a company called Whitehaven Coal that has an appalling compliance record. In the last 10 years, Whitehaven has been found guilty or investigated for breaches of the law on 35 occasions, many of them including multiple offences. They have been prosecuted numerous times.

Who are the NSW and Australian governments working for here? I'd love to know!
Apparently not Australia, her people, her land, her forests, her wildlife or her future.

BUT If the extraction of this coal is vital for the safety and security of Australia then that argument supersedes the environmental argument.
But if it is only being dug up to export then the environmental considerations should significantly outweigh the short term financial gain.
THE NATURAL WORLD IS THE FOUNDATION OF ALL LIFE ON EARTH....

I wish to make an objection to the proposed expansion and extension of the Whitehaven Coal mine until 2044, from its existing period until 2034.
At stake is the integrity of the Leard State Forest, home to the magnificent Swift Parrot.
My concerns are these:
• The NSW Government shouldn’t be approving a coal mine expansion now that will not even start until 2034. This is enabling greenhouse gas emissions far into the future that we can’t afford.
• This proposal is designed to put aside an approval now before climate laws are strengthened further in response to the rapidly escalating impacts of global warming in the form of more extreme weather events.
• With relation to the Swift Parrot and the Leard State forest, this project will clear over 500 hectares of key foraging habitat for the Swift Parrot, despite only 500 of them remaining in the wild, and will push the species closer to extinction. This is a key site for Swifties and must not be put at risk.
• As well the project will also clear a further 428 hectares of the beautiful Leard State Forest, resulting in over 46% of the State Forest having been cleared in total for three coal mines. Our scarce and precious public lands should not be destroyed for coal mine profits.
• Whitehaven does not have a clean record. It has an atrocious compliance record. Just in respect to the last 10 years, Whitehaven has been found guilty or investigated for breaches of the law on 35 occasions, many of them including multiple offences. They have been prosecuted numerous times.
• With respect to local water resources, this mine expansion poses a major risk to local water resources. It will draw down water beneath local creeks and the groundwater used by farmers to water their stock. Whitehaven has already been prosecuted for stealing water at the Maules Creek coal mine at the height of the last drought.
• The expansion will harm the local farming community at Maules Creek and cause negative social impacts.
• It will further empty the district of families through the removal of productive land, and create dangerous dust pollution and escalating noise for surrounding areas, whilst creating division and conflict. It will add to the housing crisis in the region.
• NSW communities are already experiencing devastating impacts from global warming but this project will produce an extra 238 million tonnes of total greenhouse gas pollution, thereby exacerbating climate change.
• The direct emissions from the mining process itself, of over 3 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, will completely undermine NSW achieving climate targets.

I’m writing to strongly oppose the proposed expansion of the Maules Creek coal mine.

This project would bank an approval now for a mine expansion that wouldn’t begin until 2034 — locking in emissions, environmental destruction and community harm at a time when we need to be moving rapidly in the opposite direction.

It would clear over 500 hectares of Swift Parrot habitat — when there are barely 500 of these birds left in the wild. It would destroy a further 428 hectares of the Leard State Forest, a public asset that’s already been carved up for coal. And it would significantly increase pressure on local water resources, which are critical to farmers and have already been exploited illegally by Whitehaven in the past.

Whitehaven Coal has a long track record of environmental breaches. Communities near Maules Creek have fought hard to protect their land, water and future. They shouldn’t be asked to sacrifice more.

Approving this expansion would also directly undermine NSW’s climate targets. The project is expected to result in more than 238 million tonnes of greenhouse gas pollution — at a time when we’re already seeing the devastating impacts of climate change across the state.

This proposal is not in the public interest. It’s not aligned with where we need to go. And it’s not something the NSW Government should be signing off on.

I urge you to reject this application.

Banking an approval that won’t start until 2034
• The NSW Government shouldn’t be approving a coal mine expansion now that will not even start until 2034 – it is locking in greenhouse gas emissions far into the future that we can’t afford.
• This proposal is designed to ‘bank’ an approval now before climate laws are strengthened further in response to the rapidly escalating impacts of global warming in the form of more extreme weather events.
Swifties and Leard State Forest
• This project will clear over 500 hectares of key foraging habitat for the Swift Parrot, despite only 500 of them remaining in the wild, and will push the species closer to extinction. This is a key site for Swifties and must not be put at risk.
• The project will also clear a further 428 hectares of the beautiful Leard State Forest, resulting in over 46% of the State Forest having been cleared in total for three coal mines. Our scarce and precious public lands should not be destroyed
for coal mine profits.
Whitehaven is a serial offender
• Whitehaven Coal has an appalling compliance record. In the last 10 years, Whitehaven has been found guilty or investigated for breaches of the law on 35 occasions, many of them including multiple offences. They have been
prosecuted numerous times.
Water and communities at risk
• This expansion poses a major risk to local water resources – it will suck down water beneath local creeks and the groundwater used by farmers to water their stock. Whitehaven has already been prosecuted for stealing water at the Maules Ck coal mine at the height of the last drought.
• The expansion will harm the local farming community at Maules Ck and cause negative social impacts.
• It will further empty the district of families through alienation of productive land, and create dangerous dust pollution and escalating noise for surrounding areas, whilst creating division and conflict. It will exacerbate the housing crisis in the
region.
Turbocharging climate change
• NSW communities are already experiencing devastating impacts from global warming but this project will produce an extra 238 million tonnes of total greenhouse gas pollution.
• The direct emissions from the mining process itself, of over 3 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, will completely undermine NSW achieving climate targets.

Dear Decision-Makers,
Objection to mine extension:
With international visitors from the Netherlands, last week, our family made a 'swift' and certain decision that we have an obligation to formally object to the continuation of the Maules Creek mine. Our visitors have spent months exploring the extraordinary natural habitats of Australia, along with some visually confronting mine sites, including those in the Hunter Valley, nearby. They have been stunned and shocked by both. Together, we have pondered the very real possibility that yet another Australian fauna icon, the Swift Parrot, is threatened by relentless habitat destruction. This is not acceptable, nor is the mine's impact on the people of Narrabri and any Australians who care for our flora and fauna.

The Swift Parrot:
The threatened Swift Parrot is an iconic jewel of the Narrabri area. IT MUST not be compromised. Governments have a role to protect Australia's unique flora and fauna. The mine is not more important than the survival of a threatened species. Burned fossil fuels will be 'gone' and so may be the parrot, should this extension be allowed. Australia will be left with nothing to show for the burning of these fossil fuels but profits for shareholders. Sequestered carbon, gone. Parrots gone. Maybe, farmers gone. Stakeholders' wealth is not OUR national treasure. Our unique wildlife IS part of Australia's unique appeal and is ecologically priceless.

Obligation of government to protect Australia's people:
Apparently the extracted coal is a critical to steelmaking and is 'helping' to meet a global demand in high-growth market regions such as India and Southeast Asia. Steel supply in foreign nations is not more important than the flora, fauna, farmers and residents of Australia. Flora and fauna are part of our natural and cultural heritage that must be protected. Australian Farmers should not be required to compete for land and a clean environment to farm, while international steel markets are buoyed along with government's blessing. This is simply, immoral. Farmers are more important than ever as the globe struggles with food security. Farming land, and even the mental health of farmers, must be protected from more mining.

Australia's obligations, on the global stage
I vote in order that governments will look after my welfare and the welfare of Australians; not for the protection of overseas steel markets. The International Energy Agency has clearly stated that, in order to meet international agreement obligations, Australia should not approve new mines. This mine development is contrary to international science and recommendations. One wonders, at what point might a nation's polluters and / or governments become considered complicit climate change catalysts? Democratically-elected governments' obligations are to their people, not to big business. Australia's reputation as a climate 'changer' is commonly referenced now by other countries, as we continue to distribute fossil fuels to distant markets while seemingly failing to address energy injustice at home. Our track record with species extinction, fossil fuel exporting and high energy use per capita, are becoming embarrassing on the world stage. Being an world-leading polluter is not an enviable title for any nation.

For the locals:
It is unreasonable, that local residents should need to fund their own dust monitoring to hold Whitehaven to account as Whitehaven and statutory bodies fail to care for these communities. Residents are governments' responsibility, and I implore you to consider their welfare and quality of life. Living with this mine appears to have been a considerable and persistent burden to bear for farmers and families. This is not fair and should not continue.

Maule Creek's mining landscape is not in Australia's best interest. We are likely all complicit in energy waste, and could do better if communities knew what is at stake. The Swift Parrot it a classic example of what is at stake, but sadly, perhaps will become 'just another number' of species to be decimated since colonisation. Our family have taken time to get to know the Swift Parrot better and would like to share our efforts, (attached images drawn by my family and visitors from the Netherlands), in the hope these drawings may inspire you to do the same with your families. Please consider making the correct determination to NOT ALLOW this development for the sake of Narrabri, all Australians and the Swift Parrot.

I oppose the project for a number of reasons including but not limited to:
1. This looks like an attempt to bank an approval ahead of any possible environmental law changes as the project start date is 2034. All as we are trying to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and stop digging up fossil fuels.
2. The Swift Parrot which is close to extinction with only around 500 left in the wild will suffer with about 500 hectares of forest 20 or so of the Parrots use to forage for native blossoms in the area slated for clearing. This is a key area for the Swift Parrot and its survival depends on preserving the area.
3. Also slated for clearing almosdt another 500 hectares of Leard State Forest resulting in about 46% of this forest being cleared for 3 coal mines in the area. We should be protecting and preserving State Forests in Public Ownership and not turning them over to Mining Companies to profit from.
4. Whitehaven Coal has an appalling compliance record. In the last 10 years, Whitehaven has been found guilty or investigated for breaches of the law on 35 occasions, many of them including multiple offences. They have been prosecuted numerous times.
5. This expansion poses a major risk to local water resources – it will suck down water beneath local creeks and the groundwater used by farmers to water their stock. Whitehaven has already been prosecuted for stealing water at the Maules Ck coal mine at the height of the last drought.
6. The expansion will harm the local farming community at Maules Ck and cause negative social impacts.
7. It will further empty the district of families through alienation of productive land, and create dangerous dust pollution and escalating noise for surrounding areas, whilst creating division and conflict. It will exacerbate the housing crisis in the region.
8. NSW communities are already experiencing devastating impacts from global warming but this project will produce an extra 238 million tonnes of total greenhouse gas pollution.
9. The direct emissions from the mining process itself, of over 3 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, will completely undermine NSW in achieving its climate targets.
I implore you to consider these factors very carefully and refuse this project outright.
Rod McKellar
2.

The NSW Government shouldn’t be approving a coal mine expansion now that will not even start until 2034, which would lock in greenhouse gas emissions far into the future . This project will clear over 500 hectares of key foraging habitat for the Swift Parrot, despite only 500 of them remaining in the wild, and will push the species closer to extinction. This is a key site for Swifties and must not be put at risk. Whitehaven Coal has an appalling compliance record. In the last 10 years, Whitehaven has been found guilty or investigated for breaches of the law on 35 occasions, many of them including multiple offences. They have been prosecuted numerous times. This expansion poses a major risk to local water resources – it will suck down water beneath local creeks and the groundwater used by farmers to water their stock. Whitehaven has already been prosecuted for stealing water at the Maules Ck coal mine at the height of the last drought. NSW communities are already experiencing devastating impacts from global warming but this project will produce an extra 238 million tonnes of total greenhouse gas pollution. The time has long passed for the NSW Government to stop putting vested interests above community good.

This project will clear over 500 hectares of key foraging habitat for the Swift Parrot, despite only 500 of them remaining in the wild, and will push the species closer to extinction. This is a key site for Swifties and must not be put at risk. The project will also clear a further 428 hectares of the beautiful Leard State Forest, resulting in over 46% of the State Forest having been cleared in total for three coal mines. Our scarce and precious public lands should not be destroyed for coal mine profits. Whitehaven Coal cannot be trusted to show respect for the natural environment, and has an appalling compliance record. In the last 10 years, Whitehaven has been found guilty or investigated for breaches of the law on 35 occasions, many of them including multiple offences. They have been prosecuted numerous times. The NSW Government should not be approving a coal mine expansion now that will not even start until 2034 – it is locking in greenhouse gas emissions far into the future that we can’t afford. This proposal is designed to ‘bank’ an approval now before climate laws are strengthened further in response to the rapidly escalating impacts of global warming in the form of more extreme weather events. Don't le this extension be a future zombie development tat we will all regret. NSW communities are already experiencing devastating impacts from global warming but this project will produce an extra 238 million tonnes of total greenhouse gas pollution. The direct emissions from the mining process itself, of over 3 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, will completely undermine NSW achieving climate targets. This expansion poses a major risk to local water resources – it will suck down water beneath local creeks and the groundwater used by farmers to water their stock. Whitehaven has already been prosecuted for stealing water at the Maules Creek coal mine at the height of the last drought. Please reject this proposal for a future extension of this dinosaur of a coal mine and show leadership in our State towards a coal-free future with renewable energy sources. This Labor voter will judge you on your choices.

Approving a Coal Mine 10 Years in Advance Makes No Sense
The NSW Government is considering approving a coal mine expansion that wouldn’t even begin until 2034. This locks in harmful carbon emissions for decades, right when we should be cutting them. It looks like the company is trying to rush this through now before climate laws get any tougher, even as we face more fires, floods and extreme weather. It is unreasonable to commit my grandchildren to a commitment that will impact the quality of their life and environment. I object to this

Threat to Swift Parrots and Leard State Forest
The project would destroy over 500 hectares of habitat critical to the Swift Parrot, a bird with only about 500 left in the wild. Pushing this species closer to extinction is unacceptable. The expansion would also clear another 428 hectares of Leard State Forest — meaning nearly half the forest will be gone after three coal mines. Our public lands should not be sacrificed for coal profits. The impact to this species is far too great, how can anybody think that destroying 500 hectares of any bush is OK a let alone this habitat. The impact is far too great.

Whitehaven’s Troubling Track Record
Whitehaven Coal has a long history of breaking the rules. Over the past decade, they’ve been investigated or found guilty of legal breaches 35 times, often involving multiple violations. They’ve been prosecuted repeatedly.

Risking Water, Farms and Communities
The expansion threatens local water supplies, including creeks and underground water that farmers rely on. Whitehaven has already been fined for taking water illegally during the last drought. This project would also hurt the local farming community, create dust and noise pollution, and drive families away from the area. It could worsen the local housing crisis and divide communities.

A Climate Disaster in the Making
NSW is already feeling the effects of climate change, but this project would add another 238 million tonnes of carbon pollution. Just the mining process alone would produce more than 3 million tonnes — enough to derail NSW’s efforts to meet climate targets.

It is ridiculous that this expansion is even being proposed, it doesn't bring anything to the community and it doesn't bring anything for Australia.
Whitehaven needs to start paying is proper tax and royalties to the Australian people. We are getting ripped off!.

# The NSW Government should not be approving a coal mine expansion for Whitehaven given their poor track record with respect adverse impacts on the local water supply. Whitehaven has already been prosecuted for stealing water at the Maule's Creek coal mine at the height of the last drought. Whitehaven has been found guilty or investigated for breaches of the law on 35 occasions, many of them including multiple offences. They have been prosecuted numerous times.
# NSW Government needs to ensure the viability of numerous economic activities Coal Mining is given priority over diverse range of agricultural activities, tourism & the environment
# NSW communities are already experiencing devastating impacts from global warming this project will produce an extra 238 million tonnes of total greenhouse gas pollution. The direct emissions from the mining process itself, of over 3 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, will completely undermine NSW achieving climate targets.
# Expansion of the Mine will threaten the existence of various plants & animals including the rare Swift Parrott

I strongly support this project.

The project is locking in an approval of a coal mine expansion that will not even start until 2034 which will turbo charge greenhouse gases at a time when we should be aiming for net zero emissions.
The Leard State Forest which houses the Swift parrot is at risk as well as local water resources which supply farming communities in the area
Whitehaven is a serial offender where the environment is concerned which gives more cause for concern. Please don't approve it!

I fully support the continuation of mining operations in our region. Mining plays a vital role in our local economy by providing stable jobs, supporting local businesses, and contributing significantly to infrastructure and community development. With proper environmental management and safety measures in place, continued mining ensures long-term prosperity for our families and future generations.

It is crucial that we maintain a balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility. Ongoing mining operations can and should be conducted in a way that respects the land, honours Traditional Owners, and safeguards the health and wellbeing of workers and surrounding communities.

The continuation of the mine represents not just a commitment to local employment and economic strength, but also to responsible resource management and regional sustainability.

The NSW Government must reject Whitehaven’s coal mine expansion – our future depends on it

Approving a coal mine expansion that won’t even begin until 2034 is reckless and short-sighted. It effectively locks in massive greenhouse gas emissions for decades to come—at a time when we need to be urgently cutting pollution to tackle the climate crisis. This plan appears to be a strategic move to gain approval before climate laws are inevitably tightened in response to worsening extreme weather events. It's banking on today’s weaker rules to push through tomorrow’s damage.

The environmental cost of this proposal is catastrophic. Over 500 hectares of vital foraging habitat for the critically endangered Swift Parrot would be destroyed. With only around 500 of these birds left in the wild, every hectare matters. Clearing this habitat puts the species on an even faster path to extinction. The project would also destroy another 428 hectares of the Leard State Forest—bringing the total cleared for coal to more than 46% of this unique public forest. We must protect our remaining public lands, not hand them over to coal companies.

Whitehaven Coal, the company behind the expansion, has a long and troubling track record. In the past decade alone, they’ve been prosecuted or investigated for legal breaches 35 times. This includes serious offences like illegal water take during a drought. Their record shows they can’t be trusted to operate responsibly.

This mine would drain groundwater that local farmers rely on, harming agriculture and putting the local water supply at risk. It would bring more noise, dust, and division to the region—driving families away, worsening the housing crisis, and damaging the fabric of rural communities.

And above all, the climate cost is staggering. The project is expected to generate 238 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. Even the emissions from mining alone—over 3 million tonnes—would derail NSW’s efforts to meet its climate targets. Communities across the state are already dealing with the realities of climate change. This expansion would make it worse.

We should be moving away from coal, not locking in new fossil fuel projects that threaten our environment, communities, and future. This proposal must be rejected.