Maules Creek Continuation Project

This project is good for Gunnedah, Narrabri and Maules Creek. Without mining, the region will suffer incredibly and become the ghost town that it was in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The benefits of a substantial workforce who lives in the area, strong environmental controls, and the economic benefits to NSW and Australia significantly outweigh any potential negative outcomes. This mine continuation should go ahead.

Statement in Support of the Continuation of the Maules Creek Coal Mine Project

The Maules Creek Coal Mine project should be granted continuation on the grounds of its significant contribution to the regional economy, its central role within one of New South Wales’ leading industries, and its proven commitment to environmental rehabilitation.

As one of the largest employers in the region, Maules Creek provides vital jobs to local families, supports small businesses, and underpins the economic stability of the surrounding communities. The mine not only offers direct employment but also creates extensive flow-on benefits through the supply chain and local service sectors, making it a cornerstone of regional development.

Furthermore, coal mining remains one of the top industries in New South Wales, generating billions in export revenue and supporting critical infrastructure and services across the state. Maules Creek plays an essential role in meeting global demand for high-quality coal, particularly in export markets that rely on NSW coal for reliable energy.

Importantly, the project has demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. Whitehaven Coal has implemented comprehensive rehabilitation programs at Maules Creek, restoring native vegetation, protecting biodiversity, and working closely with environmental specialists to ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory standards. These initiatives underscore the mine’s dedication to sustainable operations and long-term land management.

Given its economic, social, and environmental contributions, the Maules Creek Coal Mine project represents a responsible and strategic asset for New South Wales. Its continuation is in the best interest of the community, the industry, and the state's economy.

Since Maule Creek is already an existing mine and they've proven that they are committed to rehabilitation. That is an indication that the mine will continue this commitment to the extended area. It being the source of income for most families within the Narabbri area, Gunnedah and Bogabbri area, extending the project means it will continue maintaining the support to people in those areas.

Maules Creek should continue. It supports jobs in remote regions, keeps local businesses going, and brings in revenue through royalties and contracts. Projects like this are the backbone of regional economies.

The reasons for which I support this project include the benefits that would flow through to the local community through employment of local people as well as the amount of money that is spent with the Vendors in surrounding townships of Boggabri, Gunnedah and Narrabri.

The Maules Creek Project has created many new job opportunities for people in the Gunnedah area. Additionally, the Maules Creek Project has been compliant and takes the environmental aspects of the work area very seriously.

The project will continue to generate significant local employment during construction and operations, supporting both direct mining jobs and indirect roles in supply chains, logistics, and services. Coal also remains a major export commodity for NSW, contributing billions annually to the state’s economy and royalty revenue, which funds essential infrastructure, health, and education.

Please see attached Programmed Skilled Workforces submission for the Maules Creek Continuation Project.

The continued operation of Maules Creek Coal is an important and valuable feature of the local community. Maules Creek Coal and Whitehaven have have demonstrated a strong commitment to investment in the community and have ensured to minimise any negative wider effects with industry leading practices. I am confident that Males Creek Coal will continue to be a greater positive impact for the region.

I strongly object as per my Word submission (attached).

I support the project wholeheartedly due to the economical benefits associated. The mine site operates with respect, environmental consideration and regard for locals and it is a positive project for NSW and Australia as a whole.

Maules Creek continuation project is a good project that will support the local economy with jobs and business.

Mines continue to grow along with community’s, a lot of local jobs in the workforce and a lot of money being brought to small towns,without mining in these areas
They would be nothing

The maules creek mining project has created so many job and career opportunities for so many local persons around the gunnedah/boggabri/Narrabri areas. I support the continuation fully to be able to keep providing support for local communities and local persons.

The Maules Creek Continuation Project provides long-term employment and the company's presence in the region will see a significant financial contribution to the surrounding communities.

Maules Creek Coal has provided many opportunities in the surrounding area with but not limited to, trades, labor hire, additional local businesses career growth & families local community events. Maules Creek has established great partnering ships with local sporting clubs & non-profit organizations.
the extension of the Maules Creek Coal Mine is essential for growth in the local community .

I write to strongly oppose the proposed Maules Creek Coal Mine Continuation Project coal mine expansion (SSD-63428218).

We are in a climate crisis – we simply cannot keep approving further fossil fuel developments. When will we ever shift from business-as-usual and face the crisis that we are in and act accordingly? Across NSW including where I live in Wollongong, we are experiencing climate chaos already. Why make things worse?

We are also in a biodiversity/species extinction crisis – and the critcially endangered swift parrots are a regular visitor to the Maules Creek Coal Mine area in north eastern NSW. I read that that area is a highly significant habitat for the birds – critical to the survival of the species. There are only about 500 of these birds left. And it is one of just three migratory parrots on our planet – breeding in Tasmania then flying across the Bass Strait to the Australian mainland. They are beautiful and special and irreplaceable. Remove their habitat (on their migratory routes) and they will disappear!

I also understand that Whitehaven Coal has an appalling compliance record, having 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. Based on my experiences at IPCs, I understand that IPCs cannot take into consideration the appalling compliance records of any proponent. This in itself is an appalling situation – where community are frequently told that any potential problems can be resolved by attaching appropriate conditions to approvals. But then fossil fuel proponents go on to breach conditions and see the associated costs of penalties (if there are any all) as merely the cost of doing business. IT is a cost to the community to undertake monitoring and keep attention on corporations, and, a cost to the community when companies like Whitehaven Coal wantonly breach approval conditions with social and environmental consequences – that inevitably become also economic consequences (which are never included in the cost-benefit analyses in EISs in the first place).

When is this all going to stop? When are people like me going to be able to not have to continually oppose further fossil fuel mining in NSW in our current age? When is the NSW government going to act and commit to no more fossil fuel projects and a stop to fossil fuel exploration?

Thank you for considering my submission.

Cherrida J. Hardaker

The mine employs many workers from the local area. All towns within 100kms of the mine benefit. From people earning wages to retailers receiving payment of goods etc. A huge boost to the economy. Coal is important now and will be more important once the wind farms etc fall short of providing power/electricity. Thank you

Whitehaven coal provides job opportunities within our region; the expansion will support more jobs and longevity of the mine. When there are more jobs available there is more growth across all sectors in our local community. Whitehaven supports our community projects to keep our community connected.

Despite the flooding conditions today, we submit the attached.