Maules Creek Continuation Project

My Family and many others rely on this project to survive. Especially in this current cost of living crisis. Things are hard and we need this employer in the area.

Maules Creek Mine employs a lot of people in my area. Its is the lifeblood of the North West.

In support of the continuation of maules creek

Our planet is overheating. We have passed the 1.5 degree temperature increase that would keep us safe. We are now entering dangerous territory as communities all around the world are experiencing as a result of freak extreme weather events. But we have been told by scientists for decades that this would be the new normal.
This means that tens of thousands of Pacific and Torres Strait islanders will become homeless as a result of rising sea levels. Extreme droughts will wipe out crops and lead to devastating loss of wildlife and domestic animals.
Major aquatic marine life die outs, like we are seeing in South Australia will become regular, just as coral bleaching has become.

This is what continuing to dig up and export coal means. This proposal means another 117 million tonnes of coal for export.
This impact should be considered cumulatively with all the other fossil fuel projects that have been approved. It is absurd that they are considered individually and the cumulative impacts are not tallied up.
The Leard forest was an endangered ecological community. Less than 1% of the original extent of that forest community remained at the time the mine was approved. The offsets were a sham. Not like for like, not implemented.
Whitehaven Coal has shown itself to be a serial offended with disregard for the law and the requirements of its conditions of approval. Already this mine is to continue for 9 more years. It is totally premature to extend approval and agree to an expansion that will still see coal being dug up in 2044.
It makes the pledges made by NSW and Commonwealth governments to reduce emissions and take serious action on climate change, meaningless.
The mine will destroy Swift Parrot habitat, but hey, what's the extinction of a parrot worth when there's profits to be made for shareholders and damn the price.
The mine will also use significant amounts of water and damage groundwater resources. This will make agriculture in the surrounding lands unviable. Who will pay for that?
And then the mine is decommissioned, who will pay for that? Will it be like Chevron, where the news carried today that most of the money Chevron paid for its gas extraction royalties will now be spent on decommissioning the gas wells.
This state/country seems to be run by some two bit outfit incapable of operating in the long term interest of the people at great cost to the natural assets on which we all ultimately depend.

I enjoy working here, good team good culture

Banking an approval that won’t start until 2034 when we have a committment to Net Zero by 2035, apart from the issues that might affect the habitat of the Swift Parrot, it would seem to be further confirmation, that this project is even being considered, that we will not avert dangerous climate change in the time we have left. Global emissions are rising and native habitat/vegetation clearing is the major threat to threatened species. It's becoming increasingly clear that it is also humans that may well become the threatened species of the near future.

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.

Maules Creek Coal has been a key part of the community for over a decade, providing stable, long-term employment for local workers and making substantial financial contributions through taxes, royalties, procurement from local suppliers, and ongoing community support initiatives. The operation has consistently demonstrated a good track record of compliance with its regulatory obligations, while maintaining a commitment to safe and sustainable mining practices. Failing to approve the Maules Creek Continuation Project would represent a significant setback; not only for the workforce and their families, but also for the broader regional economy and the revenue streams that support both state and federal governments.

Whitehaven contributes over $1.5 billion in taxes and royalties. Whitehaven contributes millions to local communities. Whitehaven brings skilled workers to the region and economic value that benefits the whole community of multiple surrounding towns.

Maules creek mine has been my employer for 10 years.
I was born in Gunnedah and I am a 2nd generation coal miner. Without the employment opportunities this mine has provided both my partner and I, I have little doubt we would have had to relocate to a different town/city to support our young family.
We have made significant financial commitments to this town with the building of our home, and we have strong and warranted concerns for the value of our home should the level of employment the mine provides disappear.
Gunnedah has long been a mining town, and really is a shining light amongst many other country towns that have slowly drifted downwards due to people needing to move closer to the cities for gainful employment.
With the extension of the life of this mine, it would give us great comfort in knowing we have a job for the remainder of our working lives.


Regards,

Having lived in country towns in both NSW and Qld for many years. And lived in both mining and mining towns and area's . I submit the following.
Mining contributes to our country and our towns in many ways. Financially obviously. My family and I have benefitted from wages . But even prior to working in the mines We had parks and sport fields funded . School programs funded. Sponsorship for sports. A big win for country folks and the whole country.
The benifits are many and help all Australians.

Maules creek provides jobs for over 900 people and plays an important role to the economy in NSW north west

Keeping jobs local and boosting economy in surrounding local towns

It would be fantastic to continue the maules creek project for local businesses and families

The continuation of this mine increases contributions to the local economy including jobs and local businesses employing at least 800 people 70% being local

The project continuation will give positive impacts to Gunnedah and the surrounding area. This continuation means the project will keep on providing the ripple effects, generating additional rounds of spending and income throughout the economy of its surrounding regions.

I strongly support this Project.
The Project will be good for the North-West Region of NSW, for the State of NSW and for Australia.

I view the project to keep the Maules Creek Coal Mine open as an important opportunity to support regional communities, maintain energy security, and ensure a stable economic transition. The mine provides hundreds of local jobs and contributes significantly to the economy, particularly in north-western New South Wales. By extending its operations within the existing footprint, the project can continue to deliver reliable, high-quality coal for essential uses like steelmaking and energy, while supporting local businesses and infrastructure.

Additionally, the proposal includes commitments to land rehabilitation, water management, and biodiversity offsets—showing a willingness to operate responsibly while meeting strict environmental standards. As long as these commitments are monitored and enforced, the project can continue to be a key part of the region’s economic stability during Australia’s broader shift toward a lower-emissions future.

In this context, keeping Maules Creek open represents a practical and balanced path forward—supporting jobs and industry today, while planning thoughtfully for tomorrow.

Whitehaven has shown strong support for local communities, investing millions of dollars in local sponsorships
In FY24, Whitehaven contributed significantly to NSW and Australia through over $1.5 billion in taxes and royalties.

I support the Continuation of the Maules Creek Project, this will bring people to the surrounding areas.

I support this submission for the continued success and growth of our town. Whitehaven Coal support our town and surrounding areas with work, successful career growth and by way of donations throughout the community that assists and supports our town.