Maules Creek Continuation Project

Brings financial support with jobs and sponsorship for the community.

I support the continuation of maules creek mining operations in my local area.

I need the work

I would like to work work out at Maules Creek for a longer period of time.

Keep the jobs going

Keeps so many people in jobs and is doing no harm to the community

I think it's important for the local economy, and supports up to 900 jobs in the local area.

To shut down such a pivotal employer in this small community would be an injustice to the community

This project should go ahead to allow for the ongoing employment it has provided to continue.

I strongly object to the Maules Creek Continuation Project for the following reasons:
1. There has been inadequate assessment of the social impacts of climate change on the local community
2. This mine should finish up, as currently approved, in 2034 with emphasis on future jobs and investment in the region, which is current NSW Govt policy.
3. An additional extraction of 117 million tonnes of coal until 2044 with direct scope 1 emissions of 3 million tonnes of GHG will cause a failure of NSW to meet Net Zero targets.
4. The required clearing of critically endangered habitat that is a key site for the endangered Swift Parrot will hasten the extinction of another Australian iconic native species.
5. Any perceived public benefit will not outweigh the significant costs to the environment, community, future food production and the economy through increased climate change costs.
6. The costs benefits analysis for this project must factor in the current costs of increasing extreme weather events on the NSW budget.

They provide many local jobs and support and donate to many local initiatives and charities.

This has increased the economy of the town. Also, the projects have been useful for all community

Please see my attached submission.

Pls see attached submission.

I support this project as it employs a large number of workforce and provides support for our communities

This Project submission is vital to enable a sustained future for all in the community now and for generations to come.

Please see the attached statement.

I object to an the Maules Creek Continuation Project because I am concerned about the impact of coal mining on global climate emissions thus the impact it has on global climate change and the future of our pacific island neighbours' islands at this rate some of them will be underwater by 2050. The mining of new coal is not sustainable, the struggle of the future generations that are left to clean up your messes when your on longer around and it's "no longer your problem" but it will be your kids, neises, nephews ect. left picking up the pieces of a broken charred world with more and more extreme weather events killing thousands more people even though it seems like one mine won't be much one change can start a chain reaction for the better and we can start to fix the world one blocked expansion at a time if everyone thinks one "this won't make a difference" then change will never happen and the world will descend into chaos every tiny thing has the ability to start a world wide change.

I am writing to object to the Maule's Creek Continuation Project. Although I no longer live in the area I grew up on a farming and grazing property on the Liverpool Plains and my family made major contributions to the development of wheat growing in the area. It must be noted that Whitehaven's Maules creek mine was initially strongly opposed, but despite this approval was granted and mining started in 2015. Since then Whitehaven have acquired a proven record of non compliance and been prosecuted on many occasions for offences including water theft during drought times. They are not a fair player and do not take environmental conditions of approval seriously. With past performance in mind their current proposal to extend their mining operations until 2044 should not be approved on the following grounds:
1. The NSW government should not be approving a mine expansion 10 years ahead of time so that Whitehaven can avoid stricter rules operating in the future.
2.Enough is enough! Whitehaven have little respect for the local farming community and know that their use of water resources, particularly ground water, severely impacts local farming operations which rely on ground water for cropping and to water their stock. The profits of Whitehaven are short term but the destruction of farmland and water resources has long term impacts on our ability to produce food.
3.Whitehaven have already destroyed a large part of the irreplaceable Laird State Forest. Clearing a further 428 hectares will mean that precious species such as the Swift Parrot will be driven to near extinction, when it is estimated there are only 500 left in the wild. The combined impact of the numerous mines in this area must be taken into account when approvals are granted. To approve an extension to this mine will condemn the biodiversity of the Laird State Forest to become a wasteland into the future.
4. The overall impact of coal mining in the Boggabri area is already huge. The local community has already suffered with the loss of farming families and their irreplaceable skills, honed over generations, in growing food to feed our Australian population.
For the above reasons, as well as the impact of massive CO2 emissions from the mine itself as well as scope 3 emissions when the coal is burnt, and its impact on our atmosphere resulting in extremes of flood and drought, I ask that this project be rejected.

I support the continuation of the Maules Creek Project because I’ve seen what it means for our local economy, our community, and the people who live and work here. It’s easy to overlook the real, everyday benefits of a project like this when the conversation becomes too focused on broad headlines. But if you live in the area — like I do — the impact is clear.

The mine plays a major role in keeping our local economy alive. Whitehaven spends hundreds of millions each year with local suppliers — businesses based right here in Narrabri, Gunnedah, Boggabri and the surrounding areas. That money doesn’t just disappear; it stays in town. It supports local contractors, mechanics, accommodation providers, cafes, and more. Without projects like Maules Creek, a lot of those businesses would be under serious pressure — some probably wouldn’t survive. In regional towns like ours, that kind of economic activity matters more than people think.

One of the biggest benefits is the jobs it provides. Maules Creek isn’t fly-in-fly-out — most of the workers live locally. These are good-paying, stable jobs that let people live close to family, buy homes, and contribute to the community. And it’s not just about today’s jobs. Whitehaven is putting a lot into training programs, apprenticeships, and career development. A lot of young people from the area have started as trainees and now have full-time roles with a future. Plus, the company has done great work in boosting Indigenous participation, with a significant number of Indigenous employees now working across their sites.

I know there are concerns whenever coal is involved, and I get that. But I’ve watched how Whitehaven operates, and I believe they’re doing things the right way. They’ve put a strong focus on land rehabilitation — they’re not just digging and leaving; they’re restoring land as they go using native plants and ongoing monitoring. They’ve got systems in place for dust control, water recycling, and staying within environmental regulations — and they’re being held to account by government agencies, as they should be. Whitehaven also works with the Gomeroi people to make sure cultural heritage is respected and protected. It’s not perfect, but there’s real engagement happening, and that matters.

Another big reason I support the project is the work Whitehaven does outside the gates of the mine. They fund a lot of local programs and services — from schools and sports teams to mental health support and emergency services. I remember during COVID, they were one of the first local companies to step in and offer practical support — things like PPE, food vouchers, and help for remote learning. That support didn’t go unnoticed. And beyond emergencies, they’re consistently backing long-term programs for education, youth training, and Indigenous pathways. They’re not just writing cheques — they’re showing up and listening to what the community needs.

I know mining isn’t everyone’s first choice for the future. But the reality is that for our region right now, projects like Maules Creek provide critical stability. They give people a reason to stay in town. They support families, businesses, and community services. We can have a balanced conversation — we can support responsible mining while still caring about the environment and looking ahead to what comes next. But walking away from a project like this too early would hurt real people — and weaken the foundation of our local communities.

That’s why I support the continuation of the Maules Creek Project. Because it’s about more than coal. It’s about people, jobs, opportunities, and making sure our region continues to grow — not shrink.