Maules Creek Continuation Project

Please see attached letter

I am old now and have worked across a number of areas and seen much in my life. As an aging person, I am more vulnerable to things like rising heat waves and with less strength to deal with disasters and recovery. I have grandchildren for whom I wish the natural world, experiences and opportunities, peace and plenty that have been available in my lifetime.

My early life was spent in regional communities in the Central West of NSW where weather, available water resources and the quality of land were a subject of daily relevance and not merely polite conversation. Now we are experiencing climate change and extreme weather events that disrupt all expectations and planning.

Other submissions raising objections will have provided more detail on the issues set out below.

This application should not be allowed. To continue mining coal long into the future for the profit of a company that has been found to have so little respect for our communities that it used water, to which it had no right, during a drought, is not acceptable. License conditions and regulation will not be enough as the same company has a long list of non-compliance with requirements. Meanwhile coal extraction and use will continue to fuel climate change and other adverse consequences.

The argument is always that such an industry will bring prosperity and opportunity to a region. That benefit may be of short duration and may end suddenly leaving the community hollowed out, other more sustainable businesses having moved away because of the mining. Meanwhile local people might find themselves priced out of the community where they have family.

Meanwhile that coal mining, in production and use, will emit greenhouse gases that will only increase climate change and its associated severe climate events. The costs and damage from extreme weather events, however, are left to individuals and governments to bear, rebuild, and adapt to, not the mining company.

Coal mining also requires considerable amounts of water in an area where above ground water is already over allocated and aquifers are vulnerable to overuse and contamination.

A search of google maps for the Leard Forest shows there has obviously been significant intrusion by mining already into that reserve. Reserves provide a home to increasingly endangered and vulnerable species. To further put pressure on the reserve and its edges is not acceptable in the circumstances.

Restoration of the site does not mean that it will be what it was. Identified features are not replaced as such, only a manufactured topography. If mining voids are left to fill with water, that water will likely not reach above ground flows. It may seep into aquifers but in in doing so, might contaminate those aquifers.

There are unacceptable risks to farming land, water resources, cultural relationships for First Nations people, biodiversity including endangered species, directly from the mining. On top of that it are the risks from climate change, risks that are very real and which we see already occurring, in the amount of social, human, environment and economic damage resulting from extreme weather events and shifting climate patterns.

As an ecologist who was engaged to conduct surveys for Swift Parrots in the Leard in 2024, I can confirm that the majority of the area proposed for clearing to expand the Maules Creek Coal mine (MCCM) is excellent White Box foraging habitat for Swift Parrots and numerous other federally listed woodland birds. The National Recovery Plan for the Swift Parrot (Australian Government 2024) defines foraging habitat critical to the survival for the Swift Parrot on the Australian mainland as "All preferred foraging species within known and likely foraging habitat on the mainland including… White Box (E. albens)" (Australian Government 2024, pg. 15) before outlining that "Whenever possible, habitat critical to the survival of the Swift Parrot should not be destroyed" (Australian Government 2024, pg. 15). Given the Leard State Forest contains extensive stands dominated by large White Box that are known foraging habitat for Swift Parrots, the Leard must be considered habitat critical to the survival for the Swift Parrot. Protecting areas deemed habitat critical to survival from developments (e.g. mining activity) is identified in the National Recovery Plan for the Swift Parrot (Australian Government 2024) as a Priority One (highest priority) action to ensure the conservation of the species. Expanding the Maules Creek Coal Mine would be completely inconsistent with the aims and objectives of the species National Recovery Plan.

Whitehaven Coal's (2015) Maules Creek Coal Mine Threatened Fauna Implementation Plan recognises that a key threat to rehabilitation actions or biodiversity offsets for Swift Parrots is the "time lapse required to reach appropriate successional stage in restoration and/or rehabilitation" (Whitehaven Coal 2015, pg. 24). Under the National Recovery Plan for the Swift Parrot (Australian Government 2024) "if avoidance or mitigation [for a project] has been found to be impossible, any developments that proceeded in areas of ‘habitat critical to survival’ [must] have provided offsets compliant with the approved offset regulations and calculators and provided measurable benefits to the Swift Parrot population in line with strategies outlined in this recovery plan" (Australian Government 2024, pg. 25). Given the rapid population decline of Swift Parrots, it appears unlikely Whitehaven Coal will be able to provide suitable offsets for clearing known Swift Parrot habitat that will have measurable benefits to Swift Parrots within the extremely short time frame required to reverse the extinction trajectory of this critically endangered species.
Furthermore, given Australia's commitment under the Paris Agreement in 2015 to substantially reduce global greenhouse gas emissions to hold global temperature increase to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, it is increasingly difficult to argue that in 2025 (ten years later) avoiding the expansion of a thermal coal mine such as MCCM is impossible (UN 2024).

REFERENCES
Australian Government (2024) National Recovery Plan for the Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor.

Whitehaven Coal (2015) Maules Creek Coal Mine - Threatened Fauna Implementation Plan, Available from: https://whitehavencoal.com.au/Documentations/Maules%20Creek%20Mine/Environmental%20Management,%20Monitoring%20&%20Compliance/Environmental%20Management%20Plans,%20Strategies%20and%20Programs/MCC-Threatened%20Fauna%20Implementation%20Plan.pdf?v=1695726604.

UN (2024) The Paris Agreement, Available from: https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/paris-agreement.

I am writing to urge that Whitehaven Coal’s application to extend the life of its Maules Creek coal mine for 10 years and to expand the mine into Leard State Forest be rejected.

I am a bird lover and I’m very concerned about the threat that Whitehaven’s application poses to the critically endangered Swift Parrot. There are only 500 of this remarkable species left in the wild. In the last few years at least 20 Swift Parrots have been recorded feeding on White Box blossoms in Leard State Forest having flown all the way from Tasmania. It would be an act of environmental vandalism to destroy more habitat in this forest, taking the proportion destroyed to almost half the original amount. It would push the Swift Parrot closer to extinction.

Public lands such as state forests must not be destroyed for private profit. This has been allowed to happen on too many occasions in the past, and it must stop.

Whitehaven’s extended and expanded mine would produce an extra 238 million tonnes of total greenhouse gas emissions. This is unconscionable given the devastating impacts of climate change that NSW, Australia and indeed numerous places around the globe are already experiencing. And the 3 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions that will result directly from the mining process itself will undermine NSW’s climate targets.

I have a 20-month-old granddaughter and I am terrified of the kind of world she will live in by the end of this century if we continue to enable increasing amounts of greenhouse gas emissions.

It is ludicrous that Whitehaven is applying for an extension of the coal mine which would not apply until 2034. The company is undoubtedly aiming to lock in the extension while our national environment laws ignore the climate impacts of projects. They know that if they wait until say 2030 to apply for an extension, it will be much more difficult if not impossible to get approval because by then national environment laws will almost certainly have been strengthened. What Whitehaven is seeking to do is to gain the equivalent of a ‘Zombie DA’.

Whitehaven’s application to expand their mine poses a major risk to local water resources. It will suck down water beneath local creeks and also the groundwater used by farmers to water their stock.

Whitehaven Coal is a very poor corporate citizen. It has an appalling compliance record. In the last 10 years, it has been found guilty or has been investigated for breaches of the law on 35 occasions, many of them including multiple offences. They have been prosecuted numerous times including for stealing water at the Maules Creek coal mine at the height of the last drought.

A corporation like Whitehaven should not be given the opportunity to continue to cause damage to the climate, animal and plant species, farmland, water supplies, and the local community. Its application to extend and expand its Maules Creek coal mine must be rejected.

This extension is a cynical attempt to bypass legislation that will add environmental protection against coal mining. It will be a disaster for our global warming initiatives and further degrade an area that has been blighted by massive open cut coal mines. It is time to call a halt to fossil fuel extraction in the Hunter Valley.

The Maules Creek Continuation Project approval means a lot to the Narrabri Shire.
Importantly, it adds to building and retaining our region in a diverse economy which includes agriculture - cotton, wheat (grain), fresh food, cattle, sheep etc., engineering and supplies, retail and small businesses, housing and schools, increased medical and hospital facilities and most importantly employment and careers. "We need to be flexible, but to do it the correct and sustainable way".

For the continuation of Maules creek mine would mean my kids and myself will continue to have roof over our heads and food in our belly’s. I support the continuation project!!!

The project will continue to provide jobs and financial support for the local community as well as tax dollars to the government. Development and improved standard of living will be guaranteed.

We've worked with Maules Creek for the past 7 years. The continuation of the project is essential to our business and the continued employment of the local people we employ.

This project is incredibly important to the viability of the North West Region. Without it, huge numbers of people will loose their jobs in the near term - a bad outcome for the region. We are fortunate to have low unemployment in the region, and a large corporation like Whitehaven sharing the benefits of mining with the broader community. As a local resident of Gunnedah, I fully support the project.

I support the project as it will provide 900+ jobs for the region.

Despite the flooding conditions today, we submit the attached.

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

I am writing to express my support for Whitehaven Coal and their continued development of the Maules Creek Coal Project.
Whitehaven has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to responsible mining practices, environmental management, and community engagement across their operations in the region. The Maules Creek Project represents an important opportunity for ongoing economic development, local employment, and regional investment, particularly at a time when stable, long-term jobs are essential for rural and regional communities.
Whitehaven’s presence in our region has provided significant benefits, including direct employment, support for local businesses and contractors, and community funding initiatives that contribute to local schools, services, and infrastructure. Their transparent communication and willingness to engage with local residents and stakeholders are also valued aspects of their operations.
The Maules Creek Project, in continuing this legacy, is well-placed to support regional growth while maintaining the high environmental and operational standards expected by the community and regulators. It is vital that companies like Whitehaven are supported in their efforts to invest in our region and deliver secure, sustainable futures for our families and towns.
For these reasons, I strongly support the continued progress of the Maules Creek Coal Project and urge relevant authorities to consider the positive contributions Whitehaven brings to the area.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Torrens
President - Boggabri Business Chamber
Manager - Torrens Freight, Boggabri, NSW, 2382

Expanding a coal mine for the purpose of a company's monetary gain at the potential expense of endangered species and meeting CO2 emissions targets is a problematic proposal that does not balance the needs of the community. Allowing such a project to go ahead would not only be likely to significantly impact endangered Swift Parrots, but would likely impact local farmers and our community as a whole.

I am writing to express my strong support for the Maules Creek Continuation Project.
This project plays a vital role in the regional economy, directly supporting over 900 local jobs and contributing significantly to the livelihoods of families and communities in the area. In addition to employment, the mine supports numerous local businesses and services that rely on the continued operation of the site.
The Maules Creek Mine has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to environmental management, community engagement, and regional investment. Continued operations will ensure that this positive legacy can be extended, while also delivering ongoing royalties and economic benefits to New South Wales.
In a time where regional job security and energy supply are more critical than ever, it is essential that sustainable and economically vital projects like this are allowed to proceed.
I respectfully urge the Department to approve the continuation of the Maules Creek Mine to support local communities, economic resilience, and the secure operation of a responsible industry player.


Sincerely,
Matthew Conroy

Please find attached DAMS HEG's objection to Maules Creek Continuation Project

To Whom It May Concern
Finlay Farming fully supports the Maules Creek Continuation Project.
I am a farmer that lives in the heart of the Maules Creek Community. I am the director of our family farming business, Finlay Farming PTY LTD. The following is a letter of support for the Maules Ck Continuation Project.
Our business has been closely associated with the local mining companies, and we have leased mine owned country now for 9 years. We also own property in the Maules Creek Valley.
I have lived and farmed in the Maules Ck valley for 45 years, our farming business is cattle production and cereal cropping.
We are part of the Maules Creek community and are involved in many ways of maintaining the country fabric of our community.
For example, we have been committee members and cattle donors to the Maules Ck Campdraft Club for 11 years, a yearly community event that the mines also support heavily financially.
I was a Narrabri Shire Councillor for 9 years. I am currently also a volunteer at the Narrabri Riding for Disabled Club, Wean Picnic Race committee.
I have been on the Tarrawonga CCC and the Maules Creek Environmental Trust for 12 years, Maules Creek Hall Trust for 4 years.
Involvement in the above organisations/groups enables me to have a balanced view of what is beneficial or not beneficial for the community.
Whitehaven have and will continue to invest in the local area through donations to local groups/organisations to enable them to provide services, hold functions or upgrade facilities for the community’s benefit. Without their considerable financial input, such community assets would not be at the standard they are today and would find it difficult to operate without the financial assistance from mining companies in the region.
Finlay Farming has been leasing approx 2800 Ha's of agricultural land from Whitehaven Coal for the last 9 years and this has been a successful working relationship and has enabled us to keep our 17 year old son who is passionate about agriculture in the local area. During peak times we employ labour from the local Boggabri community and items which are required to operate our farming business are sourced from Gunnedah, Boggabri, Narrabri and Bellata.
Having Whitehaven in the region has enabled many younger and older people to stay in the area through direct employment or providing services to employees or contractors of Whitehaven. Having Whitehaven in the region has allowed many business’s to continue operating when agriculture has a downturn in production such as drought.
Finlay Farming fully supports the Maules Creek Continuation Project due to all the above reasons.
Kind regards
Lloyd Finlay-Director – Finlay Farming PTYLTD

Dear Madam/Sir,

I hereby lodge my submission to the Maules Creek Coal Mine Continuation Project.

I am against Whitehaven Coal’s Maules Creek coal mine 10-year extension and their further clearing of Leard State Forest.

Whitehaven Coal is pushing for yet another damaging expansion of their Maules Creek coal mine, locking in climate destruction until 2044. If this goes ahead, it will not just scar the land, it will wipe out critical habitat for the Swift Parrot, one of Australia’s most endangered birds. With fewer than 500 left in the wild, every tree matters.

The Leard State Forest is a sanctuary for these rare birds, one of the few places on the mainland where they are still seen feeding on native blossoms. But with Whitehaven’s expansion their precious habitat will be replaced by a giant coal pit.

It is not just nature under threat. Local communities are still dealing with the impacts of mining. Over 70 properties have been bought up by coal mines, hollowing out the valley. Whitehaven has been caught illegally taking water during the last drought. And they have left a legacy of environmental harm and broken trust.

* Swifties and Leard State Forest:

This project will clear over 500 hectares of key foraging habitat for the Swift Parrot. As mentioned above, only 500 of them remain in the wild and this 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.

* 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 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 alienation of productive land, and create dangerous dust pollution and escalating noise for surrounding areas, whilst creating division and conflict. It will also exacerbate the housing crisis in the region.

* Turbocharging climate change:

New South Wales communities are already experiencing devastating impacts from global warming. This project will produce an additional 238 million tonnes of total greenhouse gas pollution.

Following the New South Wales Court of Appeal decision last week on the Mount Pleasant coal mine, Whitehaven Coal should be required to fully assess the impacts of the downstream emissions from this project on the local environment and community. This requires proper attribution science to be conducted. None of this has been done in the current EIS.

The direct emissions from the mining process itself, of over 3 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, will completely undermine New South Wales achieving it’s climate targets.

* 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. No permission should be granted for this extension.

* Banking an approval that will not start until 2034:

The New South Wales 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 Australia simply cannot afford.

This proposal is designed to ‘bank’ an approval now, ahead of time, before climate laws are strengthened further in response to the rapidly escalating impacts of global warming in the form of more extreme weather events.

I stand with the local community who are fighting to protect the beautiful Leard State Forest and the Swift Parrot, and defend their precious water resources. The Minister for Planning must reject the Maules Creek Coal Mine Continuation Project.

I say no to more coal, more destruction, and more climate harm.

Our forests, water, and wildlife are not for sale.

Our Swifties are right on the edge of extinction! Choose Swifties over coal!

I thank you for this opportunity to express my opinions on this matter.

For the only planet we have.

Colleen Wysser - Martin

I have been a supplier of mining products to Whitehaven and in particular, the Maules Creek mine since 2013. During this time, I have witnessed first hand, the exponential growth of not only Gunnedah, but Boggabri and Narrabri as well. These towns are thriving as a direct result of Whitehaven Coal and primarily because of Maules Creek mine. With so many rural towns struggling and slowly dying, it would be a travesty of justice for these towns, to follow suit, should the extension not be granted.
During the last mining downturn in 2017 when hundreds of workers were laid-off in the Hunter Valley, it was Maules Creek and Whitehaven Coal, that generously offered for a large number of these operators to come and work at Maules Creek. Even after the coal industry picked back up, a lot of these families stayed and continue to raise their families in the region. This can only be a good thing for the community and the economy. The closure of Maules Creek would have very little impact on the business that I work for, so I make this submission on a personal basis, as someone who has stayed in the region more than 200 occasions over the past 12 years and witnessed firsthand, the positive impact that Maules Creek and Whitehaven Coal are having on the community. I graciously make this submission for your consideration.
Kind regards
Tony Roberts