Maules Creek Continuation Project

Please see full comments provided in the attachment.

IEEFA has reviewed the Maules Creek Continuation Project Economic Assessment (Appendix K to the Environmental Impact Assessment) and found numerous problems with the proponent’s thermal coal price forecasts, carbon cost assumptions and projected greenhouse gas emissions.

1. The thermal coal price forecasts in the economic assessment are significantly higher than other analysts’ forecasts, with no justification for the difference provided.
2. The sensitivity analysis applied to coal prices estimates in the cost-benefit analysis (CBA) fails to capture alternate forecast data and downside risks facing both thermal and metallurgical coal.
3. The proponent has not used NSW Treasury shadow carbon prices to estimate carbon costs.
4. Carbon costs are excluded from the CBA sensitivity analysis results.
5. The proponent has not reported expected greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by individual greenhouse gas type.

Applying the NSW Treasury shadow carbon price to the current estimated carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO2e) emissions from the project would generate at least an additional AUD221 million in carbon costs, in Net Present Value (NPV) terms, over five times higher than currently estimated by the proponent in its CBA. If methane emissions from the project are higher than reported and estimated, these costs could be even higher.

Applying thermal coal price estimates in line with other analysts’ projections would decrease the NPV of the project to NSW to at least AUD482 million less than is claimed in the current economic assessment base, all other aspects remining equal. The impact of these lower prices could also make the mine unprofitable, meaning the operator may pause or cease production early and no additional royalties would be generated by the project, decreasing the estimated NPV further.
The economic assessment is therefore not currently in line with NSW government requirements and guidelines on how to prepare an economic assessment for this type of project. The difference in assumed carbon costs in the proponent’s economic assessment with NSW Treasury shadow carbon prices, and the difference between the proponent’s expected thermal coal prices and other forecasters expected thermal coal prices, mean that the overall NPV calculated by the proponent in its CBA is unlikely to be plausible and should be disregarded in the project assessment until the economic assessment can be amended and re-submitted.

We recommend that the Minister and Independent Planning Commission require the proponent to re-submit the economic assessment for the project in line with current NSW government requirements and guidelines. To do this the proponent should:
1. Use NSW Treasury carbon prices in its CBA and in its sensitivity analysis
2. Report projected GHG emissions form the project by type of gas (methane as well as carbon dioxide)
3. Consider requiring greater sensitivity analysis to be conducted in the CBA on estimated GHG emissions from the project to account for uncertainties in methane emissions.
4. Request the proponent to reference thermal coal price forecasts from other sources and improve the sensitivity analysis in the CBA to better account for uncertainties in thermal coal price estimates and downside risks to these price forecasts.

Kind regards,
Anne-Louise Knight, Lead Research Analyst, Australian Coal

As a concerned citizen, keen environmental defender and after having spent nearly three decades in the remote outback I object the Maules Creek Continuation Project for several reasons as follows.

Premature application

I believe it’s premature to apply 9 years in advance for an extension of a coal mine, especially in our current climate crisis.
No responsible government should lock in greenhouse gas emissions far into the future that we can’t afford.

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.
Following the NSW Court of Appeal decision last week on the Mt Pleasant coal mine, Whitehaven Coal should be required to fully assess the impacts of the downstream emissions from the 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 NSW achieving climate targets.

For the reasons outlined above I am asking for this application to be rejected. Our future generations deserve to enjoy all our unique and beautiful wildlife as we have been fortunate enough to do so.

I strongly object to the Maules Creek Coal Mine Continuation Project Application Number SSD-63428218.
The continuation of this project in Leard State Forest should not be approved. It is not in the public interest. In fact, it would be a negative state significant development. The impact of the mining and burning of coal from the greenhouse gas emissions on global warming from this proposed extraction of 117 million tonnes would be avoided if this expansion and extension did not take place.
I consider that Condition 27 of the existing MCCM approval could be seen to actually require that this application for a ”continuation” be rejected by the NSW State Government. There should be no further approval if the public interest, as expressed by the Paris Agreement and NSW Government Climate Targets, is recognised as it should be. The current capacity of the MCCM to reasonably and feasibly minimise the emissions of greenhouse gases from the site includes the cessation of mining as soon as possible and certainly at the conclusion of the currently approved period.
[Greenhouse Gas Emissions
27. The Proponent shall implement all reasonable and feasible measures to minimise the release of greenhouse gas emissions from the site to the satisfaction of the Director-General.]
If the coal was left in the ground there would be over 500 more hectares remaining of the Leard State Forest precious remnant of woodland forest providing habitat for critically endangered ecosystems and threatened species of flora and fauna. The extant global heating inaction crisis and biodiversity loss crisis is exacerbated by any further clearing of habitat and digging and burning of coal.
This proposal, on public land particularly, is not in the public interest. It would approve production of greenhouse gas emissions after 2034. On the current global trajectory of global warming and corresponding recognition by the legal system, it is likely that contributing to greenhouse gas emissions for private profit will be criminal. This proposal is clearly the attempt by Whitehaven Company to try to gain approval before laws change.
Whitehaven Company is not a good corporate citizen. They have even been prosecuted for theft of water. During the recent drought they took more than their agreed share with the other users in the Maules Creek Community, including the farmers.
Whitehaven Company do not care about or has failed to understand the need for the consideration of the impact of the proposal on biodiversity. The consequences of clearing the habitat afforded by the precious remnant Leard State Forest cannot be mitigated or offset by planting 2,300 ha of seedling trees in a paddock. ‘Native woodland’ habitat features of hollow bearing trees for denning by gliders, mature tree canopies for feasting on the nectar of resplendent eucalypt blossoming for the Swift Parrots without them having to use energy flying from tree to tree are just two examples of the loss and impact of clearing forest with ecological integrity that the Biodiversity Assessment Report (BDAR) can be said to describe. But there is a clear failure to maintain or improve the environment with respect to, for instance, these example habitat features in the immediate term, it is simply not possible, growth takes time! This is time that critically endangered species do not have.
The MCCM Continuation Project does not propose any viable resolution of impact of pushing a species even closer to extinction. In the Background Document to the National Swift Parrot Recovery Plan, June 2010, the Swift Parrot population in the world was estimated to be 2,500 in 2007. (Saunders et al. (2007) Conservation of the Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor – management lessons for a threatened migratory species)
The population of Swift Parrots is now more like 500 to 700. Table 71 (page 400) of Appendix C BDAR cites Webb et al (2021) as estimating the population to be 750. There also was an estimated population of around 600 birds seen near Bendigo this year, 2025 DECCA_Victoria.
Irrespective of the current size of the population, the trajectory of the population is clearly in decline. The species is critically endangered! The Swift Parrot was not seen in Leard State Forest survey work in 2024 but 21 individuals were seen in 2023 and it had also been detected in 2022.
The National Recovery Plan for the Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor) 2024 page 15 notes:
Surveys
When considering habitat loss, alteration or degradation to habitat in any part of the Swift Parrot’s range,including in areas where the species ‘may occur’, surveys for occupancy at the appropriate times of the year and identifying preferred foraging species remain an important tool in refining understanding of the area’s relative importance for Swift Parrots. In addition, it is also important to note that Swift Parrots opportunistically use areas depending on the occurrence of eucalypt flowering. As a result, the absence of Swift Parrots from a given location at a given time cannot be taken as evidence that that location is unsuitable habitat. Rather, if there are potential food plants present (that include resources such as lerps, not just flowers) then that site may be utilised by Swift Parrots if conditions become favourable. This opportunistic habitat use means survey data and historical records need to be considered when assessing the relative importance of a local area or region for Swift Parrots, in addition to the knowledge that variation in local conditions is a crucial predictor of Swift Parrot presence/absence and site utilisation (Webb et al. 2019).
The response to the Commonwealth Assessment criteria of significant impact of the clearing in Leard State Forest of over 500 hectares of foraging habitat for Swift Parrots recorded in Table 71 of Appendix C of the BDAR provides the information that should be used to determine that the proposal should not proceed . I submit that an objective assessment of the information provided in conjunction with the recognition that a species that is in critical danger of extinction cannot have impact mitigated, the impact must be prevented at all costs.
The habitat for this endangered species needs to be protected if we are to be serious about preventing species extinction.
There is no case made for the continuation of this mine in this time of climate and biodiversity crises.

Please see the attached submission.

As an employee of Whitehaven I'm supporting the mine continuation project. The mine has created many jobs for locals and also international professionals, and has been supporting the local communities in different areas and economic development in Gunnedah .more jobs would be created if the mine continues that's mean more benefits for local companies and communities and more tax/revenues for Australian government.

This big coal mine will ruin the swift parrot habitat, and the whole ecosystem. This will in turn contribute to accelerated climate change. What legacy do we hold for the future generations of Australians, and at a time when we should be switching to renewable. Please, please don't!!

Based on what I have seen with my own eyes, the behaviour of the company currently mining this location is not fit to operate. I have been sent to the pit to repair one of three water pumps operating pumping pit water out. This is due to the artesian water table being disturbed. There was a hole in the high wall approximately 400mm diameter gushing water into the pit.
I was one of the first people onsite in February 2014 prior to mining operations. Since this time, local residents have informed me of the dramatic drop in the water table.
Narrabri Shire had not benefited from this operation. We have left the district due to these changes, there are not 900 local jobs to protect as a large percentage of people are FIFO or DIDO.

Dear NSW Government
I am strongly opposed to the Maules Creek Continuation Project. The project is applying for a continuance that will not become effective until 2034 and plans to operate to 2044. With global demand for coal projected to decrease, approving a project this far into the future is unjustified. Moreover, as this will increase carbon emissions, the approval will be harmful for the planet. The negative impacts on the community, the erosion of environmental values, the risk to local water resources, the destruction of Leard State Forest, along with further struggles for critically endangered birds like the Regent Honeyeater, Superb Parrot and Swift Parrot are all important considerations. Please find ATTACHED my formal submission to substantiate my objection.
Martin Derby

Dear NSW Government
Please find ATTACHED my formal submission that outlines my objection to the Maules Creek Continuation Project. This project if approved, will operate to 2044 and will cause further climate change risks with increased emissions, destroy species habitat, negatively impact Leard State Forest, effect critically endangered wildlife and their ability to survive, and contaminate water. I will address the real future of more coal mines in the state and question the ethics of Whitehaven a company that has a track record of numerous breaches in their operations.
Thank you
Janice Haviland

I am writing in a personal capacity to object to and to urge the Department to reject the Maules Creek continuation project on the basis of the unacceptable impact it will have on ecological connectivity within the Nandewar-Brigalow bioregion, its potential contribution to species extinction, unacceptable impacts on groundwater-dependent ecosystems and the broader community, impact on cultural heritage and the contradiction between increased emissions from the project and state, national and global efforts to mitigate climate change.
The Leard State Forest is a mosaic of ecosystems that provides vital connectivity between the Nandewar ranges to the North and the Namoi river despite the cumulative impacts of the Boggabri, Tarrawonga and Maules Creek mines that have destroyed more than a third of its extent. Should both this project and the Boggabri mine extension be approved that footprint would add up to nearly half of the forest, with mining extending right to the edge of the thin 500m biodiversity corridor that will not provide adequate protection due to edge effects including increased risks of invasive species predation, groundwater losses and impacts from blasting. The proposal will impact on Serious and Unavoidable Impact ecosystems and species that are in a rapid state of decline and cannot withstand further loss, including Box Gum Woodland, the regent honeyeater, and the swift parrot, a species that has been spotted in significant numbers on multiple occasions in the Leard State Forest over the course of the past fifteen years, notwithstanding its small population size of less than 500 individuals, demonstrating the importance of the forest as a persistent winter foraging site for the swift parrot. Without intervention including the protection of remaining foraging sites, the swift parrot is on track to extinction within a decade.
The Maules Creek mine was originally approved in 2012 on the basis that it would move into its rehabilitation phase in 2033. Much of the basis of its original approval, including that it would "not result in significant drawdown of the Maules Creek alluvial aquifer" and a pretence - since withdrawn and subject to varied conditioning - that it would be able to identify sufficient like-for-like habitat of sufficient quantity and quality to offset impacts on CEECs and threatened species, have either not been borne out by reality or are now contradicted by new impacts assessed as part of this application. It appears that by lodging this application eight years before the company wishes to rely on it, the company wishes to avoid assessment of any impacts that may become evident before then as well as future reforms such as the operation of the stricter "avoid and minimise" obligations from amendments to the Biodiversity Conservation Act and regulations to inform the achievement of NSW and the Commonwealth's climate goals - indeed both of these have been noted in the assessment documentation. Nevertheless, the application needs to be assessed against the NSW Net Zero Act.
Measures to avoid serious and irreversible impacts, despite the fact that the CEEC communities occur on the edges of the area proposed for the mine expansion, have not been seriously entertained, based solely on the fact that this would reduce the amount of coal that could be commercially extracted. This reflects a completely unbalanced approach to the mitigation hierarchy.
The mine will contribute to more than 3 million tonnes of Scope 1 emissions and over 230 million tonnes of emissions across its value chain, an amount equivalent to half of all of Australia's domestic emissions, in a context where climate change is already causing devastating environmental, social and economic impacts in the region and in NSW more broadly, yet no assessment has been made of whether the harms posed by the emissions from the project (and any liability that flows from those harms) are justified in the context of any benefits. There are inconsistencies in the greenhouse gas assessment, including an acknowledgement that the emissions intensity of production will increase as more overburden is moved and strip ratios increase later in the life of the project, but this is contradicted the modelled/forecast emissions intensities in the graphs. While the assessment documentation makes reference to Australia's reporting obligations under the Paris Agreement, the NSW planning framework relies on impact assessment, not reporting obligations. The recent decisions in DAMSHEG v Mach Energy and the advisory opinion from the ICJ concerning the obligations of states under instruments other than the Paris Agreement are both relevant.
The Department should take into account the company's terrible compliance history in determining whether any conditions attached to an approval are capable of mitigating impacts. In many instances (such as the bulldozing of foraging habitat during winter in circumstances where the company was applying for a variation and can't have been aware of their obligations), these non-compliances suggest a lack of interest in adhering to environmental obligations, or in the real-world ecological consequences of those breaches.
I urge the Department to reject this application.

I am an enthusiastic bird watcher, and I am still yet to see a Swift Parrot. I believe one of the best (and possibly only) chance to see one in NSW is in the Leard State Forest as this provides the flowering gums for their winter migration. The Maules Creek Continuation Project threatens the health of this remaining habitat.
In NSW we need to reduce our CO2 emissions urgently. We are in a climate crisis that threatens our wildlife, our health and the future of the planet. Please, you must consider, the climate and the environmental consequences of this mine and NOT allow this extension.

I am writing as a proud operator employed at Whitehaven Coal’s Maules Creek Mine and as a local member of the surrounding community. I am one of over 900 workers whose livelihoods depend directly on the ongoing operation of this mine. I strongly support Maules Creek staying open and want to express just how important it is — not only to me, but to our entire region.

Whitehaven Coal has provided me, and many others like me, with secure and stable employment. These are well-paying jobs that support families, create future opportunities, and allow people to live and work in the towns they grew up in. The impact this has on our local economy is massive — small businesses, schools, service providers, and suppliers all benefit from the steady income and investment that flows from the mine.

But it goes far beyond just jobs. Whitehaven contributes significantly to the local community through donations, sponsorships, and ongoing support for local programs. Whether it’s funding for local sporting clubs, Aboriginal employment programs, or community infrastructure, Whitehaven is always stepping up and investing back into the region. Their support is visible, genuine, and appreciated by locals.

The company also contributes millions in royalties and taxes that help fund critical government services in health, education, and transport. This flow-on effect supports both local and statewide development.

As an employee, I’ve seen firsthand Whitehaven’s commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and continuous improvement. They take their responsibilities seriously, and I believe the company is doing the right thing by working toward sustainable practices while still keeping regional NSW strong and viable.

Shutting down Maules Creek would be devastating — not just for workers like me, but for hundreds of families, local businesses, and entire communities that rely on its success. I ask that you consider the very real and personal impact this decision has on people who live and work in this area.

Please support the continued operation of Maules Creek Coal Mine — for the workers, for the region, and for the future of rural NSW.

This project will secure jobs and provide coal to power the region and beyond.

I support the maules creek continuation project

Submission regarding expansion of the Maules Creek Coal mine
I am opposed to any further expansion of the Maules Creek Coal Mine. Climate change is already affecting our entire ecosystem over the whole world. We should be doing everything we can to protect our climate and environment for future generations. It is well known that digging up coal will further destroy our environment. We must stop this now, not give an approval that won’t even start until 2034. This is outrageous. How can we even consider locking in further greenhouse gas emissions so far into the future?
NSW communities are already experiencing devastating impacts from global warming and climate change, yet 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.
I thought our parliament was there to protect us and protect our environment. Clearly not the case if they are looking to approve something like this which will knowingly continue to destroy our environment.
We also have a duty to protect our endangered flora and fauna. 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 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 and now the Government is looking at allowing them to further deplete and pollute water sources.
There will also be terrible impacts for the local Maules Ck farming community. They do not want these mines.
The Government must not approve this mine expansion.

I’m strongly opposed to the proposed extension of Maules Creek mine. It’s inconceivable to me that in the midst of our anthropogenic climate crisis extending a coal mine for a further 10 years is even a possibility. The International Energy Agency has made it perfectly clear - no new coal and gas! Badging this phishing scheme an extension is a weasely back-door action.

In addition, the critically endangered Swift Parrot- relies on the Leard State Forest for feeding. The parrot - the arrow of the forest - is down to around 600 from its already endangered numbers of 8000 40 years ago. Are we seriously contemplating starving this incredible species to extinction for the sake of a potential profit in an industry that’s running itself - and our planet - into the ground?

Please reject this act of dangerous act of prospecting.

Local working at maules Creek coal

I am writing to formally object to the proposed extension of the Whitehaven Maules Creek coal mine in Narrabri Shire, NSW. The Maules Creek Continuation Project seeks to extend the mine’s life by an additional 10 years, until 2044, and increase annual coal production from 13 to 14 million tonnes. I believe this proposal poses significant environmental, social, and climate-related risks that outweigh its purported benefits.

I am a mother, grandmother and scientist, I’m passionate about protecting our earth for future generations. Destruction of the environment and climate is the most important and urgent issue of our time. The science is clear, the huge emissions from mining and burning of fossil fuels with must stop.

For years I had been worried about the warming earth but not sure what I could do. I wrote letters, joined rallies and signed petitions. Then back in 2014 I heard about the development of yet another coal mine in northern NSW and joined a protest outside the area where Whitehaven was developing the new coal mine at Maules Creek. I realised that it was time I put my body on the line to protect the irreplaceable Whitebox forest, its Aboriginal heritage sites, ecology, endangered plant and animal species, to protect precious water resources, stop coal mining polluting surrounding areas with dust and light and accelerating the climate damage. I was just one of thousands who gathered up near Narrabri to protest approval of this mine. Visiting this beautiful rural and agricultural area I realised even more strongly that it must be protected.

Alas the mine was approved
Despite such widespread opposition from locals and people across the state the mine was approved, and as we feared Whitehaven has been causing constant dust and light pollution, water theft, irresponsible and dangerous explosions, carbon and methane pollution. Over the last ten years Whitehaven has been investigated on over 30 occasions and prosecuted many times.…. and now they are applying for approval to extend the mine further and destroy even more of the surrounding area, increase further all the negative effects so far experienced as the propose mining even areas previously set aside as offsets for the habitats already destroyed.

NSW must consider Greenhouse gas emissions and Climate Change
State, National and International courts and institutions agree on the importance of climate. A couple of years ago the IPCC said there can be no new fossil fuel approvals to remain within the Paris agreement.

Recently the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion on the obligations of States regarding climate change. States have legal obligations to protect the climate system under international law., including obligations to mitigate climate change, adapt to its impacts, and cooperate with other states. The ICJ emphasized that failure to meet these obligations could constitute an internationally wrongful act, potentially leading to legal consequences such as reparations.

Aweek or so ago a powerful judgement in the Torres Straight Islander ‘Duty of Care Case’ made it clear that fossil fuels were causing irreparable damage to the lives and livelihoods of the Island peoples.

And after the directions of the Court of Appeal to the Mount Pleasant coal mine, Whitehaven coal should also be required to fully assess the impacts of downstream emissions on the local environment and community.

No to approvals ten years in the future
The proposed expansion at Maules creek mine would not begin until 2034. I strongly object to approvals being granted so far in advance; companies should not be allowed to get advanced approval to avoid any future changes in the law as climate changes continues to inflict serious storms, floods, fires causing huge damage and spiralling insurance costs.

Swift Parrot and endangered species
I am especially concerned about the environmental damage further mining will cause. The Leard forest and surrounds is a key habitat for highly endangered Swift Parrot. Destruction of habitat will drive this beautiful species closer to extinction. If approved this project will result in the unacceptable destruction of over half the Leard forest by coal mining.

Water
Water is life for humans and all living things. Mining drains water from surrounding aquifers and alters water courses risking damage to local communities, farming and the environment. Whitehaven uses water to damp dust, what a waste of such a precious resource! Tragically Whitehaven was prosecuted for stealing water during times of drought whilst the local communities and farms suffered.
Coal mining causes permanent damage to the land which cannot be returned to its previous condition.

Short term greedy profit for shareholders, leaving a permanent scar on this beautiful landscape. This extension of Maules Creek mine must NOT be approved.

While the project promises economic benefits such as jobs and royalties, these must be weighed against irreversible environmental damage, climate consequences, and community wellbeing. I urge the Department to reject the Maules Creek Continuation Project and instead invest in sustainable development that aligns with NSW’s environmental and climate goals.

Furthermore, the government and planning departments should impose stronger requirements for rehabilitation of all mining areas and insist mines pay a large deposit in advance to avoid them disappearing once mining is finished and leaving the enormous costs of rehabilitation to governments and taxpayers.
Thank you for reading my submission and hearing my serious conserns.

I support the continuation of the Maules Creek mining project.

The extension of Whitehaven Mine is vital for the livelihoods of hundreds of local workers and their families. These jobs aren’t just numbers—they represent stability, purpose, and opportunity in our region. The mine plays a major role in supporting the local economy, with flow-on benefits to small businesses, schools, and essential services. For many rural communities, projects like this are the backbone that keep them thriving. Supporting the extension means supporting real people, real families, and the future of our region.