Maules Creek Continuation Project

Maules Creek has been a vital business to the community, not only locally, but also state-wide even nationally. With the royalty contribution of approximately $168 million in FY 2024, Maules Creek shows their commitment to NSW government that the coal that they mine will be beneficial for the state and its people. Furthermore, Maules Creek engages very well with local communities by employing people from Gunnedah and Narrabri Shires and working together with local businesses, that is worth more than $360 million for money spent on salaries, wages and contracts. Most importantly, Maules Creek supports the First Nations people in their workforce, which covers around 14% of the total workforce in Maules Creek Mine, and that number will only improve as part of a solid pathway to empowering Indigenous communities in mining industry.

Should be extended until 2044.

I support this project

I support this project

Important opportunity for local communities

Submission in Support of the Maules Creek Continuation Project

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to express my support for the Maules Creek Continuation Project proposed by Whitehaven Coal. I believe the continuation of mining operations at Maules Creek is in the public interest and will deliver significant benefits to the region, the state, and the nation.

1. Economic Contribution and Local Jobs

The Maules Creek Mine is one of the largest coal mines in New South Wales and a major employer in the Narrabri and Gunnedah regions. The continuation project will extend the life of the mine, helping to secure hundreds of direct jobs and thousands of indirect jobs across transport, contracting, maintenance, and local services. These jobs are critical to the livelihood of many regional families and businesses who depend on the stability and ongoing activity generated by the mine.

2. Energy Security and Export Revenue

High-quality thermal and metallurgical coal from Maules Creek plays an important role in both domestic and international markets. It supports energy generation and steel production in countries that rely on Australian coal for reliable supply. The continuation of mining will help meet this demand, particularly in markets where the transition to alternative energy sources is gradual and still requires coal in the interim.

Additionally, the project provides significant royalties and tax revenues to the New South Wales and federal governments—funds that can be reinvested in public services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

3. Commitment to Environmental Management

Whitehaven Coal has demonstrated an ability to operate within strict environmental frameworks. The proposed continuation includes rigorous environmental impact assessments and mitigation strategies, including progressive rehabilitation, biodiversity offsets, water management plans, and community consultation. It is important that the project continues to be held to these standards, but it is also important that projects which meet regulatory and environmental requirements be allowed to proceed.

4. Regional Development and Community Support

The Maules Creek Mine has contributed to community development through sponsorships, Indigenous employment programs, and support for local initiatives. Continuing this project will ensure the flow of economic and social benefits to regional communities continues for years to come.


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Conclusion

In conclusion, I strongly support the Maules Creek Continuation Project as a responsible, economically beneficial, and strategically important initiative. I encourage the relevant authorities to approve the continuation so that the region, the state, and the nation can continue to benefit from this significant operation.
Thank you.

Good for employees around area

N/a

I completely supply this submission.
Regards Shane Walker

We need our jobs just like anyone else, if this falls through over 900 of us will be without a job

Support to the local economy and community in Gunnedah region.

The project provides jobs for locals creating security and keeping people working in regional areas.

More jobs means better roads, services.. eyc

I would like the mine to stay open for the future of Boggabri. Township and the young people that surrounded

This project supports local people and businesses

I am in support of the continuation of the Maules Creek project. I live and work in the community of Gunnedah with my small children and husband. We have lived in Gunnedah for the past 14 years. Over this times we have seen Gunnedah develop into the busy community that it is today. Whitehaven is an important part of the community. It has played a vital role in the progression of this town. In particular when we have experienced drought we have observed the mining industry to be what has propped the community up when agriculture has struggled to do so. The mining industry and in particular Maules Creek has brought families to Gunnedah which has positively influenced all industries in Gunnedah including small business, schools and health industries just to name a few.
I work in the mental health field and see that in the current economic market that Maules Creek has played a vital role in maintaining financial security in the Gunnedah community both as a wider community and at an individual level. Finacial stress is one factor that influences decline in mental health which if Maules creek did not continue to operate it is very likely that mental health would decline leading to increased pressure on families and the wider health industry in Gunnedah which is already at a stretched capacity.

I strongly object to the Maules Creek Continuation project; as a parent, as a health professional, and as a human being who would quite like to have a livable planet. The very idea of proposing an extension to a coal mine during a time of climate breakdown, while our own government is working out our 2035 emissions reduction targets, is mind-boggling; the direct greenhouse gas emissions of this proposal (estimated at 238 million tonnes) will dash any hopes of a safe climate future for all of us, including my 7 year old and his entire generation. I also object to this project on the grounds that it will involve clearing of foraging habitat for endangered swift parrots and state forest, and will put local communities at risk of water insecurity and pollution. Fossil fuels are a dying industry and I respectfully request that we do not prop them up any longer.

This project will affect sensitive habitat of an endangered species, the Swift parrot (Lathamus discolor). As a volunteer with an organization that aims to protect and preserve threatened and endangered native species and habitats - work that is substantially funded by NSW taxpayers, I ask why would the NSW Government consider funding a project that is detrimental to a known endangered species and these wider efforts to prevent further habitat damage and species loss? I contend that this makes no sense.
I ask what is the justification in allowing any corporation or individual to "bank" environmental decisions against future legislation aimed at redressing climate change? I contend that such "banking" provisions should be removed from any existing legislation and excluded from any future legislation governing or impacting the environment.
I ask why would any responsible Government consider any submission that will adversely affect species or climate, from any corporation or individual with a known track-record of poor compliance on environmental requirements?
As a retired veterinarian and grandfather. I ask the NSW Government to refuse this application to extend a toxic, dying industry and consider the future of our children,our grandchildren, our unique, precious native species, their habitats and our own.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely, Peter Johnson BVSc PhD JP

I am of the strong belief that this project is of great importance to the local community through the creation and continuation of jobs, contracts for local industry and businesses and support for the wider community by maintaining a bolstered, high earning population.
Further, Whitehaven have demonstrated their commitment to mitigating the impact of their project through rigorous planning and design of the continuation project. Rehabilitation of the Werris Creek and Rocglen projects and the staged rehabilitation of the current Maules Creek mining lease highlight the businesses commitment to reducing their impact post-closure and their commitment to maintain a social licence to operate coal mines.

It cannot be understated how much of a positive impact this continuation project would have. Whether that be locally, state and even nationally. Several key benefits have been listed below:
- This continuation will secure more than 900 jobs for local workers. This is extremely important for the region, as we wish to grow as a community and a part of that is job opportunities.
-This will see continued investment in regional development, training and community partnerships.
-This mine is a viable means of economic growth for Australia. Which is felt all the way from federally, down to local communities.
I encourage a positive determination of this project and hope to see the operation continue providing for our community for many years to come.