MOD 10 - Increase to mine footprint and mine life

I support the modification. It only makes sense to support the community by allowing the mine to extend its life to mine the additional resources. This in turn provides further work opportunities in the area that has flourished with mining expanding.

I am in support of Boggabri Coal's MOD10. MOD10 will allow the mine to continue to offer the local community members jobs and continue be promote growth and support for the local region.

I support extending the life of this project and continuing to be a major employer in the region until 2040.

The economic benefits to Australia of $421m greatly outweigh any negative effects of this project. Boggabri Coal is already established as a mine site and any negative environmental impacts will be minimal and should be more than offset by BCO's offsets. BCO have a good record as an operator with very few Environmental incidents.
Most of BCO's employees and contractors live locally and a lot of the economic benefit will flow directly to the local region.

Please refer to attachment

The Leard Forest Precinct Environmental Trust manages the distribution of developer contributions for environmental purposes made by the three mines in the Leard Forest Mining Industry Cluster, namely Boggabri Coal Mine, Maules Creek Coal Mine and Tarrawonga Coal Mine. The developer contribution of $100,000 per mine was paid to Narrabri Shire Council for environmental community projects through a Voluntary Planning Agreement in 2013. Subsequently the Trust was established from the Community Consultative Committees of the three mines, in lieu of a committee of Council, to manage the distribution of the funds for community environmental projects. Since the initial contributions from each mine there has been no further allocations to the Trust fund despite the development and operation of these mines being modified at various times, over the last ten years. Effectively the current value and capability of the funds held by the Trust (despite a provision by Narrabri Shire Council of 1.5% of the annual increased amount which NSC receives from the mine for the saleable tonnes of coal) has been significantly eroded by the impact of inflation and the expenses of maintaining the fund since the initial allocation. Given that this proposed Modification will extend the mine footprint and the mine's life, the Trust believes that the Proponent should give consideration to providing an additional developer allocation to the funds managed by the Trust, commensurate with the environmental and community impact and the proposed extended life of the mine.
Michael J. Silver OAM
President
Leard Forest Precinct Environmental Trust Inc.

The proposed Mod 10 represents a responsible and strategic continuation of mining operations that have long contributed to the economic and social fabric of the Boggabri region. The extension of the mine life to 2040 and the modest increase in the mine footprint—while maintaining existing operational parameters—demonstrates a balanced approach to resource development, environmental stewardship, and community benefit.
In conclusion, I believe Mod 10 is a well-considered proposal that aligns with regional development goals while respecting environmental and community values. I encourage the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to approve the modification and support the continued responsible operation of the Boggabri Coal Mine.

Boggabri Modification 10 should be denied on just about every grounds. 1. Coupled with modification 8, it is really a new project and should be properly examined; 2. We need to end coal mining and not extend it because of the greenhouse gasses coal produces; 3. it will have a negative effect on biodiversity, and on a significant wildlife corridor; 4. and most significantly it will negatively affect both ground and surface water, a resource essential to our very existence.
Patsy Asch

Our comments are attached

attached

As a proud business owner in Boggabri, I want to express my full support for the opportunities that the mining industry, has bought to our town. Over the years, small businesses like mine have faced some very challenging times. It’s been the continued support from Boggabri Coal, choosing to work with local businesses, that has helped many of us keep our doors open.
But their contribution goes beyond business. Boggabri Coal have consistently invested in our community, providing vital financial support for local events and infrastructure improvements. These efforts not only enhance the quality of life in Boggabri but also give our town a stronger sense of security and optimism for the future.
The employment opportunities created by Boggabri Coal have had a ripple effect across our region. With more families settling here and contractors spending within the community, there’s been a significant boost to the local economy. This kind of growth is essential for towns like ours — and it’s something we don’t take for granted.
I believe partnerships like this are crucial. When industry and community work together, we all benefit.

Mod 10 would remove around 85 hectares of native vegetation and impact two threatened plant species and at least 15 threatened fauna species including koalas, quolls, woodland birds, bats and the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot, which has been omitted from consideration. About 3,800 ha of native vegetation has already been removed as part of approvals for Boggabri, Tarrawonga and Maules Creek mines. The proposed wildlife corridor will be a hostile environment exposed to weeds and predators and impacted by noise, blasting and dust. Mod 10 will therefore effectively sever habitat in Leard State Forest for most species.

Boggabri Mod 10 proposes to intercept a significant amount of overland surface water, intercept a significant amount of in-pit flow, draw down a significant amount of groundwater and create depressurisation of Boggabri Mod 10 proposes to intercept a significant amount of overland surface water, intercept a significant amount of in-pit flow, draw down a significant amount of groundwater and create depressurisation of groundwater sources. This project should be rejected based on its cumulative water impacts. And such projects must have the water entitlements they need to cover their water use but this Mod does not. Very few licences can be purchased without further impacting agriculture.

NSW EPA’s Guide for Large Emitters expects new, high-emitting development proposals to align with the overall NSW net zero emissions trajectory. Boggabri Mod 10 clearly fails this test and should be refused consent.

Boggabri Coal is using a loophole in the NSW Planning system that allows projects that are ‘substantially the same’ to sneak through as a modification; there is just one opportunity for community and expert input and it gets no independent overview and decision. It was a larger project that seems to have been deliberately split in two in order to sneak through as a modification.
There are comparable projects that were NOT assessed as Modifications and went through larger, more detailed and independent assessments: Wilpinjong Extension for a 7 year extension to mining; Moorlarben OC3 - allowed for an additional 30 million tonnes of coal; Wilpinjong Extension - for a 7 year extension to mining; Newstan Mine Extension Project - allowed for an additional 26 million tonnes of coal; Chain Valley Consolidation Project - would allow an additional 9.5 million tonnes, extending mine life by 2 years.
This project is more accurately described as a 15 year extension of the project out to 2040.

And this is “Approvals Banking”: the DA is for a project that STARTS in 2036 and goes through till 2040.

I strongly support the MOD 10 project at Boggabri Coal. This will be a wonderful outcome for the small town and surrounding areas. Not only for the vast array of businesses supplying Boggabri coal and ongoing employment of the large workforce, the support Boggabri Coal shows to community events and local sporting groups is fantastic. I believe we need to keep the project going.

I am writing to express my support for the proposed Modification 10 to the Boggabri Coal Mine project.
I’ve been with the mine since its early inception in 2006 and have been closely involved in many aspects of its development — including exploration, environmental requirements, rehabilitation, and forward planning. Over the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the fantastic successes in each of these areas.
The mine is run with a strong commitment to success, safety, environmental responsibility, and community engagement. It’s not just a workplace — it’s a cornerstone of the local community. There is significant time and effort invested by its people in supporting community teams, clubs, and activities, which makes a real difference locally.
The proposed extension of operations to 2040 and the additional coal extraction will help sustain local jobs, support families, and contribute to the broader Narrabri Shire economy. I trust that the environmental and planning assessments under both NSW and Commonwealth legislation will ensure responsible management of impacts.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input. I fully support the modification and look forward to the positive outcomes it will bring to our community.

Boggabri Coal is using a loophole in the NSW Planning system that allows projects that are ‘substantially the same’ to sneak through as a modification and this results in a lot less scrutiny than a new project application. It is only assessed by the Department, there is just one opportunity for community and expert input and it gets no independent overview and decision.
This project appears to have been a larger project that has been deliberately split in two in order to sneak through as a modification.
Boggabri Modification Mod 8 was only approved in January 2024. Originally Mod 8 sought a 6 year extension for an additional 61.6 million tonnes of coal. After it was amended twice on advice from the Department, the final approval was for a 3 year extension and an additional 28.1 million tonnes of coal.

Mod 10, applied for just 18 months later, is seeking a further 4 year extension and an additional 30 million tonnes of coal. Mod 8 and 10 together, miraculously add up to almost the same as the original Mod 8 and most certainly should be dealt with as a new project, rather than a Modification. On this basis, I believe the project should be rejected.

Additionally, Boggabri Mod 8 is not compatible with meeting NSW’s legislated climate targets, despite its approval. An approval of Mod 10 would further exacerbate the fact that NSW is NOT on track to meet our legislated climate targets and would not be aligned with the goals and objectives of The Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023. Again, I believe this project must be rejected.

As a worker in a local mine and Gunnedah resident, I strongly support this mine extension, to continue to support out local economy and community.

I have 20+ years of experience in the mining industry; in this time, I have seen the very best and some of the worst mining practices all around Australia.
Boggabri Coal is an example of one of the best.
I have witnessed Boggabri Coals commitment to deliver positive outcomes in all areas of the mine's operation. Including the environment, community, staff and the economy of NSW and the local area.
People are at the heart of the Boggabri Coal mining operation; in my experience these people act with Integrity and openness.
They live and work in the community, support the local economy and along with the Owners and management of the mine understand that honesty, accountability and always striving to do better will ensure Boggabri Coal will be a valuable asset for the area for many years to come.

I support MOD 10-Increase to mine footprint and mine life.
If you can't grow it, you have to mine it.

Thank you for your time.

I support the proposed modification due to the economic benefits it offers, including an extension of local employment for an additional four years and increased royalty payments that will contribute to the broader NSW economy.