MOD 11 - Slope Stabilisation and Mining Support Activities

I am writing to strongly oppose the proposed modifications to the Dendrobium Mine operation under DA60-03-2001-Mod-11, which include:
Regular helicopter flights to and from the mine site
Slope stabilisation works and an extension of the pit top disturbance footprint

1. Noise Impacts and Legal Right to Peaceful Enjoyment

The Dendrobium Mine already produces significant operational noise, clearly audible from early in the morning until late in the evening. This constant background noise directly impacts our wellbeing, sleep quality, and ability to enjoy our homes.

Under Section 50 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW), landlords must ensure tenants have “reasonable peace, comfort and privacy.” As the mine’s owner is also our landlord, they have a dual obligation — both as an industrial operator and as a property owner — to protect our living environment. Introducing helicopter operations over or near residential areas would clearly breach that obligation.

The NSW Industrial Noise Policy and EPA Noise Guidelines state that intrusive noise should not exceed background levels by more than 5 dB. Helicopter rotor noise at low altitude can exceed this many times over. Such noise is sudden, disruptive, and impossible to effectively mitigate indoors.

2. Support for Slope Stabilisation, But Not at the Cost of the Vegetation Buffer

I want to be clear: I am not opposed to slope stabilisation works where they are genuinely required for safety or operational integrity. However, these works must be undertaken in a way that retains the existing vegetation buffer between Dendrobium Mine and our neighbourhood.

This buffer is essential because it:
Reduces noise from mining operations.
Blocks visual impacts of industrial infrastructure.
Protects the environment by providing wildlife habitat, preventing erosion, and reducing dust.

The proposed extension of the pit top disturbance footprint raises serious concerns that slope stabilisation may result in vegetation loss or degradation. If this buffer is damaged through clearing, root disturbance, or canopy thinning it will allow more noise, dust, and lighting to reach our homes, worsening the existing impacts.

Council should require that slope stabilisation designs explicitly avoid harm to the vegetation buffer and include conditions for its full protection.

3. Cumulative Impact of Noise and Amenity Loss

If helicopter operations proceed and the vegetation buffer is compromised, the combined effects on our community will be severe:
Increased daily noise exposure from both air and ground sources.
Reduced property values and livability.
Greater stress, disturbed sleep, and negative health outcomes.

4. Other Concerns

Safety Risks: Helicopter operations near homes carry accident and rotor wash hazards.
Environmental Damage: Any disturbance to vegetated areas risks erosion, sediment runoff, and loss of carbon storage.
Lack of Consultation: Residents have not been meaningfully consulted, nor have less intrusive alternatives been properly explored.

5. Request for Rejection or Significant Conditions

Given:
The already high noise levels from Dendrobium Mine from morning to evening
The likely breach of Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW) obligations and EPA noise guidelines
The risk that slope stabilisation and disturbance footprint expansion could damage the vegetation buffer

…I urge the Council to reject DA60-03-2001-Mod-11 in its current form.

If slope stabilisation is approved, it must be conditioned to:
Fully protect the vegetation buffer between the mine and our neighbourhood.
Avoid any works that would increase noise, dust, or lighting impacts on residents.
Rule out helicopter operations over or near residential areas.ceed and the vegetation buffer is compromised, the combined effects on our community will be severe:
Increased daily noise exposure from both air and ground sources.
Reduced property livability.
Greater stress, disturbed sleep, and negative health outcomes.

The mine is an important contributor to employment and businesses in the Illawarra

The project creates local jobs and supports the local economy.

Great to keep local people employed in local areas. I support how mindful and considerate Illawarra coal is for its neighbours and local businesses