Mod 2 - Extension of Time

The objection is grounded for two main reasons:
Firstly, development must always be considered in the context of the surrounding area. This can change over time. Given this, a modification for an indefinite start date is irresponsible.
Secondly, the risks of CSG mining are well evidenced and the Premier has acknowledged that the current legislation is not adequate to manage development of the industry. In this context, no new applications or modifications should be approved and existing projects should be frozen, to conduct an investigation into the full impacts of CSG development.

to allow csg mining/exploration without independent comprehensive impact studies is socially & environmentally irresponsible. possibly criminal.
in my book, the measure of a man is his word & under this criteria mr o farrel is microscopic

Objection to any CSG activity in the project area based on sancitity of drinking water that is more valuable than CSG, and on unacceptible risks to bothwater and upland swamps. See attached

The Southern Highlands Coal Action Group wishes to register its opposition to the extension of approval for Coal Seam Gas (CSG) exploration activities by Apex Energy NL in the Illawarra upper escarpment. Our concern is that exploration of this type within the water catchment poses a risk to drinking water supplies and would set a poor precedent for similar approvals in other areas, including the Southern Highlands, which is also critical part of the Sydney Water Catchment area.

Furthermore we believe that exploration associated with projects of this kind that potentially involve massive interference with environmentally sensitive areas should not proceed until the environmental feasibility of the entire CSG extraction project is thoroughly evaluated. Our understanding is that the proponent is proposing a network of around 160 wellheads across the water catchment area, each connected by water and gas pipelines. They envisage this project as being capable in its final form of supplying up to 20% of the NSW gas requirements which would almost certainly require the pipeline network to extend across the catchment to the high pressure pipeline to Sydney near the AGL gas processing facility at Rosalind Park.

It is almost inconceivable that this level of development, involving a network of roads and pipelines capable of handling heavy vehicle traffic, gouged through an area that is for the most part environmentally sensitive wetland, will prove to be acceptable to the authorities concerned. However if Apex believes they have a workable plan, then let them make their case now, and show the community the extent and implications of their plans before any exploration is done and damage potentially incurred.

It should be understood that the process of exploring for CSG involves the depressuring of the coal seam and the extraction of water, in the same manner as the full-scale extraction process, albeit over a smaller area. However the environmental risk is there and with the structural damage that will certainly occur to the local ecology, we continue to be astounded that the Government allows poorly capitalized companies such as Apex and their drilling partners Ormil to conduct speculative drilling for a project that is almost certainly environmentally infeasible in such an sensitive area- so sensitive in fact that public access is denied.

We note that in the last few days the application by Apex Energy NL for a 3-year extension of exploration activities in the water catchment areas of the upper Illawarra escarpment has been approved, however we urge you to review the any decision to allow drilling to proceed on the basis of the information we have outlined above.


Alan Lindsay

On behalf of the Steering Committee of the Southern Highlands Coal Action Group

Having seen the previous NSW Labor government be a servant for the interests of the mining industry in granting CSG exploration permits in water catchments, I took on good faith the promise from Barry O'Farrell that "The next Liberal/National Government will ensure that mining cannot occur... in any water catchment area, and will ensure that mining leases and mining exploration permits reflect that common sense; no ifs, no buts, a guarantee." and voted accordingly. Clearly, this was a cynical lie given the Strategic Regional Land Use Policy released last Tuesday. I now give the O'Farrell government my commitment that I will with ` no ifs and no buts' to do all I can to rally opposition to CSG mining in the Illawarra water catchments, until there is a thorough investigation based on scientific evidence that shows that the risks of CSG mining to the water catchments are minimal.

I strongly object to any gas exploration in the water catchment areas for the following reasons:
Damage to sandstone geology
Contamination to our drinking water
Fire hazard
Threat to the wildlife corridors
I ask the Government to say NO to mining in water catchment areas.
A Governemt that would say yes is NOT a government I would support in any way.

I would like to express my absolute dismay at the governments total lack of concern for the environment and residents of the northern Illawarra and other areas of the state with the latest news on CSG. My faith in the Liberal government has been completely destroyed. I was always a supporter and pleased when labour was ousted. I will never support a government that is not true to the people who elected it and sells out as you are now doing. How can you allow CSG exploration on land that the public where the public would be prosecuted if we just walked there !
There are already concerns that current mining in the area has undermined the water catchment to Woronora Dam and two years of work pumping sealants into the ground to remediate the damage have still not suceeded. How will the CSG works be protected from bush fires. Another disaster waiting to happen. Probably it wont happen in your reign but how do you want to be remembered. Stand up for the people who elected you or be just the same as the Labour mob you you replaced ?
I ask the Government to say NO to mining in water catchment areas.
A Governemt that would say yes is NOT a government I would support in any way.

Please register my objection to this petroleum mining

Warning ! this may make you think of your kids future, As an elected member,thank you for at least trying to improve our community,I know even the best of us do get things wrong from time to time,if respect and true communitiy values of (of which you were elected to do be me!)hold dear to you,please revise this policy on CSG minning ,don`t mine in our catchment,preserve our farms put simply, do we actually have any brains on this matter!,or is this just somthing we use to have when our true parlementry system worked to advance Australia and not as from myself and my current work/family relations see it as your game and our lives.
It`s quite clear that listening to your community on this matter has been filtered by the infuence of overseas and local vesed interests.
On ANZAC day, ask a VET what he was fighting for and what his mate`s died for $$ or our land , kids future health and happines?
Thank`s for sharing this with your family.
Andrew.

This is a complete turn around on your mandate to govern NSW. You are putting future generations of Australians in jepody. Water is a precious commodity, this application puts that in high danger of contamination, one only has to see what has happened in Queensland and the USA to beware of how precarious such applications are on the environment. A rethink is imperative.

I request that Department of Infrastructure and Planning, and the state government of NSW, reject the application for a 3 year extension to APEX Energy's Coal Seam Gas entitlements. I further request that all applications for CSG exploration and drilling be denied within any and all water catchment areas. I request that no such extension be given until full environmental scrutiny and public consultation takes place. I object to all forms of CSG exploration and extraction due to the risk of damage to the sandstone geology, the increased risk and severity of bushfires, the decrease in the value of properties, the increased risk of water contamination and damage to landscape and wildlife populations.

I also object to Wollongong Council's proposed rezoning (downgrading) of the Royal National Park and surrounding communities from its current high level down to an ordinary Level (E3). It is imperative that the zoning remains as is to protect the community, environment, waterways and wildlife from the impact of CSG exploration and extraction.

I request that Department of Infrastructure and Planning, and the state government of NSW, reject the application for a 3 year extension to APEX Energy's Coal Seam Gas entitlements. I further request that all applications for CSG exploration and drilling be denied within any and all water catchment areas. I request that no such extension be given until full environmental scrutiny and public consultation takes place. I object to all forms of CSG exploration and extraction due to the risk of damage to the sandstone geology, the increased risk and severity of bushfires, the decrease in the value of properties, the increased risk of water contamination and damage to landscape and wildlife populations.

I also object to Wollongong Council's proposed rezoning (downgrading) of the Royal National Park and surrounding communities from its current high level down to an ordinary Level (E3). It is imperative that the zoning remains as is to protect the community, environment, waterways and wildlife from the impact of CSG exploration and extraction.

I request that Department of Infrastructure and Planning, and the state government of NSW, reject the application for a 3 year extension to APEX Energy's Coal Seam Gas entitlements. I further request that all applications for CSG exploration and drilling be denied within any and all water catchment areas. I request that no such extension be given until full environmental scrutiny and public consultation takes place. I object to all forms of CSG exploration and extraction due to the risk of damage to the sandstone geology, the increased risk and severity of bushfires, the decrease in the value of properties, the increased risk of water contamination and damage to landscape and wildlife populations.

I also object to Wollongong Council's proposed rezoning (downgrading) of the Royal National Park and surrounding communities from its current high level down to an ordinary Level (E3). It is imperative that the zoning remains as is to protect the community, environment, waterways and wildlife from the impact of CSG exploration and extraction.

I request that Department of Infrastructure and Planning, and the state government of NSW, reject the application for a 3 year extension to APEX Energy's Coal Seam Gas entitlements. I further request that all applications for CSG exploration and drilling be denied within any and all water catchment areas. I request that no such extension be given until full environmental scrutiny and public consultation takes place. I object to all forms of CSG exploration and extraction due to the risk of damage to the sandstone geology, the increased risk and severity of bushfires, the decrease in the value of properties, the increased risk of water contamination and damage to landscape and wildlife populations.

I also object to Wollongong Council's proposed rezoning (downgrading) of the Royal National Park and surrounding communities from its current high level down to an ordinary Level (E3). It is imperative that the zoning remains as is to protect the community, environment, waterways and wildlife from the impact of CSG exploration and extraction.

1. The area of the Illawarra upper escarpment is completely unsuited to CSG mining consisting almost entirely of SWA drinking water catchment "Special Areas" and dams, National Parks and other environmental preservation or conservation areas. It is also a high risk bush fire area which is exacerbated by its highly combustible peat base: This months bush fire ran through and burnt out APEX drill sites 9 and 10. This is a unique and highly sensitive upland swamp area, whilst production CSG mining is an extensive and environmentally invasive industrial activity that will result in 150+ well pads and associated above ground infrastructure on the escarpment. This activity will permanently damage and or change the ecology.

2. The risks of CSG mining are now well documented (especially those relating to water contamination) and current NSW CSG control legislation acknowledged as inadequate for managing this risk - The NSW Premier reconfirmed this only yesterday in his interview with Alan Jones. The revised NSW Government regulatory framework has yet to be released and it would be improper to proceed prior to APEX being assessed against these requirements.

3. The area is already under threat from massive coal mine expansion using long wall mining technologies. I understand that in the case of the Gujurat mine at Bulli the scale is 10x and at the Helensburgh Colliery 3x. There Warratah rivulet near Helensburgh that feed the Woronora dam has already subsided and gone underground as a result of Long Wall mining at the Metropolitain coal mine and 18 months of remedial work has failed to resolve the problem. Therefore the risks associated with CSG mining are being layered on top of the existing impact of extensive coal mining in the area - with no combined impact study yet undertaken!.

4. The applicants (APEX Energy) have already shown their incompetence and unsuitability by allowing a PEL to lapse through default, as a result of an "administrative oversite" What if the result of the next "oversight" is contamination or fire in our catchment, or environmental conservation areas?
The lapsed PEL cancels all current APEX CSG approvals therefore, at the very least, no consideration should be given to extensions or any other type of approval for APEX until this matter is resolved

5. There is widespread public opposition to CSG mining in the area. This includes a public petition of around 20,000 signatures delivered to the Premier, formal votes against CSG mining by 4 local councils (Wollongong, Wollondilly, Cambletown and Sutherland), and at least 2 local state MP ( Lee Evans and Ryan Park). Major concerns exist around the original approvals forced through by the previous Labour government under part 3A of the NSW planning Act , which bypasses many of the usual and expected environmental and public consultation processes. I am very concerned by the absence of independent research into the environmental impact of CSG in such a vital area of water supply ( let alone the combined impact of CSG and mining) and the lack of pubic consultation: Specifically APEX Energy did not enter into public consultation before its initial drilling at Darkes Forest, nor earlier this year before drilling within the Warragamba water catchment at Oakdale - this shows total a lack of respect for due process and pubic opinion .

6. Any decision to extend, renew, or other wise approve new activities inand around the water catchments flies in the face of commitments made by The Premier of NSW ( Barry O'Farrell that there shall be no mining ( including CSG mining) in our water catchments ' NO IFS, NO BUTS!"

1. The area of the Illawarra upper escarpment is completely unsuited to CSG mining consisting almost entirely of SWA drinking water catchment "Special Areas" and dams, National Parks and other environmental preservation or conservation areas. It is also a high risk bush fire area which is exacerbated by its highly combustible peat base: This months bush fire ran through and burnt out APEX drill sites 9 and 10. This is a unique and highly sensitive upland swamp area, whilst production CSG mining is an extensive and environmentally invasive industrial activity that will result in 150+ well pads and associated above ground infrastructure on the escarpment. This activity will permanently damage and or change the ecology.

2. The risks of CSG mining are now well documented (especially those relating to water contamination) and current NSW CSG control legislation acknowledged as inadequate for managing this risk - The NSW Premier reconfirmed this only yesterday in his interview with Alan Jones. The revised NSW Government regulatory framework has yet to be released and it would be improper to proceed prior to APEX being assessed against these requirements.

3. The area is already under threat from massive coal mine expansion using long wall mining technologies. I understand that in the case of the Gujurat mine at Bulli the scale is 10x and at the Helensburgh Colliery 3x. There Warratah rivulet near Helensburgh that feed the Woronora dam has already subsided and gone underground as a result of Long Wall mining at the Metropolitain coal mine and 18 months of remedial work has failed to resolve the problem. Therefore the risks associated with CSG mining are being layered on top of the existing impact of extensive coal mining in the area - with no combined impact study yet undertaken!.

4. The applicants (APEX Energy) have already shown their incompetence and unsuitability by allowing a PEL to lapse through default, as a result of an "administrative oversite" What if the result of the next "oversight" is contamination or fire in our catchment, or environmental conservation areas?
The lapsed PEL cancels all current APEX CSG approvals therefore, at the very least, no consideration should be given to extensions or any other type of approval for APEX until this matter is resolved

5. There is widespread public opposition to CSG mining in the area. This includes a public petition of around 20,000 signatures delivered to the Premier, formal votes against CSG mining by 4 local councils (Wollongong, Wollondilly, Cambletown and Sutherland), and at least 2 local state MP ( Lee Evans and Ryan Park). Major concerns exist around the original approvals forced through by the previous Labour government under part 3A of the NSW planning Act , which bypasses many of the usual and expected environmental and public consultation processes. I am very concerned by the absence of independent research into the environmental impact of CSG in such a vital area of water supply ( let alone the combined impact of CSG and mining) and the lack of pubic consultation: Specifically APEX Energy did not enter into public consultation before its initial drilling at Darkes Forest, nor earlier this year before drilling within the Warragamba water catchment at Oakdale - this shows total a lack of respect for due process and pubic opinion .

6. Any decision to extend, renew, or other wise approve new activities inand around the water catchments flies in the face of commitments made by The Premier of NSW ( Barry O'Farrell that there shall be no mining ( including CSG mining) in our water catchments ' NO IFS, NO BUTS!"

1. The area of the Illawarra upper escarpment is completely unsuited to CSG mining consisting almost entirely of SWA drinking water catchment "Special Areas" and dams, National Parks and other environmental preservation or conservation areas. It is also a high risk bush fire area which is exacerbated by its highly combustible peat base: This months bush fire ran through and burnt out APEX drill sites 9 and 10. This is a unique and highly sensitive upland swamp area, whilst production CSG mining is an extensive and environmentally invasive industrial activity that will result in 150+ well pads and associated above ground infrastructure on the escarpment. This activity will permanently damage and or change the ecology.

2. The risks of CSG mining are now well documented (especially those relating to water contamination) and current NSW CSG control legislation acknowledged as inadequate for managing this risk - The NSW Premier reconfirmed this only yesterday in his interview with Alan Jones. The revised NSW Government regulatory framework has yet to be released and it would be improper to proceed prior to APEX being assessed against these requirements.

3. The area is already under threat from massive coal mine expansion using long wall mining technologies. I understand that in the case of the Gujurat mine at Bulli the scale is 10x and at the Helensburgh Colliery 3x. There Warratah rivulet near Helensburgh that feed the Woronora dam has already subsided and gone underground as a result of Long Wall mining at the Metropolitain coal mine and 18 months of remedial work has failed to resolve the problem. Therefore the risks associated with CSG mining are being layered on top of the existing impact of extensive coal mining in the area - with no combined impact study yet undertaken!.

4. The applicants (APEX Energy) have already shown their incompetence and unsuitability by allowing a PEL to lapse through default, as a result of an "administrative oversite" What if the result of the next "oversight" is contamination or fire in our catchment, or environmental conservation areas?
The lapsed PEL cancels all current APEX CSG approvals therefore, at the very least, no consideration should be given to extensions or any other type of approval for APEX until this matter is resolved

5. There is widespread public opposition to CSG mining in the area. This includes a public petition of around 20,000 signatures delivered to the Premier, formal votes against CSG mining by 4 local councils (Wollongong, Wollondilly, Cambletown and Sutherland), and at least 2 local state MP ( Lee Evans and Ryan Park). Major concerns exist around the original approvals forced through by the previous Labour government under part 3A of the NSW planning Act , which bypasses many of the usual and expected environmental and public consultation processes. I am very concerned by the absence of independent research into the environmental impact of CSG in such a vital area of water supply ( let alone the combined impact of CSG and mining) and the lack of pubic consultation: Specifically APEX Energy did not enter into public consultation before its initial drilling at Darkes Forest, nor earlier this year before drilling within the Warragamba water catchment at Oakdale - this shows total a lack of respect for due process and pubic opinion .

6. Any decision to extend, renew, or other wise approve new activities inand around the water catchments flies in the face of commitments made by The Premier of NSW ( Barry O'Farrell that there shall be no mining ( including CSG mining) in our water catchments ' NO IFS, NO BUTS!"

1. The area of the Illawarra upper escarpment is completely unsuited to CSG mining consisting almost entirely of SWA drinking water catchment "Special Areas" and dams, National Parks and other environmental preservation or conservation areas. It is also a high risk bush fire area which is exacerbated by its highly combustible peat base: This months bush fire ran through and burnt out APEX drill sites 9 and 10. This is a unique and highly sensitive upland swamp area, whilst production CSG mining is an extensive and environmentally invasive industrial activity that will result in 150+ well pads and associated above ground infrastructure on the escarpment. This activity will permanently damage and or change the ecology.

2. The risks of CSG mining are now well documented (especially those relating to water contamination) and current NSW CSG control legislation acknowledged as inadequate for managing this risk - The NSW Premier reconfirmed this only yesterday in his interview with Alan Jones. The revised NSW Government regulatory framework has yet to be released and it would be improper to proceed prior to APEX being assessed against these requirements.

3. The area is already under threat from massive coal mine expansion using long wall mining technologies. I understand that in the case of the Gujurat mine at Bulli the scale is 10x and at the Helensburgh Colliery 3x. There Warratah rivulet near Helensburgh that feed the Woronora dam has already subsided and gone underground as a result of Long Wall mining at the Metropolitain coal mine and 18 months of remedial work has failed to resolve the problem. Therefore the risks associated with CSG mining are being layered on top of the existing impact of extensive coal mining in the area - with no combined impact study yet undertaken!.

4. The applicants (APEX Energy) have already shown their incompetence and unsuitability by allowing a PEL to lapse through default, as a result of an "administrative oversite" What if the result of the next "oversight" is contamination or fire in our catchment, or environmental conservation areas?
The lapsed PEL cancels all current APEX CSG approvals therefore, at the very least, no consideration should be given to extensions or any other type of approval for APEX until this matter is resolved

5. There is widespread public opposition to CSG mining in the area. This includes a public petition of around 20,000 signatures delivered to the Premier, formal votes against CSG mining by 4 local councils (Wollongong, Wollondilly, Cambletown and Sutherland), and at least 2 local state MP ( Lee Evans and Ryan Park). Major concerns exist around the original approvals forced through by the previous Labour government under part 3A of the NSW planning Act , which bypasses many of the usual and expected environmental and public consultation processes. I am very concerned by the absence of independent research into the environmental impact of CSG in such a vital area of water supply ( let alone the combined impact of CSG and mining) and the lack of pubic consultation: Specifically APEX Energy did not enter into public consultation before its initial drilling at Darkes Forest, nor earlier this year before drilling within the Warragamba water catchment at Oakdale - this shows total a lack of respect for due process and pubic opinion .

6. Any decision to extend, renew, or other wise approve new activities inand around the water catchments flies in the face of commitments made by The Premier of NSW ( Barry O'Farrell that there shall be no mining ( including CSG mining) in our water catchments ' NO IFS, NO BUTS!"

The Southern Councils Group (SCG) is the peak organisation representing Local Government in the Illawarra and South Coast regions. Member Councils include Bega Valley Shire, Eurobodalla Shire, Kiama Municipal, Shellharbour City, Shoalhaven City, Wingecarribee Shire and Wollongong City Councils.

SCG resolved the following joint statement of support for Wollongong City Council's position on exploration in water catchment areas.

> SCG expresses its concerns that the short-term and long-term environmental impacts of Coal Seam Gas (CSG) activities are not well understood, at either a State-wide or regional level.

> SCG acknowledges there is widespread local community concern about and opposition to CSG in the Illawarra and South Coast.

> SCG urges the State Government to rule out CSG activities in water catchment areas.

Objections to the Modification Proposal 07_0103 MOD2 from Apex Energy N.L.

Please find attached a cover letter and submission objecting to the proposal from Apex Energy N.L. to renew and extend the coal seam gas exploration project 07_0103 approved in 2009.

Industrial activity of any kind is neither appropriate nor acceptable in an area set aside to protect the drinking water of Greater Sydney and the Illawarra.

This submission is made with the support of a number of community groups, as listed in the attached submission document.

Please do not publish my contact details.