Mod 2 - Layout UG1 & Exttraction Rates

I object to the modifications for Moolarben as the broad effects of doubling extraction are vast. The impacts on the environment, rail corridor etc are not sufficiently srutinised. The groundwater modelling appears to be inadequate. There has been no identification of the Central Hunter Valley eucalypt forest or woodland as critically endangered under the EPBC Act. The problems that have occurred with cliff collapses need to be thoroughly examined by independent expert engineers and/ geologists. I ask that you put aside any recommendation until these critical issues have been properly and independently assessed. Thank you M.A.Campbell (OAM)

I object to the proposal because I do not support the doubling of underground extraction from 4mtpa to 8mtpa.

The proposal does not assess the impact of increased extraction rate from UG2 or UG4.

Mining in UG4 will have a significant impact on the integrity of the sandstone escarpment on the Goulburn River, and particularly The Drip. It will also impact on the base flows to the river.

The assessment of this proposal is very poor and it should not be approved.

I object to Moolarben Stage 1 Mod 12 & Stage 2 Mod 2 because:

Subsidence above the proposed mining area has not been adequately addressed. Furthermore the impacts of the expansion have not considered the effects upon groundwater in the region.

The recent unpredicted highwall collapse at Open Cut 1 has threatened a public road, causing significant public cost and threat to public safety. Moolarben Mine should not be granted any further modifications.

Impact of the mine upon endangered eucalypt and woodland forest needs to be considered under the EPBC Act.

The economic benefits of the mine, including stated job numbers are unreliable as YanCoal has laid of 225 workers in other Hunter Valley mines. Groundwater, agriculture and sensitive ecosystems should be prioritised over unstable, underground coal mines.

I object to Moolarben Stage 1 Mod 12 & Stage 2 Mod 2 because these proposals are inappropriate and the modifications would have significant impacts. The assessment has been inadequate.

There has been a failure to assess the impact on biodiversity given there is not even a recognition of Central Hunter Valley eucalypt forest and woodland as critically endangered under the EPBC Act !

There has been a failure to assess the impact on the groundwater as the modelling is inadequate.

The cumulative impact on the environment, including the health of humans has not been assessed, nor has there been adequate assessment of the specific impact of the doubling of coal extraction from the underground mining. There will be an increase of dust and noise from increased rail movements that will impact all along the trainline.

The cumulative impact of cliff collapse caused by subsidence in the region has not been identified and the
recent highwall collapse at Open Cut 1 was not predicted and does not augur well for further stability/disturbance considerations.

The consideration of the environmental, social and even economic factors, particularly given Yancoal has just sacked over 200 workers in the Hunter Valley, on balance, would lead to the rational conclusion that the modifications should not be approved. The recognition that the assessment has been inadequate clearly means these applications should be rejected.

I am objecting to the Moolaben Stage 1 Mod12 & Stage 2 Mod 2 as we need to be getting out of coal in the face of climate change.
The EPBC Act should protect the critically endangered Central Hunter Valley eucalypt forest and woodland.

I am concerned about the impact on ground water, the cumulative impact of cliff collapse and the impact of increased train trips on all those who live and work along the line.

I object to Yancoal's Moolarben mine Stage 1 Modification 12 & Stage 2 Modification 2 because:
1. The impacts of doubling coal extraction from underground mining have not been adequately assessed
2. The cumulative impact of cliff collapse caused by subsidence in the region has not been identified
3. The groundwater modeling is inadequate
4. Failure to identify Central Hunter Valley eucalypt forest and woodland as critically endangered under the EPBC Act
5. The proposed increase in trains to a peak of 9 daily will have cumulative noise and dust impacts throughout the Hunter coal chain, including in Bylong where I reside. Coal wagons should be covered and washed.
6. The recent unpredicted highwall collapse at Open Cut 1 has threatened a public road, causing significant public cost and threat to public safety. (The diversion of heavy vehicles through the small village of Wollar, on roads not designed them, is unacceptable. I have personally been told by locals of incidents of B-doubles overtaking cars on Barigan Street, for example.) Moolarben Mine should not be granted any further modifications.
7. Job numbers cannot be guaranteed. Yancoal has just shed 225 jobs at other Hunter mines. The traditional nexus between approvals and greater or maintained job opportunities is now well and truly broken.

I object to Moolarben Stage 1 Mod 12 & Stage 2 Mod 2 because we do not need any more coal mines in the Hunter Valley. This expansion should not proceed for the following reasons:

1. The impacts of doubling coal extraction from underground mining have not been adequately assessed

2. The cumulative impact of cliff collapse caused by subsidence in the region has not been identified

3. The groundwater modeling is inadequate

4. Failure to identify Central Hunter Valley eucalypt forest and woodland as critically endangered under the EPBC Act

5. The proposed increase in trains to a peak of 9 daily will have cumulative noise and dust impacts throughout the Hunter coal chain. Coal wagons should be covered and washed.

6. The recent unpredicted highwall collapse at Open Cut 1 has threatened a public road, causing significant public cost and threat to public safety. Moolarben Mine should not be granted any further modifications.

7. Job numbers cannot be guaranteed. Yancoal has just shed 225 jobs at other Hunter mines.

I object to Moolarben Stage 1 Mod 12 & Stage 2 Mod 2 because:
>Failure to identify Central Hunter Valley eucalypt forest and woodland as critically endangered under the EPBC Act is a serious sign of neglect.
>The groundwater modeling is inadequate.
>The proposed increase in trains to a peak of 9 daily will have cumulative noise and dust impacts throughout the Hunter coal chain. This is a significant increase. Coal wagons should be covered.

see attached PDF.

Attached

I object to Moolarben Stage 1 Mod 12 & Stage 2 Mod 2 as per the attached document.

submission attached

Please see attached Submission.

Please find attached submission by Hunter Environment Lobby Inc on the Moolarben Modications 12 & 2.
Please acknowledge receipt by return email.
Jan Davis

Please find attached our submission.

Regards,
Ian & Robyn Moore

Please find attached a submission from the Nature Conservation Council of NSW.

Submission from Mid-Western Regional Council attached.

The previous lodging of this submission was incorrectly lodged as a personal submission.

I am submitting this as an organisation. Please ignore the previous lodgement.

See attached.

See attached.