Mod 3 - Airly Coal

To whom it may concern
My husband and I have owned the above property since 2012.
We have been very disturbed recently on learning that Airly Mine has intention of expanding.
Our objections to the changes to the existing mine are numerous. Our concerns range from personal to environmental.
This is a fragile heritage area with so many reasons why it should be left untouched as much as possible. Farming struggles with the low rainfall and a commonly experienced water shortage in the area. We cannot afford to have valuable water resources tapped into, or run the risk of any possible pollution affecting streams, rivers, gullies or the water table, not to mention the depletion of the above in any way.
This is a unique area, being second to none of its kind, in the world. Not only in its formation but it has many endangered flora and fauna species.
We have historic sites which belong to everyone not just mining companies. With the advent of the extension of this mine it will close a lot of these attractions to the public, either rendering them unstable or unobtainable due to mine security.
We feel that if this company is enabled so to will it open Pandora's Box for future applications by other mining companies etc. There are certainly not enough good reasons for the proposals to go ahead and many good reasons why this should be nipped in the bud for the existing company along with any others that may have ideas of coming here too.
We are losing too much of our country to foreign interests as it is without sacrificing this irreplaceable valley to this kind of enterprise. We,( to our knowledge) don't know of any assessment of the heritage issues and would like to see this as an independent study done by a responsible body who cannot be hoodwinked in any way by financial gain either to themselves, government, or through an affiliation to any mining group.
Furthermore, this current consent should lapse and a new DA be submitted by Centennial for the entire operation.
Thank you for providing the opportunity for us to give our view point on the future of our home and this valley.

The Gardens of Stone region is precious and irreplaceable. To damage them for a few years worth of coal would be vandalism of the worst kind. With climate change becoming more of a problem, we have to move away from fossil fuels anyway. We must look after our cultural heritage, both Aboriginal and European, in particular the Oil Shale Ruins. The waterways of the World Heritage Area also must be protected from polluted runoff. Thank you for the opportunity to make this submission

regards
Peter Butler

The 1991 development consent is out-of-date and inappropriate as it lacks the necessary environmental safeguards for coal mining in a State Conservation Area, therefore this modification proposal to extend the consent should be either refused or varied to specify almost undetectable levels of surface movements, that is mine subsidence.

The historic Oil Shale Ruins are of special significance and is one of the best preserved heritage sites of its kind in NSW, I oppose any coal mining that does not fully protect these historical Oil Shale Ruins from any form of coal pillar extraction.

I am concerned about the failure to consider downstream impacts on the World Heritage Area in the Modification 3 proposal, operations proposed under Modification 3 can discharge water pollution into Airly Creek. Such discharges would impact on the Gardens of Stone National Park, part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.

7th July 2014
Mining and Industry Projects
NSW Department of Planning & Infrastructure
GPO Box 39
Sydney NSW 2001

Dear Sir/Madam,

Submission as an Objection - Airly Colliery DA 162/91 Modification 3
Existing Consent Conditions are Inappropriate

I am a local resident and have been visiting Mt. Airly and the historic village for many years as well as farming in the vicinity for 20yrs. This is an asset is of huge value to the local community, and is accessible to almost everyone via the track now known as the Tramway Trail, within Mugii Murum-ban State Conservation Area. It is a fabulous walk that is accessible to almost everyone, with nature, wonderful views and historic heritage all in the one location. Our access and safety while visiting the Mt. Airly area should not be compromised by mine subsidence.

Centennial Coal assure us that subsidence will be minimal but while ever they continue to operate under the existing out-dated 1991 conditions they can legally drop the ground level by up to 1.8 metres which will potentially cause cliff collapses and subsidence. Our access will then be blocked indefinitely for safety reasons, and natural and scenic values will be lost for all time.

I agree with the World Heritage Advisory Committee recommendation that the Airly-Genowlan mesas should be added to the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area once mining has been completed.

I am concerned that coal heaps are now visible from Glen Davis Road and from Pearson's Lookout, in contravention of an agreement to screen them with trees. The heaps should be covered to control acid run-off that will affect local waterways.

In these very dry times water is a big issue and the colliery waste water should not be allowed to pollute the local waterways which run into the Gardens of Stone National Park, and into Capertee Valley.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

Yours sincerely,

This precious landscape should be protected and included in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.The Mining subsidence (that will occur if Centennial Coal extract coal are permitted is subside to the land to 1.8 metres should not be allowed as this will compromise the ecology and status of this area in which I and friends love to bush walk.. Centennial Coal's application should be refused

I am local resident and possess a fair knowledge of past and present mining activities within our area.

I am aware that Centennial currently has rights to full extraction of coal within some of its lease areas. While I applaud their decision not to do so to date I feel that it is only a matter of time until it becomes a financial necessity for Centennial (or the future owners) to pursue full extraction mining methods and expose the area to full seam depth subsidence.

As a local I truly appreciate the historical European culture and archaeology within the lease area. The ruins, the extensive transport systems and tunnels are unique in Australia and need to be preserved but also be kept open for all peoples to see and visit. Mining always results in public lands being placed out of bounds to the public.

Any subsidence within this area will be destructive but a subsidence of 0.5 metres will be catastrophic and result in the ruination of the existing ruins.

I personally feel that the extension should not be approved and that the Airly-Glenowlan massif be converted into National Park status and the cultural, natural, and downstream agricultural environs be preserved for everyone.

Yours sincerely

Guy Sim

The question of water use and preservation for other users within the Capertee Valley needs to be addressed.

Please do not go ahead with the destruction of an incredible part of Australia and the world.

I greatly fear the impact of this application on the unique geosystem of the area roughly identified with the 'Gardens of Stone', and I object to the strategy of development/ mining by stealth represented in cumulative waves of application to the authority. Please reject the application 'Airly Mine Modification 3'.

We should be investing other forms of energy to reduce carbon dioxide. it is a farce to suggest mining here is to bring costs down when these companies gouge us at every opportunity. eg the gas policies. We are in charge, we are the people and we want clean energy that does not stuff up lovely special irreplaceable areas such as this. i'm happy to pay a bit more for this or use what I have more cleverly, not just take the easy route to make a company & its shareholders rich.

Submission as an Objection - Airly Colliery DA 162/91 Modification 3
Existing Consent Conditions are Inappropriate

Dear Sir/Madam

I register my objection to the above proposal. There is too match of structural and natural value in the area affected by the proposal to allow consent to ultimate subsidence of up to 1.8m.

I also agree with the World Heritage Advisory Committee that the Muggy Murum-ban State Conservation Area should be added to the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area once mining has been completed

I am concerned too about the impact of mine discharges on downstream areas, including a World Heritage listed property. The technology to avoid this exists and should be a condition for any coal mining proposal.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

These stones are priceless.
There are many stories of destruction of ancient monuments by radicals and foolish landowners.
The destruction of natural monuments and places of beauty has become common.
Once the damage is done it can't be undone.
Please, please for our children's sake, do not destroy these places for the sale of a short term financial reward.
If we (Australia) go down in history as being responsible for such destruction, our foolishness may haunt future generations. That's if maniacs haven't completely destroyed life on Earth.

I object to this DA application. Please see pdf attached.

Dear Sir/Madam,

Please find attached a submission as an objection to the Airly Colliery Modification 3 proposal.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

Yours sincerely,

Keith Muir
Director
The Colong Foundation for Wilderness Ltd

Please see uploaded PDF

Mining and Industry Projects
NSW Department of Planning & Infrastructure
GPO Box 39
Sydney NSW 2001

Dear Sir/Madam,

Submission as an Objection - Airly Colliery DA 162/91 Modification 3
Existing Consent Conditions are Inappropriate

I have been bushwalking in this local region for years. This site is a real hidden jewel and should be protected.

The historic Oil Shale Ruins are of special significance and is one of the best preserved heritage sites of its kind in NSW. Buildings, mines, railways, cable ways and tunnels. I oppose any coal mining that does not fully protect these historical Oil Shale Ruins from any form of coal pillar extraction.

Then the Natural land scapes are outstanding, the valleys, the mountain range, rock formations. It's like a lost world, where you would find a dinosaur or two living here.

I don't mind mining around the area. But not through this very valuable spot.

Thank you

Roland Zopf.

Mining and Industry Projects
NSW Department of Planning & Infrastructure
GPO Box 39
Sydney NSW 2001

Dear Sir/Madam,

Submission as an Objection - Airly Colliery DA 162/91 Modification 3
Existing Consent Conditions are Inappropriate

The 1991 development consent is out-of-date and inappropriate as it lacks the necessary environmental safeguards for coal mining in a State Conservation Area, therefore this modification proposal to extend the consent should be either refused or varied to specify almost undetectible levels of surface movements, that is mine subsidence.

Subsidence under the 1991 development consent of 1.8m is totally unacceptable - there must be no exceptions to following limits: vertical subsidence being a maximum of 125mm, a maximum tilt of 2.5 mm/m; and a maximum strain of 2.0 mm/m.

The historic Oil Shale Ruins are of special significance and is one of the best preserved heritage sites of its kind in NSW, I oppose any coal mining that does not fully protect these historical Oil Shale Ruins from any form of coal pillar extraction.

I agree with the World Heritage Advisory Committee that the Mugii Murum-ban State Conservation Area should be added to the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area once mining has been completed.

Visually prominent waste and product heaps must be appropriately screened and landscaped to blend in with surrounding parks and popular tourist destinations in the Capertee Valley, such as Pearsons Lookout.

I am concerned about the failure to consider downstream impacts on the World Heritage Area in the Modification 3 proposal, operations proposed under Modification 3 can discharge water pollution into Airly Creek. Such discharges would impact on the Gardens of Stone National Park, part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.

Reverse osmosis water treatment of the effluent from Airly Colliery to remove all salts and dissolved metals must be required for any discharge to a World Heritage listed property.

This area deserves conservation and public access should not be barred to make way for subsidence areas and mining activity. We the public deserve to be heard in this matter.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

Yours sincerely,

Lived in the Blue Mountains - just off the 6foot track for almost a decade. Have explored many aspects of the Mountains, including the Gardens of Stone. For me it is beyond words - do we really NEED words that explain why NOT? Do I really live in a country where people are that ignorant? No, I do not. You all know very well why not - just the warped thinking that leads to money is all that needs to stop in order to make a decision that wont destroy so much more valuable habitat!
Oh yes, of course this little spiel doesnt give a 'real reason' - however, it says it all - bureaucratic bs is all that is needed to wipe my objection off the table - however, a true objection it is - jut dont want to play the game that dysfunctional greeds set the rules for. So many other ways to generate energy.
It is not the coal we need. It is the money certain people in this system want!

Dear NSW Planning and Environment staff,

I would like to voice my deep concern regarding the possible extension of the Airly Mine, especially the impact it will likely have on invaluable sections of the Gardens of Stone National Park, already recognised as an area of World Heritage significance, as well as the surrounding reserves and state forests.

Those parts of the Greater Blue Mountains still at least largely in their natural state are not only a true environmental treasure, but also vital for the local economy, and it is likely that as access to the West from Sydney is continually improved, eco-tourism will become an even greater component of the local economy, as it already is with much of the region between the Nepean River and Hartley. The Gardens of Stone National Park and its surrounding reserves must, therefore, be afforded maximum protection in everyone's interest in the long term.

Additionally, the 1991 development consent is out-of-date and inappropriate as it lacks the necessary environmental safeguards for coal mining in a State Conservation Area, therefore this modification proposal to extend the consent should be either refused or varied to specify almost undetectible levels of surface movements, that is mine subsidence. Subsidence under the 1991 development consent of 1.8m is totally unacceptable - there must be no exceptions to following limits: vertical subsidence being a maximum of 125mm, a maximum tilt of 2.5 mm/m; and a maximum strain of 2.0 mm/m.

I am also very concerned about the failure to consider downstream impacts on the World Heritage Area in the Modification 3 proposal, operations proposed under Modification 3 can discharge water pollution into Airly Creek. Such discharges would impact on the Gardens of Stone National Park, part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Catchment areas are extremely wide and as with the pollution of the Cox's River it would be a great shame to deeply affect the ecosystem and partially ruin the area to everyone's detriment (except possibly Centennial Coal). Reverse osmosis water treatment of the effluent from Airly Colliery to remove all salts and dissolved metals must be required for any discharge to a World Heritage listed property.

I urge you on behalf of myself and all people who value the lasting beauty of NSW's remaining natural pockets to reject the extensions and modifications requested for the Airly Mine.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and yours sincerely,

Joseph Eisinger

Minefield

This proposal should be rejected. Once again the historic Mt Airly village, the Capertee Valley and the Gardens of Stone National Park are under threat. The full extraction of coal outside of environmental protection zones means greater vertical subsidence, compromising the Mt Airly area.

There is to be no extra economic benefits as the application states there will be no jobs created. In section 2.0 of the Pillar Stability and Subsidence Assessment it is stated that there is a lack of site specific data for Airly, an appalling omission that displays a cavalier attitude. Further, the Environmental Assessment was prepared by Mary-Anne Crawford, the Group Manager Approvals at Centennial Coal.

That is truly a minefield.

Greetings,

Submission as an Objection - Airly Colliery DA 162/91 Modification 3 Existing Consent Conditions are Inappropriate

1) The 1991 development consent is out-of-date and inappropriate as it lacks the necessary environmental safeguards for coal mining in a State Conservation Area, therefore this modification proposal to extend the consent should be either refused or varied to specify almost undetectible levels of surface movements, that is mine subsidence.

2) Subsidence under the 1991 development consent of 1.8m is totally unacceptable - there must be no exceptions to following limits: vertical subsidence being a maximum of 125mm, a maximum tilt of 2.5 mm/m; and a maximum strain of 2.0 mm/m.

3) The historic Oil Shale Ruins are of special significance and is one of the best preserved heritage sites of its kind in NSW, I oppose any coal mining that does not fully protect these historical Oil Shale Ruins from any form of coal pillar extraction.

4) I agree with the World Heritage Advisory Committee that the Mugii Murum-ban State Conservation Area should be added to the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area once mining has been completed.

5) Visually prominent waste and product heaps must be appropriately screened and landscaped to blend in with surrounding parks and popular tourist destinations in the Capertee Valley, such as Pearsons Lookout .

6) I am concerned about the failure to consider downstream impacts on the World Heritage Area in the Modification 3 proposal, operations proposed under Modification 3 can discharge water pollution into Airly Creek. Such discharges would impact on the Gardens of Stone National Park, part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.

7) Reverse osmosis water treatment of the effluent from Airly Colliery to remove all salts and dissolved metals must be required for any discharge to a World Heritage listed property.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

Yours sincerely,