MOD 3 - Pit 8 Extension

I object to the extension of the coal mine. There is no justification for coal mine expansion that will destroy more Wiradjuri cultural heritage sites and negatively impact the surrounding biodiversity hotspots. There is no positive reason for allowing this expansion for the community and environment, as the emissions from the coal will put more lives in danger. As the area is now part of the central west renewable energy zone, NSW should focus on transitioning this area to renewables, not allowing coal mines to continue for longer than necessary. This coal mine expansion should not be allowed to go ahead.

The proposed Peabody’s Wilpinjong coal mine expansion differs substantially from the current approved mine. As a result, its expansion should not be assessed merely as a modification. Instead, this ‘modification’ proposal should be assessed as a new project.
The Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (CWOREZ), starting at Wollar is the first approved REZ in NSW. As such, Wollar is the starting point for the transition to clean energy. There should be no more expansion of coal mining.
In that circumstance, it is particularly inappropriate for Peabody to propose releasing over 25 MT of additional Greenhouse Gas emissions right there beside the CWOREZ. It is inappropriate to propose to expand the mine to the boundary of Wollar Village. It is wrong to slow the transition to a clean energy future by competing with the up-close-and-personal neighbouring CWOREZ. It is wrong to pressure the already existing huge workforce shortage for renewable energy projects in the Central West by expanding a coal mine of all things!
Pollution from Peabody’s current mining has already caused significant health and well-being impacts on the Wollar community. It has forced many people to sell up to Peabody Energy and leave the district. The health and well-being and depopulation directly attributed to mining has not been addressed, which is appalling.
The remaining Wollar community is preparing to rejuvenate and rebuild, which includes a return of Aboriginal people through successful land claims. In that case, the proposed disturbance of an additional 155 ha is egregious. It would cause unnecessary loss of Aboriginal cultural heritage and spiritual landscape for Wiradjuri Nation.
They will also be subject to increasing pollution through poorly assessed noise, dust, blasting, onsite coal ignition (spontaneous combustion), lighting and water contamination.
The proposed mine expansion would destroy more important habitat for two critically endangered ecological communities (CEEC) and eleven endangered fauna species. These include:
1. Endangered microbats: The proposed open cut area contains the highest density of the endangered Large-eared Pied Bat and Eastern Cave Bat in the region. Two rocky hills at the centre of the hotspot will be removed. These are critical breeding habitats, including known maternity sites, resulting in a Significant and Irreversible Impact (SAII).
2. Box Gum Woodland CEEC: The assessment fails to adequately consider indirect impacts from the proposal on the Box Gum Woodland CEEC and understates the extent of impact. This woodland is identified as groundwater dependent; however, the potential impacts of the proposed groundwater drawdown is not considered or assessed.
3. Regent Honeyeater: The proposed expansion will directly remove mapped areas of important habitat for the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater. There are current records of breeding activity in the district that are not recognised in the assessment report.
4. Impacts on landscape connectivity: The proposed expansion of open-cut mining forms an extensive and hostile barrier between the locally significant conservation areas of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and Goulburn River National Park. It would remove the closest points of intact remnant vegetation on the valley floor that currently form stepping stones of habitat between these two reserves. A wide variety of woodland birds, including the Critically Endangered Regent Honeyeater and mobile fauna like the Endangered Koala, currently use them.
It would also permanently alter and degrade alluvial groundwater sources and surface flows in the Wollar Creek catchment. That is entirely inappropriate, too. The local ecosystems depend on the viability of those groundwater sources and surface flows. In a time of climate change and species extinctions, neither of those outcomes should be allowed.
All of these harms are deplorable and become even more unacceptable when it is considered that there is no economic justification for this expansion. Coal mining is a dying industry as renewables are overtaking its relevance. As well, the consequent increase in climate change impacts will cost the nation more than the public income generated from royalties and taxes.
Peabody should not be allowed to wreak even more damage on this environment, local species and citizens during the mining industry’s death throes.

I fully support the Wilpinjong Mine Modification 3 proposal because it ensures continued employment for more than 700 local workers and sustains economic stability across the Mid-Western region. The mine has a proven record of environmental responsibility, with over 1,100 hectares already rehabilitated and further restoration planned. Its commitment to protecting culturally significant sites such as the Rocky Hill complex and Cumbo Creek corridor reflects strong respect for heritage and biodiversity. This extension not only maintains vital energy supply for NSW but also secures ongoing investment in local businesses, apprenticeships, and community programs that benefit Gulgong and Mudgee residents.

I support the extension of Wilpinjong Mine as I personally witness that it is a responsible coal mining company that values its people and the environment where it operates. It puts high regard to safety and gives total effort to rehabilitate disturbed areas as soon as they are mined-out. Wilpinjong Mine is also one of the key drivers of Mudgee's economy so I reckon the extension, once granted, will be critical in sustaining Mudgee's flourishing economy.

I write in support of the proposed modification MOD 3 to extend Pit 8 at the Wilpinjong Coal Mine, currently on public exhibition.
Context
• The proposed action would extend open cut mining operations into a Pit 8 Extension area of about 155 ha (disturbance footprint), extracting approximately 14 million Tonnes of additional ROM coal.
• Supporting infrastructure (roads, water management, bunds, pipelines, public infrastructure realignments) are part of the proposal.
• The project would fall under the existing Development Consent (SSD-6764) and processed as a modification (under s. 4.55 of EP&A Act).
• The proposal is also being referred under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC), due to potential impacts on threatened ecological communities and water resources.
• The owners of Wilpinjong Peabody are proven and experienced managers and custodians of best practice mining, rehabilitation and mitigating environmental and social impacts
Given this, I submit the following reasons for supporting the modification:
1. Economic and Social Benefits
• The extension would help maintain employment (700 +) at the mine and sustain the existing workforce, and the subsequent positive employment opportunities contributing to the local regional economy
• The continuation of royalty and tax contributions to the NSW and local government, and ongoing support for community programs, are beneficial for the region and the state
• The modification is not dramatically expanding the scale of mining beyond what is already anticipated — it is maintaining continuity of operations rather than a new, separate project
2. Utilisation of Existing Infrastructure
• Because the extension is adjacent to and contiguous with existing mining operations, the proposal leverages already established infrastructure (transport, processing, water systems etc.)
• Realigning roads, powerlines, or telecommunication services as required is more efficient than building wholly new infrastructure “from scratch”
3. Mitigated and Managed Environmental Impacts, with Rehabilitation Commitment
• The applicant proposes to backfill the mined voids and shape final landforms to be free‐draining and consistent with geomorphic principles
• The modification avoids direct disturbance of sensitive features (for example, the Cumbo Creek corridor and Rocky Hill cultural heritage complex) that had been part of previous approvals
• A Biodiversity Offset Strategy is to be developed to compensate for residual impacts to threatened ecological communities
• The project is being referred for EPBC assessment, ensuring that matters of national environmental significance are considered
4. Pragmatic Use of Resources & Energy Security
• Given ongoing demand for coal in domestic and export markets, optimising existing mining leases rather than establishing entirely new ones is a pragmatic approach to resource extraction
• The extension would help avoid sterilisation of coal resources that could otherwise remain inaccessible if operations ceased prematurely

As a result, I am overwhelming supporting the proposed modification MOD 3 to extend Pit 8 at the Wilpinjong Coal Mine and encourage that the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure approve this modification.

I have worked at Wilpinjong for 15 years now over these 15 year i have seen countless times where they been involved in community projects and supporting local business aswell as many local charities. Like many other Employees peabody has given me an opportunity to purchase a house and car and Raise a family in the local community I support this new proposal and many more hopefully to extend the life of the mine and my careerer I find Peabody to be a responsible and safe Employer taking environmental issues seriously and putting the local community first

I strongly believe in the importance of the extension to the life of wilpinjong coal mine for the Mid-Western region, i am a born and raised person of the region i have seen the direct benefits of the mining industry being in our area, it has consistently brought families to the area and supported the local economy stimulating pretty amazing growth in even just the 30 years of my life.

Mining is the most important industry in the midwestern region it has a economic output of around $6.1 billion dollars which is roughly double that of the next 9 other top grossing industries combined, Wilpinjong itself injected $569 million into the NSW economy and the estimated $96 million in wages support the various other industries in the Mid-Western region greatly.

The expansion of Wilpinjong mine allows myself and my family to stay in this wonderful town. The mine is a great supporter of the community, contributing to many of the towns sporting and community events, charities and are working hard to improve the current shortage of GP’s in the area. The extension of this mine is essential to continuing the growth of the town by employing over 700 people and contributing $93 million dollars in wages which means greater financial outcomes and more investment in the community, and local business.

Coal will continue be the base load of energy requirement and one of the cheapest forms in the energy mix. Wilpinjong mine of Peabody has been one of the proponents of social and environmental cause since it started the mine in Mudgee region. By extending the mine life, we will be supporting the jobs, community and lives dependent on coal mining in regional Australia. Moreover, Australia will continue to have the export earnings which ultimately support schools, hospitals, infrastructure around nation.

This project will ensure the Mudgee community and economy benefits from the money put back into the community by Peabody. Local vendors will still thrive with the business they do with the local mining company’s.
Wilpinjong also injected 596 million dollars into the Australian economy, which I am sure goes towards local infrastructure and towards future projects which will help keep this country great.
The extension will allow me to keep working in this area and will allow me to continue to support my family financially.
This mine extension is critical to the Mudgee region and will keep over 800 people employed

Employment Opportunities: The mine is credited with providing long-term direct and indirect jobs across the Mid-Western region, including towns like Mudgee and Gulgong.

Local Business Growth: Expansion has reportedly led to increased turnover and staffing for local suppliers and contractors, boosting profitability and consumer spending.

Infrastructure and Services: The economic ripple effect has supported improvements in local services, amenities, and facilities, enhancing overall community wellbeing.

Wilpinjong has given me the means to be able to provide for my family and help me invest in the local econmy

I strongly support the proposed extension of Pit 8 at Wilpinjong Coal Mine. This modification is not only essential for the continued success of the mining operation but also represents a strategic investment in the future of the Mid-Western Region—economically, socially, and educationally.

Generational Employment and Economic Resilience
Wilpinjong has provided stable employment across generations, allowing families to build careers and futures within their own communities. This generational employment is a rare and valuable asset in regional Australia. Each year, Wilpinjong contributes approximately $96 million in wages for the 605 staff, directly supporting hundreds of local families and injecting significant economic activity into the region. Without the continuation of mining operations, the opportunity for young people to remain in the region and build meaningful careers diminishes significantly, and the broader community risks losing a key driver of long-term stability and prosperity.

Dual-Income Support for Rural, Tourism, and Retail Families
Wilpinjong plays a vital role in supporting families across rural, tourism, and retail sectors—particularly during challenging periods such as drought or economic downturns. For many farming families, mining provides a reliable second income that enables them to continue agricultural operations and remain on the land. Similarly, families involved in the tourism industry—such as those operating accommodation or hospitality services—benefit from the financial stability that mining offers. Tourism can be variable and sometimes unpredictable, and the presence of a steady mining income allows these families to maintain and grow their businesses.
Retail families also benefit significantly from the mine’s presence. Local shops, service providers, and small businesses rely on the consistent economic activity and population stability that mining supports. Wilpinjong also engages with over 1,200 suppliers and 100 contractors, many of them local, further stimulating business activity and creating flow-on benefits throughout the region. Without this foundation, many retail businesses would struggle to remain viable. This dual-income model has proven essential in helping families stay resilient, diversify their livelihoods, and contribute to the broader regional economy.

Generational Education and Regional Advancement
This extension is also an opportunity to continue to invest in the future knowledge base of our region. The economic stability provided by mining allows families to pursue educational opportunities, such as those offered by the Country Universities Centre (CUC) Mudgee Region) and other local initiatives. Wilpinjong has entered into a multi-year agreement with the CUC, helping to support this vital resource within the community. The centre provides a pathway to tertiary education for students who may not wish to relocate or who lack the financial means to do so, ensuring that higher education is accessible, equitable, and locally supported.
Importantly, this creates a pathway for generational education, where young people not only upskill but return to the region to provide essential services. This is the best way forward: building a stronger, smarter, and more self-sufficient & sustaining community. Without a strong economic foundation, this potential is lost.
We are already experiencing the effects of a skilled workforce shortage, most notably the lack of doctors and other essential professionals. Wilpinjong recognises the criticality of this issue and has joined with the two other major coal mines in the region to provide economic assistance to the “Doctors 4 Mudgee Region” program. This collaborative initiative has successfully recruited doctors to the area, helping to restore vital health services and improve community wellbeing.
These efforts are part of Wilpinjong’s broader commitment to community development. Over the past 10 years, Wilpinjong has supported more than 160 organisations, contributing over $1.2 million to local initiatives that enhance education, health, infrastructure, and community development. This investment reflects a long-term vision for a thriving, well-supported regional community.
For other industries to thrive, we must have the fundamental services and skills in place to support them. Mining provides the economic base that makes this possible.

Reversing the Decline Seen in Other NSW Towns
This project also gives our region the opportunity to continue to reverse the decline seen in many small NSW rural towns that are experiencing population loss, economic stagnation, and service withdrawal. By securing long-term employment and investing in education and infrastructure, we can retain our population, attract skilled professionals, and build a vibrant, sustainable future. The Pit 8 extension is a rare opportunity to strengthen our region rather than watch it fade.

The Pit 8 extension is not just about mining—it’s about securing the future of our region. It supports families, sustains industries, enables education, and builds long-term opportunity. I urge decision-makers to approve this modification and continue supporting the growth and prosperity of the Mid-Western Region.

I strongly support the proposed coal mine extension as it will provide significant economic and social benefits to our region. The project will create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, supporting local families and businesses, while contributing millions in royalties and taxes that fund essential services. The mine has a proven record of responsible environmental management and community engagement, and the extension ensures continued investment in our local infrastructure. With global demand for high-quality Australian coal remaining strong, this project is vital for energy security, regional stability, and sustaining our workforce. I fully support the extension’s approval and timely progression.

Good Morning
I am writing to object to the MOD 3 - Pit 8 Extension.
My reasons being -
The Peabody Energy Wilpinjong Coal Mine has approval to mine 16 MT/year to end of 2033. It is a
wholly open cut operation disturbing over 30km2 of farmland and high biodiversity values
between Goulburn River National Park and Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve.
The proposed mine expansion should not be assessed as a modification because it differs
substantially from the current approved mine. Its purpose is to facilitate a much larger
expansion in the near future that surrounds Wollar village.
This ‘modification’ proposal should be assessed as a new project.
Wollar community is preparing to rejuvenate and rebuild including a return of Aboriginal people
through successful land claims. The Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (CWOREZ)
starts at Wollar being the first approved REZ in NSW. Wollar is the starting point for the transition
to clean energy. There should be no more expansion of coal mining.
For more information go to: https://mdeg.org.au/mudgee-coal-alert and overleaf
Key points of objection:
1. Releasing over 25 MT of additional Greenhouse Gas emissions
2. First stage of a bigger mine expansion and should be assessed as a new project
3. Mining to the boundary of Wollar Village
4. Disturbing an additional 155 ha:
• loss of Aboriginal cultural heritage and spiritual landscape for Wiradjuri Nation
• destroying more important habitat for the nationally threatened Large-eared
Pied Bat, Eastern Cave Bat, Regent Honeyeater and Koala
5. Permanently altering and degrading alluvial groundwater sources and surface flows in
the Wollar Creek catchment.
6. Increasing pollution through poorly assessed noise, dust, blasting, onsite coal ignition
7. Increasing social impacts, loss of amenity and ongoing disturbance of rural way of life
8. Slowing the transition to clean energy future – competing with the Central West
Renewable Energy Zone that starts at Wollar
9. This project is not needed to provide regional jobs – there is a huge workforce shortage
for renewable energy projects in the Central West
10. There is no economic justification, the increased climate change impacts will cost more
than public income generated through royalties and taxes

1. Aboriginal cultural heritage impacts
Wilpinjong Mine area is significant for Aboriginal cultural heritage with over 1,000 sites recorded
over many years. There is ample evidence of continuous Wiradjuri occupation of the region with
spiritual connection to country. Mod 3 will cause the destruction of an additional 15 sites.
2. Social impacts
The proposed new area will take open cut mining operations to the boundary of Wollar Village.
Pollution from current mining has caused significant health and well-being impacts on the
Wollar community forcing many people to sell up to Peabody Energy and leave the district. The
depopulation directly attributed to mining has not been addressed. The Social Impact
Management Plan for the current approval identifies that mining and workforce would start
ramping down this year 2025. Remaining community members are preparing to rebuild and
reinvigorate the community. This proposed new expansion adds to future uncertainty and stress
levels further threatening mental health and wellbeing. The Social Impact Assessment
identified seven positive social outcomes if the proposal doesn’t go ahead and only two
negatives.
3. Biodiversity impacts
The proposed extension of mine disturbance will significantly impact two critically endangered
ecological communities (CEEC) and eleven endangered fauna species.
Endangered microbats: The new open cut area contains the highest density of the endangered
Large-eared Pied Bat and Eastern Cave Bat in the region. Two rocky hills will be removed, which
are at the centre of the hotspot. These are critical breeding habitats including known maternity
sites, resulting in a Significant and Irreversible Impact (SAII).
Box Gum Woodland CEEC: The assessment fails to adequately consider indirect impacts from
the proposal on the Box Gum Woodland CEEC and understates the extent of impact. This
community is identified as groundwater dependent. The potential impacts of the proposed
groundwater drawdown is not considered or assessed.
Regent Honeyeater: The proposed expansion will directly remove mapped areas of important
habitat for the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater. There are current records of breeding
activity in the district that are not recognised in the assessment report.
Koala: Impacts on landscape connectivity. Expansion of open-cut mining forms an extensive
and hostile barrier between the locally significant conservation areas of Munghorn Gap Nature
Reserve and Goulburn River National Park. Will remove the closest points of intact remnant
vegetation on the valley floor currently forming stepping stones of habitat between these two
reserves for a wide variety of woodland birds including the Critically Endangered Regent
Honeyeater and mobile fauna like the Endangered Koala.
4. Water Impacts
Will cause a groundwater drawdown of over 20m and loss of groundwater (base)flows to Wollar
Creek of over 21 million litres per year. No monitoring has been done within the area of mine
expansion to establish a baseline or measure impacts from current mining operations in Pit 8.

Terrestrial Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDEs) have not been adequately assessed
including those within the boundary of Wollar Village that provide significant ecological and
aesthetic values.
Wilpinjong Mine has a poor history of water management and modelling by intercepting more
water than predicted. Increased salinity loads of up to 3.5 tonnes salt per day in mine discharge
are a potential downstream water quality impact.
5. Not substantially the same project
The proposed extension should not be assessed as a modification because it is not
substantially the same as the current mine approval:
• Falls outside the current mining lease
• Is part of a larger expansion project
• Mines to Wollar Village boundary
• Encroaches on Wollar Creek catchment
• Destroys an endangered microbat hotspot
• Causes additional biodiversity impacts under Federal environmental law
• Destroys a new area of Aboriginal cultural heritage significance
6. Not Justified
The proposal has been assessed to contribute $21 million of net public benefit. This would not
cover the costs of current climate change generated extreme weather events. The additional
greenhouse gas emissions will cause a greater public cost.
There is no need for extended coal mining in the region to provide local jobs. Mining is
competing for skilled labour urgently required in the construction, housing and renewable
energy industries. There is a major labour shortage in the Central West with local workers
needed for the CWO REZ construction.
The NSW Government has prioritised the Central West Future Jobs and Investment Authority to
manage the transition away from coal mining. The Mudgee region has many opportunities to
diversify the economy.
7. Explainer: for those who have viewed assessment reports: The exclusion of Cumbo
Creek realignment and Rocky Hill significant cultural heritage site is a red herring
This is a confusing and cynical exercise on the part of Peabody Energy attempting to offset the
impacts of the proposed mine expansion. Emphasis throughout the assessment reports
focusing on the exclusion of two areas from the existing mine approval creates a level of
confusion and distraction. There is no requirement to seek a modification to leave coal in the
ground. Cumbo Creek was never going to be diverted as too costly and Rocky Hill should never
have been approved for destruction. The belated protection of the significant Rocky Hill cultural
heritage site under the current approval for Pit 8 should not detract from the destruction of an
additional 15 sites within the proposed mine expansion.

Please help save what is left of our farmlands, flora and fauna.
So many are depending on your decision.

Sincerely

Julie Reid

The Peabody Energy Wilpinjong Coal Mine has approval to mine 16 MT/year to end of 2033. It is a
wholly open cut operation disturbing over 30km2 of farmland and high biodiversity values
between Goulburn River National Park and Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve.
The proposed mine expansion should not be assessed as a modification because it differs
substantially from the current approved mine. Its purpose is to facilitate a much larger
expansion in the near future that surrounds Wollar village.
This ‘modification’ proposal should be assessed as a new project

My primary points of objection are:
Key points of objection:
1. Releasing over 25 MT of additional Greenhouse Gas emissions
2. First stage of a bigger mine expansion and should be assessed as a new project
3. Mining to the boundary of Wollar Village
4. Disturbing an additional 155 ha:
• loss of Aboriginal cultural heritage and spiritual landscape for Wiradjuri Nation
• destroying more important habitat for the nationally threatened Large-eared
Pied Bat, Eastern Cave Bat, Regent Honeyeater and Koala
5. Permanently altering and degrading alluvial groundwater sources and surface flows in
the Wollar Creek catchment.
6. Increasing pollution through poorly assessed noise, dust, blasting, onsite coal ignition
(spontaneous combustion), lighting and water contamination
7. Increasing social impacts, loss of amenity and ongoing disturbance of rural way of life
8. Slowing the transition to clean energy future – competing with the Central West
Renewable Energy Zone that starts at Wollar
9. This project is not needed to provide regional jobs – there is a huge workforce shortage
for renewable energy projects in the Central West
10. There is no economic justification, the increased climate change impacts will cost more
than public income generated through royalties and taxes

I object to the project on the following grounds. The project should not be approved.
1. Aboriginal cultural heritage impacts
We must stop desecrating precious Aboriginal heritage. The Wilpinjong Mine area is significant for Aboriginal cultural heritage with over 1,000 sites recorded over many years. There is ample evidence of continuous Wiradjuri occupation of the region with spiritual connection to Country. Mod 3 will cause the destruction of an additional 15 sites. That is completeluy unacceptable.
2. Social impacts
We need to put people ahead of profit. The proposed new area will take open cut mining operations to the boundary of Wollar Village. Pollution from current mining has caused significant health and well-being impacts on the Wollar community, forcing people to sell up to Peabody Energy and leave the district. The depopulation directly attributed to mining has not been addressed. The Social Impact Management Plan for the current approval identifies that mining and workforce would start ramping down this year. Remaining community members are preparing to rebuild and reinvigorate the community. This proposed expansion adds to future uncertainty and stress levels further threatening mental health and wellbeing. The Social Impact Assessment identified seven positive social outcomes if the proposal doesn’t go ahead and only two negatives.
3. Biodiversity impacts
We are facing a biodiversity crisis. One of the chief contributors is loss of habitat. We simply must stop clearing land. The proposed extension of mine disturbance will significantly impact two critically endangered ecological communities (CEEC) and eleven endangered fauna species. In particular the proposed new open cut area contains the highest density of the endangered Large-eared Pied Bat and Eastern Cave Bat in the region. Two rocky hills, which are at the centre of the endangered bat hotspot, would be removed. These are critical breeding habitats including known maternity sites, resulting in a Significant and Irreversible Impact.
Further, the assessment fails to adequately consider indirect impacts from the proposal on the Box Gum Woodland CEEC and understates the extent of impact. This community is identified as groundwater dependent. The potential impacts of the proposed groundwater drawdown is not considered or assessed.
The proposed expansion will also directly remove mapped areas of important habitat for the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater. That is completely unacceptable.There are current records of breeding activity in the district that are not recognised in the assessment report.
Finally, on biodiversity impacts, there is the loss of connectivity, critical for endangered species to have any hope of being able to respond to the impact of climate change. Expansion of open-cut mining forms an extensive and hostile barrier between the locally significant conservation areas of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and Goulburn River National Park. The project will remove the closest points of intact remnant vegetation on the valley floor currently forming stepping stones of habitat between these two reserves for a wide variety of woodland birds including the Critically Endangered Regent Honeyeater and mobile fauna like the Endangered Koala.
4. Water Impacts
The proposal will cause a groundwater drawdown of over 20m litres annually, and loss of groundwater (base) flows to Wollar Creek of over 21 million litres per year. No monitoring has been done within the area of mine expansion to establish a baseline or measure impacts from current mining operations in Pit 8.
Terrestrial Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDEs) have not been adequately assessed including those within the boundary of Wollar Village that provide significant ecological and aesthetic values. Wilpinjong Mine has a poor history of water management and modelling, and has intercepted more water than predicted. Increased salinity loads of up to 3.5 tonnes of salt daily in mine discharge are a potential downstream water quality impact.
5. A misleading proposal
The proposed extension should not be assessed as a modification because it is not substantially the same as the current mine approval.
First, it falls outside the current mining lease, that is a powerful indicator that it should be treated as a new project. Secondly it is the first step as part of a larger expansion project.
The proposal is also misleading because the purported exclusion of the Cumbo Creek realignment and Rocky Hill significant cultural heritage site is a red herring This is a cynical exercise of attempting to ‘offset’ the impacts of the proposed new mine. The assessment reports focus repeatedly on the ‘exclusion’ of two areas from the existing mine approval, and this serves only to confuse the reader. There is no requirement to seek a modification to leave coal in the ground. Cumbo Creek was never going to be diverted as it would be too costly, and Rocky Hill should never have been approved for destruction. The belated protection of the significant Rocky Hill cultural heritage site under the current approval for Pit 8 should not detract from the destruction of an additional 15 sites within the proposed mine expansion.
6. No public benefit
The proposal has been assessed to contribute $21 million of net public benefit. This would not cover the costs of current climate change generated extreme weather events. The additional greenhouse gas emissions will cause a greater public cost. There is no need for extended coal mining in the region to provide local jobs. Mining is competing for skilled labour urgently required in the construction, housing and renewable energy industries. There is a major labour shortage in the Central West with local workers needed for the CWO REZ construction. The NSW Government has prioritised the Central West Future Jobs and Investment Authority to manage the transition away from coal mining. The Mudgee region has many opportunities to diversify the economy.

I object to the Project.
“Facilitating ecologically sustainable development and promoting the social and economic welfare of the community are key concepts of the EP&A Act, and integral components of strategic planning and development assessment.” Cumulative Impact Assessment Guidelines for State Significant Projects https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-03/cumulative-impact-assessment-guidelines-for-ssp.pdf
If the Government is true to its word, the Wilpinjong Coal Mine Mod3 – Pit 8 Extension should be refused.
The Project will directly contribute to furthering climate fuelled, extreme weather events across the Nation.
The most recent Global Tipping Points Report advises the first “tipping point” for the earth has now been reached ( https://global-tipping-points.org/ ). The Report urges for a new development model which capitalises on low-carbon and climate resilient solutions. The Report highlights the fact that projects like the Wilpinjong Modification must be avoided. “Unprecedented decarbonisation, rapid mitigation of methane emissions and other short-lived climate pollutants and fast scaling of sustainable carbon removal from the atmosphere” are required to prevent the cascading effects of each tipping point.
World demand for coal is projected to decline due the ongoing global transition to renewable energy, posing an obvious economic risk.
It is not just the citizens of Wollar and the Mudgee district that strongly object to the adverse cumulative impacts another coal mine in their region presents. I live in the MidCoast Council region of the Mid Coast of NSW. We suffered catastrophic climate fuelled bush fires in 2019, catastrophic flooding in 2021 and in May this year, the worst regional flood in recorded history. The repeated climate fuelled destruction of our environment and communities is devastating. Such devastation is greatly fuelled by the continuation of coal mining and the burninig of fossil fuels.
Given the long term climate and environmental costs of extending the Wilpinjong Mine imposes on the State of NSW, and that these costs are not offset by the anticipated and short term economic return gained from royalties, the Project is not in the public interest.
The Project should be refused as it clearly does not promote the social and economic welfare of the local and wider community.

Yours faithfully,
Megan Benson.

The proposal to extend the Mudgee coal mine lacks substantial justification when weighed against its destructive impacts on the local environment, the cultural heritage of the Wiradjuri people, and the well-being of the surrounding community. Expanding the mine would not only exacerbate environmental degradation but also significantly threaten valuable biodiversity, including the habitat of threatened species such as the microbats and the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater. Furthermore, the proposed expansion threatens Wollar Creek, an essential waterway, and would likely lead to additional social distress and division within the local community.

Wollar, the town most directly affected by this coal mine expansion, stands at a critical juncture in Australia’s energy future. Situated at the heart of the Central West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), the region is poised to become a key player in the nation’s transition to renewable energy. Expanding the coal mine would be in direct opposition to this shift toward clean energy, undermining the potential for job creation, innovation, and sustainable development in the area. Rather than investing in outdated, environmentally damaging fossil fuel infrastructure, this region should be leveraging its unique position within the REZ to become a hub for renewable energy generation, which could bring long-term benefits to both the environment and the community.

This proposal, if approved, would not only harm the immediate natural environment and cultural heritage but also hinder the broader efforts to build a sustainable, low-emissions future for Australia. The destruction of Wiradjuri cultural sites—irreplaceable landmarks of cultural and historical significance—should not be taken lightly. These areas are not just physical spaces; they are a living part of the Wiradjuri people’s heritage, deeply tied to their spiritual and social identity. The environmental damage to the biodiversity hotspot surrounding the mine expansion would further jeopardize already vulnerable species, diminishing Australia's natural heritage for future generations.

Additionally, the social impact of such an expansion cannot be overstated. The local community has already been significantly affected by coal mining activities, and further development of the mine would likely increase division and social distress. Many residents of Wollar have expressed concerns about the ongoing health impacts, loss of agricultural land, and general decline in the quality of life. The expansion would only intensify these issues, further eroding the social fabric of the town and leaving behind a legacy of environmental and social harm.

At a time when the world is striving to mitigate the impacts of climate change, we must consider the long-term effects of continuing to invest in coal mining. The expansion of the Mudgee mine is a step backward, perpetuating reliance on fossil fuels rather than embracing the renewable energy solutions that can drive the economic and environmental regeneration of the region.

The people of Wollar, the Wiradjuri nation, and all Australians deserve better than this. Rather than further degradation, we should support the region's transition to clean, sustainable energy solutions that prioritize the well-being of both people and the planet. Expanding the coal mine is a move that is both environmentally and socially unjustifiable. It is time for a more visionary, forward-thinking approach—one that recognizes the true potential of the Central West Renewable Energy Zone and the future it can offer.

Wilpinjong Coal mine, has been a constant support for our small business for many years.
Contributing to keeping 22 Staff employed and allow us to contribute to the community through sponsorship and support for many groups and individuals
The coal industry in Australia continues to support all and every Australian through tax contributions and many other ways. The continued employment by Wilpinjong is a huge investment in the Mid Western region, which will take a significant hit to economy of the region let alone the economy of the adjacent region of the Hunter valley if the product does not go through.
Wilpinjong continues to support us as a business and we hope that this continues moving forward with the continuation of the Pit 8 Extension

I oppose approval of the request to extend MOD3-Pit 8 for the following reasons: First, it will involve the release of over 25MT of additional Greenhouse gas emissions, thus impacting on the world's climate. Second, it represents the first stage of a larger mine expansion and thus should be assessed as a new project. Third, it will involve mining to the boundary of Wollar Village with likely significant health and well-being impacts on the Wollar community. Fourth, by disturbing an additional 155 ha it will lead to the loss of Aboriginal cultural heritage and spiritual landscape for the Wiradjuri Nation because over 1,000 sites have already been recorded over many years and Mod 3 will cause the destruction of an additional 15 sites.