MOD 3 - Pit 8 Extension

The Peabody Wilpinjong Mine is an extremely important part of the local economy and an asset to the community.

There is no justification for this coal mine expansion that will destroy more Wiradjuri cultural heritage sites, destroy a biodiversity hotspot for threatened microbats and critically endangered Regent Honeyeater and impact Wollar Creek, as well as causing more social distress for the community.

Wollar is at the crossroads of the renewable energy transition as the starting point for the Central West Renewable Energy Zone.

I strongly recommend and support the project because I work there and the approval of this project will support my family and the economy in the Mudgee area

I am writing to support the proposed extension of the Wilpinjong Coal Mine (Pit 8 Extension – Modification 3 of SSD-6764). This project is important not just for the region, but for me and my family personally. Here’s why:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Personal and Community Impact
My family lives in the area, and we’ve seen firsthand how the mine supports local jobs and keeps our community strong.

Friends and neighbours work at Wilpinjong—it’s not just a workplace, it’s a lifeline for many households.

The mine helps keep families together by providing employment locally, so people don’t have to move away to find work.

A strong local economy means better schools, services, and opportunities for our kids.

💼 Local Jobs and Economic Stability
The extension will help secure existing jobs and create new ones for people in Mudgee, Gulgong, and surrounding towns.

It supports small businesses that rely on contracts and trade with the mine.

With cost-of-living pressures rising, stable employment is more important than ever.

🏘️ Community Strength
The mine contributes to local events, sports clubs, and community programs—things that bring us together.

Peabody has shown they’re willing to listen and work with the community, which builds trust and cooperation.

Continued operation means continued investment in our region’s future.

🌱 Responsible Development
Environmental impacts are being managed and monitored, with rehabilitation plans in place.

The extension includes updated infrastructure to reduce dust, noise, and water impacts.

⚡ Energy and Strategic Value
Wilpinjong supplies reliable coal for NSW power generation, helping keep energy affordable and consistent.

The mine plays a role in national energy security while supporting regional development.

✅ Final Thoughts
This extension isn’t just about coal—it’s about keeping our community strong, our families supported, and our region thriving.

I fully support the Wilpinjong Coal Mine extension and encourage its approval.

I work there and support a family of six . We need theses jobs

I whole heartedly support Wilpinjongs proposed modification. Due to the economic benefits for the local region and country.

i have live in the Mudgee region all my life Wilpinjong have provide steady employment for myself
which has enabled my family to stay in the region i have grown up in
this extension will provide myself with steady employment which in turn we will continue ti invest in the region

Peabody are a major local employer who contribute largely to the community. Mudgee and the surrounds will face significant employment and economic difficulties without the continued support from Wilpinjong.

Wilpinjong is the perfect example of country mining working hand in hand with the community. Whilst using every possible available labour from the direct community which then injects wages into the roots of country towns.

Wilpinjong coal is very important to the Mudgee and surrounding areas in providing sustainable work for thousands wether in be direct or indirect as is with all the mines in the area

My career depends on the project, many people need and thrive on the mine sight it supports the region in job businesses and income.

Aury Australia Pty Ltd fully supports the proposed Wilpinjong Mine Modification. We recognise the importance of this project in maintaining local employment opportunities, supporting regional economic growth, and ensuring the continued supply of essential resources to Australia’s energy and manufacturing sectors.

As a long-term supplier and service partner to the mining industry, Aury Australia acknowledges Wilpinjong Coal’s commitment to responsible environmental management, operational safety, and community engagement. We are confident that the modification will be implemented in a manner consistent with regulatory requirements and best practice standards.

We commend Peabody Energy and the project team for their transparent approach and ongoing contributions to the local community and broader mining industry.

My Name is James Thompson and I'm writing this letter in support of the project,
I have personally been involved with the wilpinjong site since November 2005, I lived locally in the Cooks Gap area for 10 years, in 2016 i spoke at a PAC hearing in support of the site as i am today.
I'm employed by a locally owned company that supplies labour and services to the coal , Ag and transport industry in mudgee.
Mudgee is a fantastic place to live, visit and support a family.
The mining industry in the Mudgee region is more than just a employer. The engagement with the local business's, sporting teams, men sheds etc is second to none.
Peabody directly supports thousands of family's in the region, this flows on to business's like ours and the team we employ, our suppliers and theirs.
It make zero sense not to allow this development! the knock effect would be shattering for the community.
From my understanding they are only asking for a extension of mine life, this is a no brainer to me! the benefits they provide to the region far exceeds any negative impact. I hope this letter helps people understand the magnitude of this decision and the mid western region is thought about while this is under consideration
kind regards James Thompson

I support the project as it provides a future for my family and many others within the Mudgee community by continuing operations within the region. It brings growth and funding into the town of Mudgee and also surrounding areas through its contributions and community commitment, I would like to see the benefits of this operation and its community commitments not only last for myself, but for my children also.

Wilpinjong Mine is keeping people in our town.

Refer to the attached letter of support.

This project will contribute to local employment, community sponsorships and fundraising, as well as support NSW through its 25% of NSW coal fired power supply. And Nationally the taxes that not only does the mine pay the 700 employees earning above average rates contribute a healthy amount back into the government.
Support the people and the companies that help Australia to still trade with the world.

I support this for my family and all other families that are in this area, we moved here for a better life and we are hoping to make it our forever home. I have made a new life and family here and I would hate to leave.

It’s a betrayal of government’s obligation to protect citizens to permit this massive expansion of coal mining. My objections include:

1. 2. 3. 4. Releasing over 25 MT of additional Greenhouse Gas emissions
First stage of a bigger mine expansion and should be assessed as a new project
Mining to the boundary of Wollar Village
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
Permanently altering and degrading alluvial groundwater sources and surface flows in
the Wollar Creek catchment.
Increasing pollution through poorly assessed noise, dust, blasting, onsite coal ignition
(spontaneous combustion), lighting and water contamination
Increasing social impacts, loss of amenity and ongoing disturbance of rural way of life
Slowing the transition to clean energy future – competing with the Central West
Renewable Energy Zone that starts at Wollar
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.

Do not permit this project. Thank you. Future generations also thank you.

The mine creates Employment for the community an electricity for New South Wales