MOD 3 - Pit 8 Extension

Submission Opposing the Moolarben Coal Mine Extension Project

To: NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
Subject: Objection to the Moolarben Coal Mine Extension Project (SSD-6764-Mod-3)
From: Phill Branford
Date: 23/10/2025

1. Climate and Policy Incompatibility
Approving further coal expansion directly contradicts NSW and Australia’s commitments to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The proposed extension would facilitate the extraction and combustion of millions of additional tonnes of thermal coal, adding millions of tonnes of CO₂ to the atmosphere over coming decades.
In a time of accelerating climate impacts, expanding fossil fuel extraction is contrary to scientific evidence and global economic direction.

2. Water and Environmental Impacts
The Moolarben area lies within the Goulburn River catchment, which supports critical ecosystems and agricultural land. Mining has already caused substantial groundwater drawdown, subsidence, and contamination risks. Extending the mine would perpetuate these impacts, threatening both biodiversity and the water security of nearby farms and communities.

3. Biodiversity and Habitat Loss
The proposed extension would destroy further areas of native vegetation and habitat for threatened species such as the Regent Honeyeater and the Glossy Black-Cockatoo. These habitats are already under pressure from previous mining, drought, and climate stress. Approving additional clearing and disturbance would further fragment this landscape and accelerate biodiversity loss.

4. Community Health and Wellbeing
Communities around Mudgee and Ulan have lived with dust, blasting vibration, noise, and heavy traffic for decades. Extending the mine means extending this burden — with direct consequences for respiratory health, mental wellbeing, and the liveability of the region. Residents deserve relief, not another decade of disruption.

5. Economic Comparison: Coal Mining vs. Renewable Energy Development
Short-Term Coal Gains vs. Long-Term Regional Prosperity

Coal mining delivers short-term construction jobs and royalties, but these decline sharply once the resource is exhausted.
By contrast, renewable energy investment is now the dominant driver of new regional economic activity across NSW — particularly through the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (CWO REZ), which directly overlaps the broader Mudgee and Dubbo region.

The Central-West Orana REZ
According to the NSW Government and EnergyCo (2025):
The REZ will attract up to $20–25 billion in private investment by around 2030.
It will support approximately 5,000 construction jobs and hundreds of long-term operational roles.
It will deliver over $3 billion in net benefits to NSW electricity consumers and hundreds of millions of dollars in community funding over its lifetime.
These investments are already being delivered and will continue expanding for the next two decades. They provide future-proof employment, regional supply-chain activity, and community benefit payments that will far exceed what any single coal-mine extension can offer.

Employment Quality and Duration
Coal mining jobs are finite, tied to extraction cycles, and increasingly uncertain as export demand declines.
Renewable energy jobs are growing across construction, electrical, civil, environmental, and maintenance fields, with transferable skills for younger workers. The REZ model ensures decades of staged development, offering continuous employment and local contracting opportunities.

Regional Transition
The Central-West Orana region is already positioning itself as the energy heart of NSW’s renewable future. Continuing to approve new coal expansions undermines investor confidence and risks delaying this transition. Every dollar and worker tied up in extending old mines is a dollar and worker not available for the industries of the future.

6. Economic Prudence and Public Interest
Extending the Moolarben Mine locks the region into a high-risk, high-emissions path that runs counter to the state’s economic direction. With renewables now cheaper, cleaner, and more jobs-intensive per dollar invested, the extension does not represent a sound or sustainable economic decision for NSW taxpayers or communities.

Conclusion:
The Moolarben Coal Mine Extension would prolong environmental harm, jeopardize regional water systems, and delay the inevitable transition already underway through the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone.
Rejecting this proposal would protect our environment, align with NSW climate commitments, and support a just transition toward renewable industries that offer enduring prosperity and employment for regional communities.

I therefore urge the Department to refuse approval for the Moolarben Coal Mine Extension Project.

Sincerely,
Phill Branford

This modification will keep 605 high paying jobs in the Mudgee community. Continue to inject $569M into the NSW economy plus provide training opportunities for apprentices and trainees.

Once mining is complete the land is rehabilitated and there are specific areas for native animals and native flora . A good example of this is the winning of the NSW mining environmental excellence award in 2024!

How can you say no to this project!

I am writing to express my support for the proposed extension of the Wilpinjong coal mine.

My family and I moved to this area 15 years ago for work opportunities created by the mine. Over time, we’ve become part of the local community — we’ve built our lives here, raised our children here, and take great pride in calling this region home.

I am employed by a local subcontractor that supplies services to the mine. The continued operation of the mine not only supports my employment but also sustains many local businesses, families, and community services that rely on the flow-on economic benefits.

The mine has played a vital role in keeping our town strong and stable. Extending its life means continued job security for local workers, ongoing business for local suppliers, and a stable future for families like ours.

I strongly support the extension of the mine’s operation and the continued investment in our local community.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed extension and expansion of Peabody Energy’s Wilpinjong coal mine in mid-western NSW.

Parents for Climate represents over 25,000 parents, grandparents and carers from across Australia, including 2,000 from regional NSW. We strongly oppose the proposed MOD 3 expansion due to its detrimental impacts on our climate, environment, community and economy, both directly and also by delaying the transition towards clean energy.

More coal mining will greatly harm our climate

As Australia’s leading organisation for parents advocating for a safe climate, Parents for Climate is deeply concerned by Peabody Energy’s proposed extraction of an additional 14 million tonnes of coal. This expansion alone is expected to release an estimated 25-68 Mt CO2-e of additional greenhouse gas emissions.


It is well established and acknowledged at all levels of government in Australia that the burning of fossil fuels is causing the climate to change at an historically unprecedented rate. Climate change is destabilising our life support systems and is already having massive negative ramifications on health, well-being and lifestyles.

Peabody’s proposal will significantly increase NSW greenhouse gas emissions, which were 111 Mt CO2-e in 2022. This will strain our already devastated climate, and by extending Peabody’s coal mining operations until 2034, severely undermines both state and federal government targets of reducing emissions by 62-70% on 2005 levels by 2035, and achieving Net Zero by 2050.

Degradation of Wollar Creek, groundwater and biodiversity

The Wilpinjong Coal Mine currently spans over 30km2 of farmland and high biodiversity values between Goulburn River National Park and Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. The proposed expansion will impact an additional 155 hectares, to the detriment of local wildlife and farmland. The endangered large-eared pied bat, eastern cave bat and the critically endangered regent honeyeater species are particularly threatened by the removal of important breeding habitats in the area.

Healthy, biodiverse ecosystems are natural carbon sinks that are critical to mitigating climate change. But despite various government commitments and programmes of work over the years, Australian biodiversity is in decline. Our children and our environment deserve better. We cannot allow multinationals to continue to exploit Australian ecosystems for financial gain.

Social impacts on the Wollar community

The Wollar community has suffered greatly since Peabody Energy opened its Wilpinjong mine in 2006. While the company boasts of having created 605 jobs, many of these workers are short-term residents who are housed in temporary accommodation.

In reality, census data shows that Wollar’s population has fallen from more than 300 to 52 in 2021. Local families have been driven out of the area by air pollution, noise, and Peabody’s acquisition of local houses and businesses, ultimately resulting in the closure of Wollar Public School in 2023. In the words of Mudgee nursery manager and grandmother Alison Smiles-Schmidt: “Our school is empty because the state and federal governments put coal above the needs of our children … 350 people once lived in Wollar, before Peabody’s Wilpinjong coalmine was allowed to destroy the countryside and our town.”

Peabody’s proposed expansion brings open-cut mining right up to the northern boundary of Wollar Village, and is a slap in the face for residents who have spent the past 20 years working to protect and rebuild their community. Hundreds of Aboriginal sites also would be destroyed, representing a profound loss for Wiradjuri and Australia’s cultural heritage.

No economic justification for destruction

While Parents for Climate understands that the Department must consider community concerns alongside Australia’s broader economic interests, we assert that there is no economic justification for Peabody Energy’s proposed Wilpinjong MOD 3 expansion.

With Australia shifting towards renewable energy, we do not need more Wilpinjong coal on shore. As of 2022, Wilpinjong supplied 70 per cent of its coal to the Bayswater and Liddell Power Stations. Liddell has since shut down, and Bayswater will close by 2030-2033.

There is no need for new coal in Australia nor overseas. As clearly stated by the traditionally conservative International Energy Agency in 2021: “Beyond projects already committed as of 2021, there are no new oil and gas fields approved for development in our pathway, and no new coal mines or mine extensions are required.”

Besides the multinational Peabody Energy and its shareholders, no one gains from the extension and expansion of Wilpinjong mine: not Australian workers, nor industry, taxpayers, and the global population who all suffer the impacts of economic uncertainty and a worsening climate crisis.

With the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (CWOREZ) works now underway in the region, Peabody’s proposed MOD 3 expansion puts unnecessary additional strain on the local workforce, which is already in the early stages of pivoting towards the opportunities and demands of a clean energy industry. MOD 3 and any further coal mining expansions in Wilpinjong must be rejected to provide economic certainty around Australia’s Net Zero transition.

For all the above reasons, with the interests of Australian families and children at heart, Parents for Climate submits that the NSW Government must not approve Peabody Energy’s Wilpinjong MOD 3 - Pit 8 Extension proposal. We would be pleased to provide further information, including input from our supporter base and trusted experts in our network.

About Parents for Climate

Parents for Climate is Australia’s leading voice for families advocating climate solutions that
safeguard our children’s future. We represent tens of thousands of parents and carers from
across the country from across the political spectrum, across all Australian electorates, and from varied socio-economic positions.

We seek non-partisan responses to climate change and its impacts, and want smart, equitable and future-focused reforms that improve economic wellbeing and protect the next generation from escalating climate harms. We advocate for Australian governments and businesses to take urgent action to cut Australia’s carbon emissions to net zero as quickly as possible. We encourage Australia to take a leadership role on the world stage, leading by example and calling for other nations to take the necessary action to protect our children’s futures.

I support the approval of the Wilpinjong Mine extension. The project will sustain regional jobs and economic stability until 2034, while maintaining environmental standards by avoiding disturbance to sensitive sites like Cumbo Creek and Rocky Hill. The proposed measures, including improved water and waste management, demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability. The project aligns with NSW government policies and legislative requirements, ensuring responsible resource development. Extensive stakeholder engagement, including Indigenous communities, reflects a transparent and inclusive process. Overall, this extension offers economic, social, and environmental benefits, supporting regional growth and energy security in a responsible manner.

I wish to express support for the Wilpinjong Coal Extension Project. The operation is a major regional employer, providing hundreds of secure local jobs and contracting opportunities that sustain families and small businesses across the region. The project also contributes significantly to the NSW economy through royalties, rates, and investment in local infrastructure and businesses, while supporting community initiatives, training programs, and essential services. Continued operation of Wilpinjong will ensure economic stability, workforce continuity, and the ongoing social and financial vitality of nearby towns such as Mudgee and Wollar. With responsible environmental management already demonstrated on site, the extension represents a balanced and necessary step for regional prosperity and energy security.

The use of coal is winding down worldwide. So the destruction of trees and wildlife habitat isn't acceptable. The local people are against the proposal, there is a shortage of labour in and around Mudgee. As the Late Pope Francis said we are digging our own grave (mining) .What are we leaving future generations to deal with heating up with greenhouse gases increasing . We need to find more environmentally friendly ways living. Extending the mining is not one of them 😒

OBJECTION TO: Wilpinjong Coal Mine Mod 3 – Pit 8 Extension

I most strongly object to this proposed “extension” for a variety of reasons and matters of major concern which I shall briefly summarise under the following heads for your consideration.

1. The Present Situation
At this point in time, 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.

2. This is not an extension, but stage one of a new, much larger and even more massively damaging project.
The proposed mine expansion should not be assessed as just a modification or adjustment, because it differs substantially from the current approved mine; and its overriding purpose is to facilitate a much larger development in the near future. Even as it stands, this proposal raises a number of deeply concerning issues in that it:
• Falls outside the current mining lease.
• Is “launch pad” part of a larger expansion project.
• Mines to Wollar Village boundary.
• Encroaches on Wollar Creek catchment.
• Destroys an endangered microbat habitat and breeding hotspot.
• Causes additional biodiversity impacts under Federal environmental law.
• Destroys a new area of Aboriginal cultural heritage significance.
• Significantly and dangerously increases greenhouse gas emissions, further exacerbating the sharp acceleration of global heating and the intensifying catastrophic potential of climate change; the existential criticality of which has been greatly enhanced by the statement of 28 October 2025 [Today] by the United Nations’ Secretary-General. This aspect is dealt with in point 8 below.

3. The project stands totally at odds with current redevelopment plans for Wollar.
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.

4. 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. Just Mod 3 will cause the destruction of an additional 15 sites.

5. 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 by the proponent.
The Social Impact Management Plan for the current approval identifies that mining and workforce would start ramping down this year, i.e. 2025. As a direct result of that prior understanding, the remaining community members are preparing to rebuild and reinvigorate the community.
This proposed new expansion adds massively to future uncertainty and stress levels, further threatening mental health and wellbeing.
The Social Impact Assessment identified seven (7) positive social outcomes if the proposal does NOT go ahead; and only two (2)somewhat hypothetical negatives.

6. Environmental Impacts
The proposed extension of mine disturbance will significantly impact two critically endangered ecological communities (CEEC) and eleven endangered fauna species.

- Endangered microbats: 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 would be removed, which are critical breeding habitats, including known maternity sites, resulting in a Significant and Irreversible Impact (SAII).

- Box Gum Woodland CEEC: The assessment both fails to adequately consider indirect impacts from the proposal on the Box Gum Woodland CEEC. and significantly understates the extent of impact.
This community is identified as groundwater dependent. Yet, deplorably, the potential impacts of the proposed groundwater drawdown are not considered; and are not 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 - but these are not recognised in the assessment report.

- Koala, etc - 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. The proposed expansion would remove the closest points of intact remnant vegetation on the valley floor, which currently provide important “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.

7. Water Impacts
The extension here proposed would 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. 3
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, which has been demonstrated by its intercepting more water than was initially indicated.
Increased salinity is a significant concern; loads of up to 3.5 tonnes salt per day in mine discharge are a potential downstream water quality impact.

8. Global Heating and Intensifying Climate Change Impacts
The proposal is estimated to release more than 25 MT of additional greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.
With or without a legislated “climate trigger” as decided in the judgement of a recent legal case, it is essential, in terms of the existential nature of the crises which we face, (of global heating, climate change, and environmental collapse which not only affect the future of human society, but of the stability and continuance of all life on the earth) that the environmental impacts and implications of each and every such affecting project be most carefully weighed in any decision to proceed.
Surely any decision must take heed also of the clear determination by the International Energy Agency, more than two years ago, that if humanity is to have any remaining chance of holding global heating within the critical 1.5-degree limit, there must be NO new fossil fuel exploitation sites approved, nor any significant expansions of any existing sites.
Perilously, here and in much of the other countries that exordium has been repeatedly ignored.
But it has been ignored to our great peril; as evident from the statements this morning by the Secretary-General of the United Nations Organisation, to advise that humanity has failed the mortal challenge, and has carelessly crashed through that 1.5-degree safety limit, into certain disaster. [see: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/28/change-course-now-humanity-has-missed-15c-climate-target-says-un-head ]
The only sane and sustainable course (to be considered in forthcoming COP 30 Meeting 6-9 November 2025, must be to stop any new sources of climate pollution; and to stop as many as possible still in the pipeline.
This present proposal (and its envisaged further extension) is clearly one of these and should proceed no further.
The proposal has been assessed to contribute $21 million of net public benefit. However, 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 downside.

9. Fallacious Nature of Jobs and Developmental Benefits Claimed in this Proposal.

There is in actuality no need for extended coal mining in the region to provide local jobs.
Mining is already 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.

10. In Conclusion:
This Proposal should most certainly be rejected.


Thank you for the opportunity to contribute my views to the consideration process.

Rupert Macgregor
28th October 2025

See attached document for full submission. Should approval be contemplated, it must include the attached conditions and the full compensation package. We may be willing to withdraw our objections to the project, dependent on the level of compensation proposed. We would be happy to begin immediate discussions regarding compensation and settlement arrangements by being contacted by email.

I strongly object to Peabody expanding their Wilpinjong coal mine right to the boundary of Wollar village. The continuing pursuit of Australia's coal project and the direction in which this government is taking us, beggars belief. Clearly there is no point in describing to you the devastation that mining wreaks on the environment so I won't bother. I must say, it is very hard to have decisions made in NSW Parliament by people so divorced from environmental health — unaware of the toxic impacts of mining on water, food, air in an immediate sense and the long term climactic damage that we are all well aware of. How do we talk to decision makers when their thinking is designed to blinker them from anything but an economic imperative, despite catastrophic outcome. "One day everyone will have always been against this" Omar El Akkad — a book worth reading as it describes that moment when you turn on the tap in your safe city residences and no water comes out.

So instead let us focus on technical and legal challenges to "mining extensions" when clearly the use of extensions are being used to bypass the more rigorous assessments if the project was classified as a wholly new project.
It is not substantially the same project as the current mine approval because it:
• 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

Please think carefully about this project because the vision of the current NSW Government that Central West NSW be some kind of mining hub is not compatible with the hopes and dreams of the local residents. Of course you are welcome to try and relocate everyone to some coastal villages but you will still need to work out where to get your food/water/weekends away.

I wish to make the following submission to the – Wilpinjong Mod 3 expansion project.
Upon knowing that this project will be releasing over 25 MT of additional greenhouse gas emissions, I was shocked. I think the public would be shocked.

It has been explained to me that this is about the same amount that all transport in NSW emits per year (28 MT). While I scrape and save to purchase an electric vehicle and use public transport wherever I can to reduce my individual footprint, a approval for the mod 3 phase of the Wilpinjong mine, makes my individual efforts seem in vain.

We are currently in a climate emergency - every tiny degree of warming counts. Every megatonne of emissions count. We must draw the line at no more coal.

This project will jeopardise our climate targets.
It seems that this is in fact not a modification, but:

• Falls outside the current mining lease
• Is part of a larger expansion project,

and as such should be considered a new mine project.

The current mine has had serious impacts on the physical and mental health of the Wollar community – causing depletion of the town’s spirit and population.
There is much evidence that Peabody has not acted as a good corporate citizen.

Additionally, it is already destroying habitat of the nationally threatened Large-eared Pied Bat, Eastern Cave Bat, Regent Honeyeater and Koala. This is without question and deplorable.

Mod 3 will cause the destruction of an additional 15 Wirajuri significant sites. The cumulative impact of mining on Wiradjuri Country has been described as “‘eroding’ the Wiradjuri cultural landscape, bit by bit.”

This Mod 3 proposal will severely impact the quality of groundwater and it’s flows. It is a grave and detrimental project for our clean energy transition, which most clear thinking people, value and prioritise.

I implore you to reject the Wilpinjong Mod 3 proposal.

This modification 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. Wollar is also the starting point for the transition to clean energy. There should be no more expansion of coal mining.
This project is not needed to provide regional jobs as there is currently a shortage of available workforce for renewable energy projects in the Central West.
There is no economic justification, the increased climate change impacts will cost more than public income generated through royalties and taxes.

This proposal is a NEW coal mine, not merely a modification to an existing mine. It should be assessed as such.
It will have unacceptable adverse impacts on the natural heritage of the region and the social integrity of the Wollar community, and the connection to Country of the Wiradgerie Nation.
It continues and expands coal mining in a region which has been designated as a renewable clean energy zone, in accordance with NSW policy to transition out of coal mining for reasons of contribution to climate change.
This proposal should not be approved.

To whom it may concern,
I object to the project for the following reasons

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.
3
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 fromthe 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.

Unacceptable and Irreversible Impacts on Biodiversity.
The BDAR states that the Wilpinjong Modification WILL result in the loss of habitat and area of occupancy for Large-eared Pied Bat, Eastern Cave bat, Regent Honeyeater, Koala and Pink-tailed Worm-skink. These impacts cannot be adequately mitigated. Despite the consultants claiming that the impacts will not be irreversible, based on a close examination of the evidence and the cumulative impacts of mining in the district, there is likely to be an irreversible impact on these species.

I have a strong connection to this area. I helped my sister build a house at 310 White Cedars Road, Kains Flat more than 45 years ago. I have been holidaying with (a growing) family and friends here at every opportunity. It is a place that brings people together. From the family home we have frequently visited the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. And we have visited friends in Wollar and on the Goulburn River. This area is very familiar to me and the current level of its destruction due to the Wilpinjong Coal Mine (and others) has become totally unacceptable.

We can hear the mine at night and see it’s eerie glow in the distance over the valley.

Seeing, hearing, feeling the change and damage the coal mine makes is heart wrenching. Obviously, not only for myself but the inestimable loss of habitat and livelihood of native animals and native species is not acceptable. The groundwater, the river and the natural environment is at unacceptable risk.
The pollution, hazardous dust and noise is not acceptable. The proposed expansion/s will devour the surrounds of Wollar as well as its foundations.
The world is headed in a different direction to coal as we know it is the mining of coal that has the greatest negative effect on climate change. The estimated 21 MT of additional greenhouse gases is not acceptable. We all know the effects of climate change are immeasurable.
Peabody Modification Report estimated $21M net benefit to NSW over the life of the project. This is a pittance in the scheme of things and will in no way mitigate the cost to government when climate disasters hit.
For me, coal is dirty, unnecessary, 19th century technology. It is bad for NSW, and bad for the planet and bad for generations of my family who will gather in years to come in what has been a most beautiful and community minded area.
This mine extension should not be approved.

I object to this project because it will only result in adverse outcomes for the people living in Wollar and surrounds, the Wiradjuri people, the Environment, Water, the economy and Mankind.

Adverse Impacts on the people of Wollar and Surrounds .
Coal mining has decimated Wollar's population since the Wilpinjong mine started in 2006 as many villagers left because of health issues. The village subsequently has lost the school , general store , post office and its' wonderful ambience as the valleys around the village have been whittled away by Wilpinjong mining. This project , MOD 3 Pit 8 Exrension if approved, will bring 24 hour open cut mining operations with the associated noise, dust, blasting, on-site coal ignition with the associated toxic gases and bright lights right up to the northern boundary of Wollar village. This will only increase the adverse health and wellbeing effects on the villagers.
This proposed project is particularly insidious for the Wollar community as they are preparing to rejuvenate and rebuild based on the transition to clean renewable energy.The Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, CWOREZ, the first REZ in NSW, begins at Wollar and there is a huge workforce shortage for renewable projects in this area. It is hoped that successful land claims by the Wiradjuri People will lead to further justice and well being in the community.

Adverse Impacts on the Wiradjuri People.
This project will result in the destruction of 15 important sites which is in addition to the sites already destroyed by the existing Wilpinjong mine. The project will continue to disrupt Aboriginal cultural heritage and prevent connection to country. It is unconscionable.

Adverse Impacts on the Environment.
Significant areas of biodiversity will be annihilated if this project proceeds . The project will also disturb farming land. There are 2 Critically Endangered Ecological Communities and 11 endangered fauna species within the 155 hectares of land which the project will destroy. One of these species which will lose habitat is the endangered koala which will also lose the connection between The Goulburn River National Park and Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. This connection is also important for other animals.
The Critically endangered Regent Honeyeater, the vulnerable Eastern Cave Bat and the Endangered Large-eared Pied Bat depend on habitat in the area which will to be destroyed by this mine. This project would be catastrophic for these species. It is estimated that 3 billion animals were killed during the 2019-2020 bushfires. Australia cannot lose further habitat for endangered species.

Adverse impacts on Water
Wollar Creek flows will be changed by this project . This is because of the degradation of alluvial ground water sources and changes to surface water flows in the catchment area of Wollar Creek. Stream flows have already been negatively impacted overall by Climate Change and the project will exacerbate changed stream flows by its' location and by producing more GHGs. Water is vital for life and is a finite resource.This water source must not be further compromised.

Adverse Impacts on the Economy.
The economy of Wollar will be annihilated by the project . The economic loss to Australia will be enormous as increasing GHG emissions will increase global warming which will result in increasing extreme flooding events, bushfires, loss of land, buildings, businesses and deaths.These extreme weather events also result in failures in supply chains, transport and difficulties in providing health and education. This project will have a negative impact on Australia's economy.

Adverse Impacts on Humankind
Green House Gas emissions affect the world's atmosphere regardless of where they are produced. Global warming is caused by GHG emissions.This project will produce 25 MT, 25 million tonnes of GHGs. The world needs less GHGs not more. Australia's temperature has risen by 1.51 plus or minus 0.23 degrees C since 1910 when records began( CSIRO 29.10.2024) . According to NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies in 2023 the average Global temperature has increased by 1.1 degrees C since 1880. This Global Warming has resulted in extreme floods, bush fires and unpredictable weather events .Consequently many people are being displaced, many are loosing their livelihoods and others are loosing their lives.
According to Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, ANU, Andrew King, The University of Melbourne, Nicola Maher, ANU, Wesley Morgan UNSW, 13.10.2025 The Conversation, 876 MT of GHG emissions would result in 484 heat-related deaths in Europe. Using this example the 25 MT of GHG emissions produced by this project will result in 14 heat-related deaths in Europe.

I object to this project because of all of the negative impacts the project will cause.
28.10.2025

Brian Stevens
41 Bonton Rd
Springwood 2777
SSD-6764-Mod-3 Mid-Western Regional
Submision - Extension of existing open-cut mining pits and realignment public infrastructure

Wilpinjong Coal Pty Ltd is seeking a modification to Development Consent (SSD-6764) (as modified) to extend mining operations into the Pit 8 Extension area within Exploration Licence (EL) 9399 and develop associated supporting infrastructure and facilities (the Modification).

I object to approval being granted to this extension of coal mining.

This proposal is for the development of a very large open cut coal mine; it is masquerading as an extension, but should in fact be treated as a new project.
My first objection involves the people of Wollar and surrounds. This “extension” of the Wilpinjong coal mine is proposed to extend to the village boundary, and the intention is to eventually surround Wollar. Already many people have moved away from Wollar and sold out to Peabody. If the proposal goes ahead, life will be impossible in Wollar.
My next objection is in regard to the permanent disruption of groundwater. For some years I have taken an interest in rehabilitation after open cut coal mining. In theory rehabilitation proceeds as the mining proceeds. As mining finishes in one sector, that sector is filled in with spoil that was removed during mining, and the topsoil is replaced. The last sector that is mined is left as a void. I thought perhaps that such rehabilitation might leave the land suitable for agriculture. Traveling through the Hunter Valley, the first thing I noticed is that some open cut coal mines are not being rehabilitated as they progress. I was shown some areas that had been rehabilitated: they are very barren-looking, with no agriculture and no bush regeneration.
Getting back to the groundwater issue: during mining the groundwater has to be kept below the level of the pit. Where this is below natural pre-mining groundwater levels the groundwater must be pumped out. Where will this water go, and what is the water quality? In many places groundwater quality can vary between different aquifers at different levels. In open cut mining the water from all aquifers will mix. Typically coal contains minor iron pyrite and any contained water will be acidic. Pumping the groundwater into a local river system will lead to increased salinity and probably acidity.
Now, permanent disruption of groundwater: Typically the rocks overlying the coal will consist of near-horizontal layers, some layers or lenses will be porous (aquifers), while others will have low porosity and permeability (aquicludes). The ability to access groundwater depends on the existence of aquifers. During the removal of overburden for open cut mining, the porous and non-porous materials are mixed, so that when they are placed back in the mining void there are no longer any lenses or layers of aquifer. The land is permanently degraded.
Incompatibility of fossil fuel mining and renewables. There is a Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone that reaches to Wollar. This is part of an effort to substitute renewable energy for fossil fuels in order to avoid the horrific effects of global warming, effects that are already upon us. Why would we want fossil fuel mining to continue in that very zone that is designated for renewables? It is not only in terms of global warming that the two are incompatible. There is also a workforce factor. Coal mining is competing against renewables for the scarce regional workforce, making the construction of renewables more expensive and in turn increasing electricity prices for NSW consumers.
Flora and fauna. Obviously an open cut mine will have devastating effect on the flora that exist before mining. Some of that may be replaced later from the seed bank in the retained topsoil. The problems for fauna are also very significant. Imagine for example koalas who at present move from one treed area to another across the plains. With an open cut in the way, this would become impossible. I am sur that other submissions will provide information on the effects on other species, including bats and the endangered regent honeyeater.

Yours sincerely
Brian Stevens

I have been past the Wilpinjong on manly occasions. It is now proposed to move right up to the boundary of Wollar village, taking out and additional 150 hectares of vegetation, putting yet more pressure on endangered bats and the regent honeyeater.
Aboriginal cultural heritage will be further destroyed.
It will further reduce Wollar Creek inflows
Most importantly, it will make the climate change impacts worse. The carbon budget for holding the Earth's heating to 1.5 degrees will be exhausted in just 2 years, and 1.5 is effectively out of reach. We are on track for 2.8 degrees, even if current commitments are met, which seems currently unlikely. Approving yet another expansion of coal production is morally incomprehensible.
We need to be getting on with the rollout of renewable energy infrastructure

Wilpinjong mine is my current workplace and provides employment for many people in the region, both directly and indirectly. Winpinjong is a major contributor to Mudgee's economy, not just through the employment opportunities provided but also the flow on effect of money that is spent in the local region. Through my employment I have found Wilpinjong to be a progressive and responsible employer, advocating and raising funds and awareness for multiple charities and community events.