MOD 3 - Pit 8 Extension

Below, I outline key arguments in favour of supporting Wilpinjong Mine, along with recommended conditions or safeguards.
1. Economic & Jobs Contribution
• As a major regional employer, Wilpinjong provides direct jobs and supports associated businesses (equipment suppliers, maintenance, transport, local services).
• Its operations help stabilise the local and regional economy, injecting income and tax/revenue contributions.
• Extending and modifying operations helps assure continuity for workers and their families, avoiding job losses and economic downturn in the region.
2. Energy Security & Affordability
• Coal remains a key component of Australia’s energy mix. Wilpinjong’s production supports reliable baseload power, helping to stabilise energy prices and buffer against volatility in alternative supply sources.
• Reducing domestic dependence on imports or more expensive energy sources is increasingly important given global energy shocks.
3. Environmental Management & Minimisation of Impact
• Wilpinjong is among the lowest-emission coal operations in its region.
• Their win of an “Environmental Excellence Award” (for innovative support structure to protect microbat roosting) suggests that they have demonstrated environmental initiative.
• The acknowledgement of Aboriginal heritage and undertaking cultural heritage studies is an important step; continued respectful engagement with Traditional Owners is essential.
4. Community Engagement & Social Value
• The mine’s active involvement in local community initiatives—fundraising, returning GP services, donations—shows a willingness to be an accountable part of the community.
• Many of its employees are local, meaning that benefits accrue locally (not just to distant shareholders).
• Continued operations mean more opportunities for apprenticeships, local training, and growth in local capacity.

Summary & Conclusion
In summary, I strongly support Wilpinjong Mine continuing to operate and extending its operating life. The mine provides significant economic, employment, energy security and social benefits to the Mudgee region and beyond. At the same time, responsible oversight must ensure that environmental impacts are minimised, rehabilitation is effective, and Indigenous heritage is respected.

As a long time employee of the mining industry, I have been dealing with all of the mines in the Mudgee Region (Wilpinjong, Moolarben and Ulan) for the past 18 years. I have been able to witness first hand, the positive influence this industry and these companies have on the people and the community. Apart from the obvious, hundreds, if not, thousands of jobs that have been created, as a result of these companies and their continued involvement in a large number of community projects, both physically and financially. Any delay or rejection of this Extension, would only have a negative effect on the people of Mudgee and surrounds, not just the employees but the community as a whole. With so many rural towns struggling to keep their heads above water, because they do not have any large scale businesses in their region and here is a region that has flourished, as a direct result of tehse mining companies. to reject that growth would be a traversty.

This will sustain Wilpinjong’s wider economic benefits including supplying a quarter of the coal generated power in New South Wales, contributing more than half a billion dollars into the State’s economy and paying $96 million in wages. It will help secure jobs for more than 700 of our colleagues and ensure one of Australia’s most productive coal mines continues to be a strength for the business.

I support to extension of wilpinjong mine as it will support the economy and local jobs.

I am in support of this project due to the large amount of jobs it will continue to allow for the communities, the financial positive potential it will hold and the position it will allow myself and family financially to put ourselves in

Wilpinjong continues to provide sustainable employment opportunities to the surrounding communities.
The mine also supports community organizations, sporting groups and economic growth in our local area.
I work at the Wilpinjong Mine and a number of my family and friends have also been employed here over the years.

The extension of Wilpinjong coal mine is a excellent thing for the local community of Mudgee and Gulgong. Many people in the area are employed at the mine and if it were to close many would leave the area. Wilpinjong does many things to support its local community like donations, sporting sponsors ect, there would be a huge loss without it.

I would like to support the application to extend the life of the Wilpinjong mine. The economy, the town, the charities in the district and the local council all benefit enormously from the presence of Peabody and Wilpinjong.

As a life long local looking from the outside of the fence at the existing mine to joining the ranks of Wilpinjongs' workforce some six years ago I can say sincerely that the mining practices and procedures that are in place on the site are focused on safety , sustainability and environmental stewardship. The track record of rehabilitation at the site is among the industries best practice.
In short the mine contributes significantly to the economic and social prosperity of the whole district and they mine in an industry leading manner. Seems to me Peabody can be trusted to do the right thing with the proposed extension. I therefore highly recommend the extension be granted and let the benifits continue.

Regards

Paul Walker

I am writing to lodge my support for the Wilpinjong Mine modification application.
This is a sensible modification to an approved project that has been designed so our communities can enjoy a much-needed economic boost without negatively impacting other local industries and land uses.
I support because the project will deliver important benefits for the local communities, including continuing up to 605 local jobs in addition to many more indirect jobs and stimulus for local businesses through to later 2033.
These benefits will make a substantial long-term difference to the communities in the region and to NSW.
The modification sought does not change the mining method, nor increase the coal production rates.
Our communities need a diverse economy, and this can help make sure our economy prospers for decades to come.
Regards

The Wilpinjong Pit 8 Extension project will provide continuity for the existing mine workforce, commercial stability for suppliers and contractors from the region who rely on Wilpinjong business trade and continuing economic strength in the MidWest Region of NSW which maintains an enviable balance of high employment, quality of life, natural environment and growth investment. Wilpinjong has been an exemplary mining operation, recognized inside and outside the industry as a benchmark in safe, sustainable mining, and the Pit 8 extension activity will be conducted following the same high standards and accountability. Extending the mine life at existing production rates will preserve the economic benefits of this operation, whilst maintaining deep commitments to regional community support and environmental wellbeing.

I am in support of the Wilpinjong Pit 8 Extension project as it allows me and my family to continue to live and enjoy this beautiful place that is the Mudgee region. The extension of Wilpinjong Mine supports stable employment for 100's of people, supports 1000's of people through the employees families. Wilpinjong supports local communities through employees children going to school, sporting teams attending local events and using local facilities. Wilpinjong also makes significant contributions to local businesses through services and supplies but also make contributions to charity organisations and also support events in the local community. Wilpinjong is a great employer and I would like to see it continue to operate well into the future.

The Wilpinjong Coal mine provides not only significant employment and opportunities in the Mid Western region but extends its reach into many other regions. They are strong supporters of multiple groups across Mudgee and surrounds.
We as Australians need to look after businesses that look after us, I have had a relationship with Wilpinjong Coal for over 10 years and throughout this period they have been extremely community, environmental and people focused. They are an integral entity within the mining industry.

As a proud member of the Mudgee region and someone who understands the vital role Wilpinjong Coal Mine plays in our community, I wish to express my strong support for the proposed Pit 8 Extension under Modification 3.
Wilpinjong Coal Mine is not only a cornerstone of safe and sustainable mining practices in New South Wales, but also a key contributor to local employment, regional development, and reliable energy generation for our state. The mine has consistently demonstrated its commitment to environmental responsibility, workforce wellbeing, and community engagement.
The proposed extension will:
- Secure long-term employment for current workers and create new job opportunities for the region.
- Support energy reliability by continuing to supply critical coal to power stations.
- Enable sustainable development through responsible mining practices and infrastructure planning.

I urge the Department of Planning and Environment to approve this modification. Doing so will ensure continuity of operations, economic stability for local families, and ongoing investment in regional NSW.
Thank you for considering this submission in support of a project that benefits both our community and the broader state.

My family and I live, work and enjoy the region. Mining, its related industries, and added community support are vital for the region. I support this project in its efforts to maintain local jobs and economic benefits for the Mudgee region through responsible mining

I support the proposed Wilpinjong Mine MOD 3 - Pit 8 Extension that involves extending the open cut pit, additional extraction, utilities services and road re-alignments, LOM extension, in-pit crushing of waste rock and additional supporting infrastructure.
The proposed modifications are justified and should be approved.
The benefits to the local community via continued employment are immense. The spend of significant amounts of wages being paid by Peabody extends the benefits of this projects proposed modification to local families and their businesses outside of the mining industry. The raw materials generated by this project will provide energy to local and international markets, inducing competition that will ensure that prices for these products remain realistic. The environmental assessment associated with the modification application appears to be detailed and sound. MOD 3 should be approved with vigor, enthusiasm and without delay.

I support the project!
I live in Mudgee with my partner and my son who attends school here
We have made Mudgee our home and love it
If the approval does not go ahead I could see myself with out a job
Meaning we may have to sell our home and move on to somewhere else
not a very ideal situation
This would not only be me
But 100’s off jobs would be at steak making life hard for many fellow families
We would love to stay and keep Mudgee our home for much longer
Approving this extension allows me to support my family and community

The extension will help maintain hundreds of direct and indirect jobs in the region. This includes mine workers, contractors, suppliers, and local small businesses. These jobs are critical for the economic survival of towns like Mudgee and Gulgong.
The mine contributes to the sustainability of local communities by keeping families in the region, supporting schools, healthcare, and local businesses. Without the mine, these communities risk losing essential services due to population decline.
The proposed extension makes use of already developed infrastructure (roads, rail, coal processing facilities). This is a more efficient and environmentally conscious option compared to developing a new site.
Thermal coal from Wilpinjong supports reliable power generation both domestically and internationally. Until renewable energy can fully meet demand, coal remains a necessary part of a balanced energy mix.

This project will provide many new jobs and allow the surround communities to grow bigger. This will allow the community business to grow bigger and develop further.

Wilpinjong Mine has strong community ties.
They support many different events, groups etc in the local community.
The many people they employ the majority live local and those who don't reside locally when on shift spending their wages and supporting many local businesses.
Wilpinjong have a strong environmental team, managing all aspects of the mine to the best of the their ability and striving to find new ways to restore the mine land and preserve fauna and flora.
Without this mine the local area will be impacted greatly by the lost of revenue and support.

This Project extension will allow for the continuation of stability for the local families in the area.