Mod 4 - Extend Open Cut

I object to the Coalpac's modifications to the Invincible and Cullen Valley coal mines. The proposal will:

destroy unique biodiversity, including a Grassy Box Woodland and nationally endangered plants such as Clandulla geebung shrubs and 2,300 threatened Capertee Stringybark trees.
threaten internationally recognised pagodas by ignoring the 300 metre minimum buffer recommended by the Planning Assessment Commission.
provide poor quality coal at a massive impact when other sources are already available.
increase morbidity and mortality in Cullen Bullen from respiratory and cardiovascular disease linked to dust.

Please decline this submission and keep the mountains safe and protected.

Regards
Josie

Dear Sir/Madam,

Part 3A Modification 4 - Invincible Mine Extension (07_0127 MOD 4) and
Part 3A Modification 2 - Cullen Valley Mine Extension (DA 200-5-2003 MOD 2)

These proposed mining extensions are completely inappropriate and the environmental assessment seems to be flawed in a many ways. Furthermore the proximity to the World Heritage and State reserves of the Gardens of Stone make this low quality coal mining proposal very risky from an environmental pony of view.

After personally spending much time in this magnificent natural area and knowing the full value of the rare and endangered species it seems completely inappropriate to approve such mining activities.

Other than the nearby Wollemi World Heritage areas, the Gardens of Stone has numerous endangered plant species that must be protected if we are to value the amazing nature of the greater Blue Mountains area.

The proposal will destroy by open-cut mining the unique biodiversity, scenery and geological values associated with the pagoda landform complex. Its outstanding values include a Grassy Box Woodland - a nationally endangered ecological community, many nationally endangered Clandulla geebung shrubs and 2,300 threatened Capertee Stringybark trees. Given the importance of the natural environment, the Planning Assessment Commission recommendation for independent vegetation study should not have been ignored by Coalpac in its current environmental assessment.

The proposal fails to provide the 300 metre minimum buffer recommended by the Planning Assessment Commission from the base of the pagoda rock formations and the open-cut area. The buffer provides protection for wildlife, including many Lyre Birds and the threatened broad headed snake. If such a buffer were provided, there would be no mine.

The Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment lacks credibility because it did not find a cave art site in the proposed disturbance area for the Cullen Valley Mine. Previous studies had missed other important Aboriginal cave art sites in the area.

Despite Coalpac's rehabilitation claims, ecosystems cannot be replanted on farmland or after open-cut mining native forests. No mature woodland has ever been established through mine rehabilitation. The biodiversity offsets are inadequate, and cannot replace a Gardens of Stone Stage 2 reserve over Ben Bullen State Forest.

Please refuse consent to both proposed modifications and stop open-cut mining in the Gardens of Stone region.
I declare that I have not made any donations to political parties in the last year.

Yours sincerely,

Tim Arrell

I object to these proposed modifications to the Invincible and Cullen Valley coal mines because it will adversely impact on the internationally significant pagoda landform complex located on the western edge of the Great Dividing Range in Ben Bullen State Forest. This public forest should be fully protected from open-cut mining in a state conservation area for nature conservation, recreation and tourism.

The coal in this proposal is of poor quality and there are better quality substitute resources that can provide for at least 25 years electricity generation by the two power plants in the Lithgow Region. The claim of increased costs to electricity consumers if the Coalpac proposal does not proceed is a wild exaggeration. Nearby underground mines have provided for local electricity power plants for over 20 years.

The proposal will destroy by open-cut mining the unique biodiversity, scenery and geological values associated with the pagoda landform complex. Its outstanding values include a Grassy Box Woodland - a nationally endangered ecological community, many nationally endangered Clandulla geebung shrubs and 2,300 threatened Capertee Stringybark trees. Given the importance of the natural environment, the Planning Assessment Commission recommendation for independent vegetation study should not have been ignored by Coalpac in its current environmental assessment.

The proposal fails to provide the 300 metre minimum buffer recommended by the Planning Assessment Commission from the base of the pagoda rock formations and the open-cut area. The buffer provides protection for wildlife, including many Lyre Birds and the threatened broad headed snake. If such a buffer were provided, there would be no mine.

The proposal is less than two kilometres from Cullen Bullen and dust from this project will lead to increased morbidity and mortality in the community from respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Noise, truck movements and blasting will also adversely impact on residents. The proposal intends to vastly increase water extraction from underground workings from 26Ml/year to 750Ml/year, but fails to address the ongoing fires underground and in waste heaps. Where 2Ml/day of water pumped from old workings is to be released in not explained.

The Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment lacks credibility because it did not find a cave art site in the proposed disturbance area for the Cullen Valley Mine. Previous studies had missed other important Aboriginal cave art sites in the area.

Despite Coalpac's rehabilitation claims, ecosystems cannot be replanted on farmland or after open-cut mining native forests. No mature woodland has ever been established through mine rehabilitation. The biodiversity offsets are inadequate, and cannot replace a Gardens of Stone Stage 2 reserve over Ben Bullen State Forest.

Please refuse consent to both proposed modifications and stop open-cut mining in the Gardens of Stone region.

I declare that I have not made any donations to political parties in the last year.

Yours sincerely,

Ron Jacobson

I am writing to object to the Coalpac's modifications to the Invincible and Cullen Valley coal mines.

I have visited this precious area and value its unique and threatened plant life.

Not creating a buffer near the wonderful pagodas, which should be preserved for generations to come, risks their existence.

The climate change impacts of the mine are untenable when you consider the crisis the environment is facing already.

The impacts of fine particulates from the mine to residents of the area and their children is also extremely worry.

NSW does not need more coal mining and the government should act responsibly and refuse this application.

There is some green groups spreading lies on their web pages to get submissions against this modification I hope you see through their lies and misinformation as that is the only way they can get people to do submissions. I fully support this modification as it will provide much needed jobs in the area and a cheap supply of domestic coal to the power stations in turn helping to keep power prices down. thank you for your time.

Dear Sir/Madam,

Part 3A Modification 4 - Invincible Mine Extension (07_0127 MOD 4) and
Part 3A Modification 2 - Cullen Valley Mine Extension (DA 200-5-2003 MOD 2)

I object to these proposed modifications to the Invincible and Cullen Valley coal mines because it will adversely impact on the internationally significant pagoda landform complex located on the western edge of the Great Dividing Range in Ben Bullen State Forest. This public forest should be fully protected from open-cut mining in a state conservation area for nature conservation, recreation and tourism.

The coal in this proposal is of poor quality and there are better quality substitute resources that can provide for at least 25 years electricity generation by the two power plants in the Lithgow Region. The claim of increased costs to electricity consumers if the Coalpac proposal does not proceed is a wild exaggeration. Nearby underground mines have provided for local electricity power plants for over 20 years.

The proposal will destroy by open-cut mining the unique biodiversity, scenery and geological values associated with the pagoda landform complex. Its outstanding values include a Grassy Box Woodland - a nationally endangered ecological community, many nationally endangered Clandulla geebung shrubs and 2,300 threatened Capertee Stringybark trees. Given the importance of the natural environment, the Planning Assessment Commission recommendation for independent vegetation study should not have been ignored by Coalpac in its current environmental assessment.

The proposal fails to provide the 300 metre minimum buffer recommended by the Planning Assessment Commission from the base of the pagoda rock formations and the open-cut area. The buffer provides protection for wildlife, including many Lyre Birds and the threatened broad headed snake. If such a buffer were provided, there would be no mine.

The proposal is less than two kilometres from Cullen Bullen and dust from this project will lead to increased morbidity and mortality in the community from respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Noise, truck movements and blasting will also adversely impact on residents. The proposal intends to vastly increase water extraction from underground workings from 26Ml/year to 750Ml/year, but fails to address the ongoing fires underground and in waste heaps. Where 2Ml/day of water pumped from old workings is to be released in not explained.

The Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment lacks credibility because it did not find a cave art site in the proposed disturbance area for the Cullen Valley Mine. Previous studies had missed other important Aboriginal cave art sites in the area.

Despite Coalpac's rehabilitation claims, ecosystems cannot be replanted on farmland or after open-cut mining native forests. No mature woodland has ever been established through mine rehabilitation. The biodiversity offsets are inadequate, and cannot replace a Gardens of Stone Stage 2 reserve over Ben Bullen State Forest.

Please refuse consent to both proposed modifications and stop open-cut mining in the Gardens of Stone region.
I declare that I have not made any donations to political parties in the last year.

Yours sincerely,

The proposed modifications to the Invincible and Cullen Valley coal mines should be rejected. The proposal fails to provide the 300 metre minimum buffer recommended by the Planning Assessment Commission from the base of the pagoda rock formations and the open-cut area. The coal mine company doesn't even want to adhere to the MINIMUM recommendation. Please do not allow this project to go ahead.

This forest belongs to the people of New South Wales and is recognised internationally as an important pagoda landform area. Open cut mining and its devastating effects should not be allowed. Look at the miserable outcome for the people of Morwell, Victoria as a result of the open cut Hazelwood Mine coal mine fire that lasted for weeks there. There will be long term health problems for years to come in Morwell and residents health will be monitored for at least a decade.

Open cut mines ruin beautiful scenery. To put it frankly: they leave ugly scars on the landscapes. Coalpac claims that ecosystems are regenerated after open cut mining. However, no farmland or mature woodland area that has been subjected to open cut mining has ever been re-established.

Please, please think about the immense importance of your decision. We need to protect people from the effects of living with the creation of open cut mines and the resulting degradation if they are allowed to go through.

I have made no political donations in the past year.

I strongly support this project. This area is not good agricultural land and has been mined for many years. It provides employment for people in the area. The monetary contribution injected into the local economy (businesses, contractors etc) is immense.

This is an objection to any increase in area or further grab of land for coal mining in the Invincible and Cullen Valley mines. Coalpac's proposal will:
* be devastating for a unique area of rocks and rare species;
* coal is no longer needed in our overheating world. It is yesterday's energy source, dirty and polluting and it should stay in the ground
* coal loading and coal trains produce dust, noise and distressed people. These are all unaccounted costs burdening the public health system;
* this proposal will destroy unique biodiversity, including a Grassy Box Woodland and nationally endangered plants such as Clandulla geebung shrubs and 2,300 threatened Capertee Stringybark trees;
* the pagodas are too unique to trash - why risk them?
* the poor quality coal is a stunning waste of environmental gems - the massive damage to the target environment and damage to the health and well being of the local and wider community is not measured, and should be;
* coal is unnecessary in the era of strong renewable energy production

The area that holds many rare and almost extinct animals,insects and native fauna..
Most people including myself(except the few making a profit)would be disgusted that you would destroy our back yard killing so much beauty all to make a quick buck...
SHAME SHAME SHAME..
A Wicks..

I strongly support this project.This area has been mined for many years. It offers employment to people in the local area. The money injected into the local community (businesses, contractors etc) is significant.

I object to the Coalpac's modifications to the Invincible and Cullen Valley coal mines. The proposal will:
destroy unique biodiversity, including a Grassy Box Woodland and nationally endangered plants such as Clandulla geebung shrubs and 2,300 threatened Capertee Stringybark trees.
threaten internationally recognised pagodas by ignoring the 300 metre minimum buffer recommended by the Planning Assessment Commission.
provide poor quality coal at a massive impact when other sources are already available.
increase morbidity and mortality in Cullen Bullen from respiratory and cardiovascular disease linked to dust.

Whenever we disturb the ground as in the case of mining . This seriously impacts the environment around the site for several kilometres. When you are talking open cut the impact is greater on the vegetation and wildlife around the site and beyond. Why give an area world heritage listing which is acknowledging its beauty and importance to the community and then destroy it? The impact of traffic to and from the site will also cause damage.
Please see other points of reference below
Part 3A Modification 4 - Invincible Mine Extension (07_0127 MOD 4) and
Part 3A Modification 2 - Cullen Valley Mine Extension (DA 200-5-2003 MOD 2)

I object to these proposed modifications to the Invincible and Cullen Valley coal mines because it will adversely impact on the internationally significant pagoda landform complex located on the western edge of the Great Dividing Range in Ben Bullen State Forest. This public forest should be fully protected from open-cut mining in a state conservation area for nature conservation, recreation and tourism.

The coal in this proposal is of poor quality and there are better quality substitute resources that can provide for at least 25 years electricity generation by the two power plants in the Lithgow Region. The claim of increased costs to electricity consumers if the Coalpac proposal does not proceed is a wild exaggeration. Nearby underground mines have provided for local electricity power plants for over 20 years.

The proposal will destroy by open-cut mining the unique biodiversity, scenery and geological values associated with the pagoda landform complex. Its outstanding values include a Grassy Box Woodland - a nationally endangered ecological community, many nationally endangered Clandulla geebung shrubs and 2,300 threatened Capertee Stringybark trees. Given the importance of the natural environment, the Planning Assessment Commission recommendation for independent vegetation study should not have been ignored by Coalpac in its current environmental assessment.

The proposal fails to provide the 300 metre minimum buffer recommended by the Planning Assessment Commission from the base of the pagoda rock formations and the open-cut area. The buffer provides protection for wildlife, including many Lyre Birds and the threatened broad headed snake. If such a buffer were provided, there would be no mine.

The proposal is less than two kilometres from Cullen Bullen and dust from this project will lead to increased morbidity and mortality in the community from respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Noise, truck movements and blasting will also adversely impact on residents. The proposal intends to vastly increase water extraction from underground workings from 26Ml/year to 750Ml/year, but fails to address the ongoing fires underground and in waste heaps. Where 2Ml/day of water pumped from old workings is to be released in not explained.

The Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment lacks credibility because it did not find a cave art site in the proposed disturbance area for the Cullen Valley Mine. Previous studies had missed other important Aboriginal cave art sites in the area.

Despite Coalpac's rehabilitation claims, ecosystems cannot be replanted on farmland or after open-cut mining native forests. No mature woodland has ever been established through mine rehabilitation. The biodiversity offsets are inadequate, and cannot replace a Gardens of Stone Stage 2 reserve over Ben Bullen State Forest.

Please refuse consent to both proposed modifications and stop open-cut mining in the Gardens of Stone region.
I declare that I have not made any donations to political parties in the last year.

Yours sincerely,

- - - - - - - -

I object to Coalpac's modifications to the Invincible and Cullen Valley coal mines. The proposal will:

- destroy unique biodiversity, including a Grassy Box Woodland and nationally endangered plants such as Clandulla geebung shrubs and 2,300 threatened Capertee Stringybark trees.

- threaten internationally recognised pagodas by ignoring the 300 metre minimum buffer recommended by the Planning Assessment Commission.

- provide poor quality coal at a massive impact when other sources are already available.

- increase morbidity and mortality in Cullen Bullen from respiratory and cardiovascular disease linked to dust.

There is a simple test to take that will reveal whether this mining proposal is a worthwhile venture. Close your eyes and imagine the sounds of destruction, and recall any and every word of wisdom that explains how valuable our earth is intact, and how money and greed will buy us nothing valuable. Open your eyes.

I am opposed to the Coalpac proposal as it will have a massive detrimental impact over a huge area.
Flora & fauna, including those endangered, will be further threatened.
I do not want this mining happening in our beautiful Blue Mountains National Park. It is meant to be protected from such violation and destruction.
In this proposal, the end product can in no way justify the means to obtain it.

Provide jobs for local community

I object to the Coalpac's modifications to the Invincible and Cullen Valley coal mines. The proposal will:
destroy unique biodiversity, including a Grassy Box Woodland and nationally endangered plants such as Clandulla geebung shrubs and 2,300 threatened Capertee Stringybark trees.
threaten internationally recognised pagodas by ignoring the 300 metre minimum buffer recommended by the Planning Assessment Commission.
provide poor quality coal at a massive impact when other sources are already available.
increase morbidity and mortality in Cullen Bullen from respiratory and cardiovascular disease linked to dust.

As a bushwalker very familiar with the beauty of the Gardens of Stone area I object to the Coalpac's modifications to the Invincible and Cullen Valley coal mines.
The proposal will destroy unique biodiversity, including a Grassy Box Woodland and nationally endangered plants such as Clandulla geebung shrubs and 2,300 threatened Capertee Stringybark trees.
It will also threaten internationally recognised pagodas by ignoring the 300 metre minimum buffer recommended by the Planning Assessment Commission.

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

Dear Sir/Madam,

Part 3A Modification 4 - Invincible Mine Extension (07_0127 MOD 4) and
Part 3A Modification 2 - Cullen Valley Mine Extension (DA 200-5-2003 MOD 2)

I object strongly to these proposed modifications to the Invincible and Cullen Valley coal mines because I believe it will adversely impact on the pagoda landform complex located on the western edge of the Great Dividing Range in Ben Bullen State Forest. This public forest should be fully protected from open-cut mining in a state conservation area for nature conservation, recreation and tourism.

The proposal will destroy the unique biodiversity, scenery and geological values associated with the pagoda landform complex. I would have thought that if a correct and proper environmental study had been undertaken, this would be obvious.

The proposal intends to vastly increase water extraction from underground workings from 26Ml/year to 750Ml/year, but fails to address the ongoing fires underground and in waste heaps. Where 2Ml/day of water pumped from old workings is to be released is not explained. Extraction of underground water also deeply concerns me.

Despite Coalpac's rehabilitation claims, ecosystems cannot be replanted on farmland or after open-cut mining native forests. No mature woodland has ever been established through mine rehabilitation, nor do I believe they ever can be.

Please refuse consent to both proposed modifications and stop open-cut mining in the Gardens of Stone region, and help to preserve this incredibly unique area.

I declare that I have not made any donations to political parties in the last year.

Yours sincerely,
Rosemary Mann