Mod 4 - Extend Open Cut

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,
Ella Drinkwater

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.

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 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.

Furthermore, I am a former resident of the Blue Mountains and will be returning there to live again this year. I refuse to support mining in Queensland where I currently live and I definitely refuse to support mining in the Blue Mountains. I am sick and tired of hearing about mining companies running roughshod over our country and sick and tired of governments that are allowing it.

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,

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in support of the extension of mining at the Invincible Colliery. I declare that I have over a period 7 years been engaged as geotechnical consultant to this project and the Cullen Valley Project for approximately 14 days. This is enough to give me direct knowledge of the operations without making me dependent on them for my livelihood.

I acknowledge that during mining, an unsightly view, to some, can be created. However, I have seen first hand the quality of the rehabilitation and already there are well established trees that are contributing to the amenity of the landscape.

Some have raised concerns regarding possible damage to the so-called pagodas. I consider from a geotechnical perspective this can be managed.

Importantly, this project provided direct full time employment for about 150 people in a district where there are not many job opportunities.

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,
Mary Van Gils

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 am shocked that I have to write this email. I am shocked that the people running our country have lost their senses. I am shocked that short term monetary gain will go a long way to fucking up my children's future and my country as a whole. I love my mountains. I was born and bred there. Now I live in North Sydney, and I love my city. Don't let these motherfuckers buy you out. ICAC will have you, one day...

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,
Sam Morris.

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,
Mark Cole

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.

I totally support this application as employment will suffer in the Lithgow area if this approval,is not granted. With the closing of other major employers in the nearby area it is even more important to see this application successful. The fear of damage to the environment needs to be a minor concern to this application as being a redundant employee of Coalpac I have seen how much effort they put into rehabilitation of the mined area. Further mining needs to happen to ensure the rehabilitation of the existing workings. Environmental issues are not a problem

For the good of the local area this project needs to go ahead to ensure future employment

I object to these proposed modifications to the Invincible and Cullen Valley coal mines because they will adversely impact on the natural environment including 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.

We can't let this beautiful part of Australia be destroyed. The coal extracted from this mine will be burnt up in a very short period of time but this ancient landscape if left alone will go on for aeons . Can we really say to our grand children and those who come after that we cared so little for our unique and beautiful landscape and the flora and fauna living in it that we allowed it to be destroyed for money and a product that would be burnt up in no time at all. I don't think we can do that. I really hope that the people receiving this submission love this beautiful country as much as I do and will say no to it 's destruction.

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 wish to lodge an objection 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.

I understand that coal currently available near Lithgow can provide for at least 25 years electricity generation by the two power plants in the Lithgow Region.

This open-cut mining proposal will destroy the unique biodiversity, scenery and geological values associated with the pagoda landform complex. Grassy Box Woodland - a nationally endangered ecological community, many nationally endangered Clandulla geebung shrubs and 2,300 threatened Capertee Stringybark trees will be impacted.

Lyre Birds and the threatened broad headed snake will suffer depletion.

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.

Aboriginal cultural heritage including a cave art site in the proposed disturbance area for the Cullen Valley Mine is not considered in the proposal.

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,
Jocelyn Howden

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 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. I only learned of this amazing area via the campaign to protect it, and can't believe I haven't heard of it before - it is so beautiful, really ought to be promoted as a world class tourism destination. I plan to take my teenage son there later in the year to explore what looks to be an incredible and unique landscape. How lucky we are to live in a country with such beauty! How foolish and irresponsible it would be to tamper with or endanger this treasure!

I am informed reliably that 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, and sounds very similar to claims being put forth by the coal seam gas lobby - fear-mongering of the worst degree and from what I can gather - motivated purely by economic rationalism (otherwise known as: greed). Nearby underground mines have provided for local electricity power plants for over 20 years. As we all know, we have to break our addiction to coal, anyway, if we are to save our children and grandchildren from such a dramatically climate-changed future that they end up having to live in bunkers underground.

It appears to me that 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, I deem it willfully irresponsible vandalism that the Planning Assessment Commission recommendation for independent vegetation was ignored by Coalpac in its current environmental assessment.

The proposal fails to provide the 300 meter 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 - and herein lies the rub! These recommendations should be abided by, not pushed aside for economic convenience (for a few).

The pubic health concerns are not insignificant, either. 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 is not explained - another reminder of coal seam gas projects. Irresponsible development is NOT sustainable development.

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 - thus perpetuating the history of cultural genocide that is so well-documented in this country and plays such a strong role in the ongoing issues faced by the Aboriginal community to this day. When what remains of their cultural heritage is so disrespected and dismissed, is it any wonder that their suicide rate is so much higher than any other group's??

Mine rehabilitation is an ongoing joke. Mature forest cannot be glued back in place. 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,
Sally Newham

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)

While the points provided below have been prepared by others, this submission is one personally supported by me. I am very concerned about the potential destruction of this very special heritage place for the reasons outlined below.

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,

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 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.

I am a natural history director/producer that began with the BBC Natural History Unit. I also guide internationally including Antarctica and in Japan. Internationally, the significance of these natural sites is immeasurable and should be protected at all costs.

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,

Stephen Curtain

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,
D

I wholeheartedly reject this proposal. The blue mountains region and its surrounds are in parts national park, and world heritage listed, and with good reason. we live in a unique environment, let's preserve it for the present and the future.

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 Invicible and Cullen Valley coal mines for several reasons. First of all it will destroy a World Heritage listed area. It is inexcusable to destroy these area's; the more so when it is solely done for commercial reasons. On top of this: the coal in the area is of a poor quality. This makes the act even more inexcusable.

So 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,

C. van Schaijk

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 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 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.

This energy source is archaic and outdated, considering the coal that is going to be mined is of poor quality. Other local mining areas e.g Lithgow which will provide better quality coal in an already mined area.

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

Yours sincerely,

Julie McVie