Mod 4 - Extend Open Cut

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 they 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.

The coal in this proposal is of poor quality and there are better quality substitute resources that can provide 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 including a Grassy Box Woodland - a nationally endangered ecological community, many nationally endangered Clandulla geebung shrubs and 2,300 threatened Capertee Stringybark trees. The Planning Assessment Commission recommendation for independent vegetation study should not have been ignored.

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 claim ecosystems cannot be replanted on farmland and especially after open-cut mining. No mature woodland has ever been established in mine rehabilitation. The biodiversity offsets are inadequate, and cannot replace a Gardens of Stone Stage 2 reserve. The Environmental Assessment does not deal with cumulative impacts either from Pine Dale and Neubecks Creek open-cut proposals or from future stages by Coalpac after this mine proposal is completed in four years. These proposals will further degrade an intact environment.

The pagodas, cliff and cave overhangs are susceptible to subsidence hazards yet Coalpac did not protect these features from high wall mining as recommended by the Planning Assessment Commission.

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 who it may concern,
I am objecting to the proposal of modifications to the Invincible and Cullen Valley coal mines as the adverse consequences from such projects will vastly out way and benefits.

With underground mines nearby having supplied electricity for a long time now, the coal that will be available from these projects is unnecessary. Furthermore towns like Cullen Bullen which are nearby will suffer from impacts such as noise disturbances, to even increased mortality rates caused by respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

With no mature woodland ever been successfully established through mine rehabilitation, Coalpac's rehabilitation claims lack supporting cases to give it faith, the damage to the ecological community in the area would be devastating.

Preserving the Ben Bullen state forest for tourism, recreation and nature conservation should be a much more pressing agenda, with Australia's unique ecosystems making it a one of a kind in the world.

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

Kind Regards,
Jordan Fleming

Sir / Madam,
No mining activity whatsoever should be allowed in this unique area especially when we already have such vast areas devastated by this type of activity regardless of the "so called" commercial gain.

Gordon Lee.

I do not agree with or support any mining of heritage listed area's in our country. I would hope that our government would see that this would NOT be something that is wanted and would make the right decision. I am so disappointment in our government that this was even put forward for consideration.

I object to the Coalpac's modifications to the Invincible and Cullen Valley coal mines. for the following reasons;

o The proposal will destroy for ever the internationally significant pagoda land formations located on the western edge of the Great Dividing Range in the 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;
o There are ample coal sources in the Lithgow area which are sufficient for Delta's coal-fired power generation and other local uses for the next twenty years or more. This very destructive proposal is not needed by anyone except by the company proposing it;
o The claim that that it will increase cost of electricity to consumers is incorrect. Reputable studies have found that recent price increase are largely caused by network infrastructure costs. As well, if the retailers introduced demand management measures demand would go down.
o The proposal will also increase morbidity and mortality in Cullen Bullen from respiratory and cardiovascular disease linked to dust.

As someone who cares for the health of the biosphere of our planet I am opposed to the mining of coal as when burnt it emits greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming which results in problems such as rising sea levels. We should be investing in renewable clean sources of energy such as solar and wind power and phase out the mining of coal as quickly as possible.

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 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,
Rhiannon Wright

The Invincible and Cullen Valley mine extensions provides a threefold benefit to the regional communities and to the State of NSW.

The approval of both extensions will provide a clear line of sight to final rehabilitation at both mine sites. The importance of the mine extension for the final rehabilitation outcome is the manner in which the mining sequence will allow for the best possible designed rehabilitation final landscape.

Coalpac, Coalpac's employees, their contractors and their local suppliers have been an integral part of the NSW Energy Sector. An approval to the mine extensions will allow for a suitable transition period for the companies, the workers and contractors who have been part of the NSW energy supply chain to Mt. Piper and Wallerawang through Coalpac, to diversify, or to look toward other business sectors for employment or business growth. The approval of the mine extensions will also give the local power stations the capability to revisit their long term supply chain requirements for fuel in an organized manner.

Lastly, until such time that the last coal is removed from the two sites, the local power stations and ultimately the people of NSW, will be able to benefit from the lower cost of operation of one of NSW's power stations as a local supply of coal is still made available for fuel from Cullen Valley and Invincible.

Coalpac have a track record in demonstrating their capability to take remnant mining locations, safely extract the available coal and commence the rehabilitation of the landscape as part of their mining sequence all while working to the industry's best practices in environmental management, community interaction and maintaining their social license.

As a Contractor who has had a presence at both the Cullen Valley and Invincible mine sites, we support Coalpac's application for the mining extensions for both sites, not only because we believe that it will provide a benefit to the local communities, the local workforce and contractors and to the people of NSW, but because of our knowledge that the integrity of the men and women of Coalpac will ensure that these two mine sites will be brought back to the best rehabilitated status possible.

Thank you,
Tony Leo
General Manager
Big Rim Pty Ltd.

Mining and Industry Projects
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 modificatioms to the Invincible and Cullen Valley coal Mines because they will adversely impact on the internationally significant pagoda landform complex located on the western edge of the Great Dividing Range in the Ben Bullen State Forest - the opencut of150ha and underground mine of 165ha totalling 315ha. The eastern section overlooks the Castlereagh Highway. This public forest should be fully protected from open-cut coal mining in a State Conservation Area.
It is outrageous that the NSW Government has not shut the Part 3A section of the Planning Act. I live in Willoughby City Council where Meriton Group [vigorously opposed by the local West Ward Progress Association] has exceeded the LEP and achieving through Part 3A plus a $6M VPA payment [BRIBE] to achieve two towers in Chatswood CBD of 38 and 33 levels where the LEP is 15 levels and complied with by the neighbour's new building which will be overshadowed for the next century in Albert Avenue! SHAME!
The coal in the Coalpac Administrator Appointed proposal fails on honesty. It is of poor quality and there are better quality substitute resources that can provide at least 25 years electricity generation by the two power plants in the Lithgow Region now operated by Energy Australia. 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. Federally, the Carbon Tax is expected to be repealed.
I refer to the Director General Sam Haddad EAR s751 EPAA 1979 in June 2013: "The proposed mine plan involves opencut mining along a series of relatively narrow and elongated pits that is not typical of conventional mine plans in NSW. The perimeter of the mining area is almost 48km in length which dramatically increases the potential for edge effects on both the biodiversity and scenic values of the surrounding areas."
Page 5 of this report on the PAC review, the Department is satisfied that:"the majority of the site for the Coalpac Consolidation Project is fundamentally unsuitable for an open cut coal mining operation;
from a land use planning perspective, the highest and best use of the site should be for Conservation Purposes; The mitigation and rehabilitation measures proposed by Coalpac do not overcome the inherent incompatability of open cut mining with preserving the significant conservation values of the site and finally: The environmental consequences of extracting the 96 million tonnes of coal from the site are proportionally much more significant than extracting the same volume of coal from a mine with a more conventional open cut design or from an underground mine. In conclusion, when the project is taken as a whole, the Department is satisfied that environmental impacts of the project outweigh the benefits, and the project is therefore not in the public interest".
The current proposal would destroy the unique biodiversity, scenery and geological values associated with the pagoda landform complex. Rare and endangered Grassy Box Woodland with Clandulla geebung shrubs and 2,300 threatened Capertee Stringybark trees. The PAC recommendation for independent vegetation study should not have been ignored.
The proposal fails to provide the 300 metre minimum buffer recommended by the PAC from the base of the pagoda rock formations and the open cut area. The buffer provides protection for wildlife including many Lyre Birds [I have visited the area several times and seen many nests]. However if a buffer were to be provided then there would be NO MINE.
The proposal is less than two kilometres from Cullen Bullen and dust from this project will lead to an increased morbidity and mortality in the community from respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Noise from 24/7 operations, truck movements and blasting would also adversely impact on residents. The proposal intends to vastly increase water extraction from underground workings frim 26MLpa to 750MLpa but fails to address the ongoing fires underground and in waste heaps. Destination of where the 2ML per day is pumped from old workings is to be released is not explained.
The Aboriginal cultural herage assessment lacks credibliity because it did not find a cave art site in the proposed disturbance area for the Cullen Valley Mine.
Ecosystems cannot be replanted on farmland and especially after open cut mining. No mature woodland has ever been established in mine rehabilitation. The biodiversity offsets are inadequate, and cannot replace the unique Gardens of Stone 2 Reserve Proposal.
The Coalpac EA does not deal with cumulative impacts either from Pine Dale and Neubecks Creek open-cut proposals or from future stages by Coalpac [under Administration] after this mine proposal is completed in four years. These proposals will further degrade an INTACT ENVIRONMENT.
The pagodas, cliff and cave overhangs are susceptible to subsidence hazards yet Coalpac did not protect these features from high wall mining as recommended by the PAC.

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,
Ian Tanner

I support this project. There is no better or cheaper source of coal for the local Mt Piper power station. The jobs created by the project are needed and will greatly help drive the local economy. The mine was able to operate well below the required environmental limits for dust, noise, water quality, etc. This project should have been approved years ago.

Multiple industries not only limited to coal mining need to realise, that we need to radically re-think our environmental sustainability policies before there are no forests to produce oxygen.

The use of Bio derived fuels grown from algae, the use of solar or wind power generation systems can reduce the need for coal mining in Australia.

Australia has the climate and expanse to experiment further with solar powered steam turbines or thermal powered turbines tubes located in the desert.

Please don't ruin our national parks further.

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
Hal Witney-Cochrane

Please do not decoy nature.

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 am personally against this project

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.
Please refuse consent to both proposed modifications and stop open-cut mining in the Gardens of Stone region. There are other ways to keep the Australian economy strong. This is certainly not one of them.

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

Regards,
Nicholas Grundy

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 strongly 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.