Mod 4 - Extend Open Cut

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 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.

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.
I declare that I have not made any donations to political parties in the last year.
Yours sincerely,
Peter Borbely

Extension of the mine will destroy valuable ecosystems. Once destroyed the richness of the existing biodiversity can never be reinstated. The mining also threatens to irreversibly damage unique geological features.
These areas are more valuable for ecosystem, wildlife and landscape conservation and should be made into conservation areas.
There are many other sites in NSW where coal can be, and is being mined with far less environmental damage.
These proposals are unacceptable and should again be rejected. To approve this would make a mockery of the State's planning process.

Please preserve a precious piece of this irreplaceable country.
We have lost our sense and values to allow dreadful destruction of what this country should always preserve.

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 strongly reject the following mine extensions: Invincible Mine Extension and Part 3A Modification 2 - Cullen Valley Mine Extension.

Should they proceed, the proposed modifications would negatively and irreversibly damage the unique biodiversity in the area, as well as impacting the health and well-bieing of the residents around the area.

Yours sincerely,

Henry

My partner and I are long-term residents of Cullen Bullen. Our young daughter and nephews are the 5th generation of Tilley's to be raised in Cullen Bullen/Ben Bullen. We have very strong ties to the community and to the village and as such wish to lodge our objection to the proposed extension of the Invincible/Cullen Valley Mining Operations proposed by Coalpac for the following reasons:

While we do not deny that Cullen Bullen and indeed the Lithgow LGA is a mining community, since the cessation of operations by Coalpac, the village is a more peaceful and pleasant place to live. There are no longer as many trucks on the roads. Blasting has ceased - this has been detrimental to many homes in the area, including ours which has minor cracking.

In addition, the scaring on the landscape as a result of previous operations on the approaches to the village detract from the visual appeal of the area. This environmental degradation is an eyesore which will increase ten fold if this operation goes ahead and will have major repercussions on the flora and fauna of the area. Although the company is required to rehabilitate these areas, this has not been successful and has resulted in changes to vegetation, land formations and the loss of vital habitats for local wildlife.

We feel that this mine has been used as a bargaining chip in the recent sale of the two power assets; Mt Piper and Wallerawang Power Stations by the State Government to Energy Australia. Energy Australia have stated that they will buy the mine if the project is approved. If this goes ahead, Energy Australia will control the coal pricing for the non-export mines in the area, which may result in job losses at Angus Place and Springvale Collieries.

Although we acknowledge that this mine will bring jobs to the area, it should be noted that the closure of Wallerawang Colliery has brought about 160 job losses to the area. The proposal under consideration is for Open Cut Mining, this area is an Underground Mining area and so experienced miners will need to be sourced from outside the area - Wallerawang Power Station employees do not have any mining experience. '

Furthermore, this is a matter of particular concern to us as my partner works at Angus Place Colliery and as stated above we feel if Energy Australia was to own the Coalpac Mining Operations they would push down coal prices and this could result in job losses at other local mines such as Angus Place.

We also pose the question - Why, is there a need for this mine? Baalbone Colliery is a fully resourced underground coalmine at Ben Bullen which, when in production employed over 200 men. The mine has a washery, and rail loop and is not going to impact on the environment or turn Cullen Bullen into a village in the centre of an open cut eyesore.

Lastly, we wish to note that in addition to all of the reasons listed above we are also concerned that if the proposed extension is approved it will result in loss of property values to the area and the mining activities will continue to produce structural damage to the homes of ourselves and our neighbours.

In closing I would like to say that we do not support this proposal we feel that it will have major impacts on the health and wellbeing of the community, environment and economic impacts on other mining operations in the area.

I strongly object to the proposed modifications to the Invincible and Cullen Valley coal mines. The proposals will have substantial adverse effects environmentally and will also adversely affect the health of the local community.
The proposed modifications will destroy irreplaceable biodiversity, including a Grassy Box Woodland and nationally endangered plants such as Clandulla geebung shrubs and threatened Capertee Stringybark trees. They will threaten internationally-significant pagoda landform complex located on the western edge of the Great Dividing Range in Ben Bullen State Forest. These landforms and the associated biological systems require protection.
Any claims that existing complex, ecosystems can be re-established after open-cut mining should be treated with scepticism. Ecosystems are highly complex and cannot be assessed by superficial examination - a few pretty pictures of trees and shrubs growing back and lists of visiting macro-species does not demonstrate a replicated ecosystem.
The proposed modifications may lead to increased illness and mortality in Cullen Bullen and surrounding areas from respiratory and cardiovascular disease linked to dust. Noise, truck movements and blasting may also adversely affect residents.
Better quality coal can be obtained from existing sources with less impact.

I object to Coalpac's modification proposal to the Invincible and Cullen Valley coal mines.

The proposal will:

1. Destroy unique biodiversity, including a Grassy Box Woodland and nationally endangered plants. Neither an environmental offset, nor the Proponent's claim that they will re-vegetate is adequate compensation for this loss. Endangered ecological communities and listed plants are classified because they are rare should not be traded-off. They are demonstrably, not readily re-created. What remains should be protected.

2. Threaten an internationally recognised landscape of geo-physical significance, containing the rock 'Pagodas'. The proposal ignores the 300 metre minimum buffer already recommended by the Planning Assessment Commission. Any re-examination of this proposal should demand at least standards already recommended by the PAC, and seek to extend rather than diminish environmental protection. Integrity and community trust needs to be re-established by a decision in line with the past PAC findings.

3. Only provide poor quality coal at a massive environmental impact. Other coal, and indeed energy sources, are available. This resource is considered as of very marginal low value, and not worth the tremendous external 'costs' that it imposes both socially and environmentally.

4. Increase human morbidity and mortality, in Cullen Bullen, from respiratory and cardiovascular disease linked to dust, and provide a huge and unacceptable nuisance in terms of traffic, and a general loss of quality of life for the community to be blighted by this development.

In conclusion, I have enjoyed the natural amenity of this area in the past, and look forward to a future for this beautiful place that respects it natural and intrinsic values without the destruction that open cut coal mining would inflict upon it.

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 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 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.

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

I am totally opposed to the proposed modifications to the Invincible and Cullen Valley mines (07_0127 MOD 4 & DA 200-5-2003 MOD 5) due to the unacceptable environmental impacts that can be expected from them. Hundreds of hectares of the Ben Bullen State Forest will be completely destroyed by open cut mining and priceless pagoda rock formations are likely to be damaged without adequate buffering. The areas to be cleared contain hundreds of species of native flora and fauna including threatened species such as spotted quolls, squirrel gliders, persoonia marginata and Capertee Stringybarks, as well as a threatened Grassy Box ecological community. There is no evidence from nearby mining rehabilitation efforts to suggest that these ecosystems will come anywhere near being fully restored in the future.
I have visited Ben Bullen State Forest on several occasions and have been both impressed with its remarkable natural beauty and appalled by the current level of mining damage. I understand that the PAC, DPI and NPWS have all recommended that the area in question be fully reserved and it is about time that this happened. It is clear that Coalpac will not take no for an answer and is seeking to get its way by introducing a series of more palatable stages over time.
I am also concerned by the possible health impacts of this mine particularly from dust on the residents of Cullen Bullen living less than 2 kms away.
I contend that the likely environmental and health effects of the current proposals form too high a price to pay for extracting a resource that is readily available elsewhere. They should be rejected and the area included in a state conservation reserve so that it will continue to be an asset to the people of this State long into the future.

The following is our Submission from the Cullen Bullen Lifestyle Group Inc in relation to Modification 4 - Invincible Mine Extension (07_0127 MOD 4); and Modification 2 - Cullen Valley Mine Extension (DA 200-5-2003 MOD 2).
We strongly object to both modifications for the following reasons.

EPBC Documents
From what we understand from reading Coalpac Pty Ltd (Administrators Appointed) application in relation to EPBC, the modifications being sought are part of a larger project. It appears from having read the document that if these modifications/extensions are approved then more modifications and extension will be sought. It is our fear that if approved the village of Cullen Bullen could see itself surrounded by open cut mine quarries each a smaller part of a larger plan.
Local Jobs and over dependence on a single industry economy
Media reports, local authorities and Coalpac Pty Ltd (Administrators Appointed) focus on the local jobs these extensions and modifications could create. It is one of the main arguments for approval. However, we understand that Baal Bone Colliery, a mine very close to the proposed modifications, is currently in care and maintenance mode and if that were to change could also provide local jobs. We are not sure if representation has been made to regional or state representatives by local authorities to seek job creation opportunities there.
Cullen Bullen and surrounding areas has long been a coal mining community. Coal mining by its very nature can only exist for a given period of time. Estimates are that local reserves will dry out within 40 years. That's one generation of workers. The areas over dependence on a single industry economy will mean that future generations in this area will have to make difficult choices to transition out of this over dependence. We would like to see that the balance between underground mining operations and other industries be reestablished so as to create a sustainable future for everyone.

Coal Supply for Power Stations
Another argument often given for the need for thee extension to be approved is that the coal will be used to supply the local power stations. Our understanding is that Centennial Coal has already stepped forward to offer to supply the coal. This offer does not seem to have been taken up by Energy Australia. We are left to wonder if the bottom line of big business is a contributing factor. There are numerous public documents regarding the current financial situation available from McGrathNicol - Corporate Recovery.

"Worthy Of Protection"
Coalpac's Pty Ltd (Administrators Appointed) previous application the "Consolidation Project" was rejected. A PAC found the area outlined in the project to be worthy of protection due to the unique nature of local landforms. The pagodas referred to are estimated to be over 250 million years old. The areas around these structures are the home to some rare and endangered flora and fauna species. We are confused as to why the protection recommended by PAC has not been given to these areas. We are also confused as to why this land can be used by one stakeholder at the expense of all others. An open cut mining operation in this area is in conflict with other industries, such as farming and tourism. To approve these modifications would be in conflict with what has been previously recommended by NSW Planning and Infrastructure, particularly if this application is the beginning of a large number of smaller applications. The area of Cullen Valley Mine proposed modifications are at a distance to at least 3 significant pagoda structures. There is no guarantee that these structures won't be harmed or destroyed as a result of blasting and mining operations.
Homes
There are a number of residents in Cullen Bullen who believe their homes have been damaged by blasting before when Cullen Valley Mine was in care and maintenance mode. Even though independent assessors have declared the damage to be caused by other means, residents insist that this isn't so. However to have these beliefs investigated would leave them out of pocket. When so many people are left dissatisfied, perhaps the system currently in place for assessing such claims needs to be looked at as well.
For many residents of Cullen Bullen, their homes are their most valuable asset. There were many homes, approximately 5-6, on the market during the time the Coalpac Consolidation Project was being considered. None of these homes were able to be sold. However within a fortnight of the last Director-General's recommendation to reject the application, 4 homes were sold. This speaks to what we believe is a direct correlation between the real value of homes in the area as liquidable assets and open cut mining operations.
Health and Safety
Our final but perhaps most important reason for asking that both application be rejected is our concern about residents health. We are concerned that the experiences of residents in relation to health issues is not given the true credit it deserves. Instead of referring to the anecdotal evidence of residents, industry standards policies are quoted. It seems that a system of decision making when faced with the issue of community health, would prefer to cite papers and numbers as opposed to looking at the people most impacted by the noise and dust, may be out of touch with what is happening .
There is also the issue of increased number of trucks on the road that despite precautions being taken, when dry will increase the dust in the air and when wet will increase the mud on local roads.

For these reasons we ask that both modifications be rejected.
WE also declare that we have not made any reportable political donations in the past 2 years.

Yours sincerely
Eva Rizana (on behalf of the Cullen Bullen Lifestyle Group Inc)

I wish to object to this modification for the reason that there are alternative, less destructive options which need to be considered.

These include establishing a balance between the mining industry and other industries such as agriculture and tourism, by keeping the mines in this area underground. This would also create a more sustainable economy long term.

The heavy price on health and well-being of the residents of Cullen Bullen can't be ignored. There is enough anecdotal evidence to indicate that open cut mining operations in close proximity to this community is hazardous.

Thank you.

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 fully support mining in the Lithgow and surrounding areas. The employment mining creates and the economic benefits are vitally important to this area. The Invincible project needs to be approved to help sure up a strong future for the families that rely on mining for an income.

I fully support mining in the Lithgow and surrounding areas. The employment mining creates and the economic benefits are vitally important to this area. The Invincible project needs to be approved to help sure up a strong future for the families that rely on mining for an income.

I fully support mining in the Lithgow and surrounding areas. The employment mining creates and the economic benefits are vitally important to this area. The Invincible project needs to be approved to help sure up a strong future for the families that rely on mining for an income.

I fully support mining in the Lithgow and surrounding areas. The employment mining creates and the economic benefits are vitally important to this area. The Invincible project needs to be approved to help sure up a strong future for the families that rely on mining for an income.

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.

To mine any area of National Significance, as Gardens of Stone is, is reprehensible. The community DOES NOT want it, Nature DOES NOT want it. When is the government, who were elected by US going to start truly representing the people that elected them in the first place?
I live not far from these locations- near 3 exisiting coal mines. We do NOT need more... my health isnt great since i moved here in 2007. I would NOT wish the health effects of coal mining on ANYONE. so why extend it, and put a greater drain on our health services?

Not even adding the environmental damage that will be done- plants and animals made extinct by this process. Coal of questionable quality. Why are the mines so determined to ruin our environment.
SPeak for the PEOPLE not Business!

I fully support mining in the Lithgow and surrounding areas. The employment mining creates and the economic benefits are vitally important to this area. The Invincible project needs to be approved to help sure up a strong future for the families that rely on mining for an income.

I fully support mining in the Lithgow and surrounding areas. The employment mining creates and the economic benefits are vitally important to this area. The Invincible project needs to be approved to help sure up a strong future for the families that rely on mining for an income.