Mod 4 - Extend Open Cut

BEING ONE OF MANY SMALL BUSINESS IN THE LOCAL AREA WE HAVE EXPERIENCEDTHE DOWN TURN OF TRADING WITH THE LOSS OF JOBS AND THE LEAVING OF LOCAL FAMILY MOVING FROM THE AREA TO FIND OTHER WORK . WE SUPPORT THE PROPOSAL OF THE CULLEN VALLEY COAL MINE AND INVINCIBLE MINE AS AWAY OF CREATING JOBS LOCALY AND REVERSING THE TREND OF FAMILY LEAVING THE AREA, AS WELL AS BOOSTING THE LOCAL ECONOMY

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.

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 Power Station 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 I work 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 well being of the community, the environment and economic impacts on other mining operations in the area.

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)

The arguments that have been thoroughly researched and eloquently constructed by the members of the Protect Gardens of Stone Community have compelled me to object to this proposal.

The following points are just a portion of the strong arguments against the proposal to commence open-cut mining in the area:

"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."

I have come to the conclusion that the arguments against the proposed open-cut mining scheme are far stronger than those for it. Therefore I am making this submission in order to voice my strong objections to said proposal.

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,
Clare Jackson

I oppose any coal development in these areas because the areas are irreplaceable and I have never seen a successfull rehabilitation. There are to many unique rare plants/animals/bird/reptiles/insects that will be lost forever.

It is imperative that this unique and beautiful area is not destroyed by very undesireable inaapropriate destructive activiites in this area.

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)

The Gardens of Stone is a unique area which my family and I have enjoyed over the decades. The prospect of irreparable damage to this treasure I find incomprehensible.

I therefore write to raise my objections to these proposed modifications to the Invincible and Cullen Valley coal mines.

These proposals 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 reportable donations to political parties in the last year.

Yours sincerely,

Bronwyn Gahan

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

Dear Madam/Sir,

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 have a house in Lithgow and am very familiar with the Gardens of Stone and the area affected by this application. I have spent much time walking in the forests and observing the amazing rock formations as well as the many species of butterflies and other species which I enjoy photographing. I am greatly concerned for the future of this area.

Therefore I write to raise my objections to the 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 as well as the area's complex eco-systems and the health and well-being of the residents of nearly Cullen Bullen..

Open-cut mining, as proposed, will destroy the unique biodiversity, as well as the scenic 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. Lyrebirds will be threatened. They use the sides of the pagodas to nest and raise young. Not only are the pagodas likely to collapse but mining will remove their food habitats in the valley below. The Regent Honeyeater and Powerful Owl will also have their habitats completely removed. The Office of Environment and Heritage confirmed the existence of flowering shrub, Persoonia Marginata, a nationally listed threatened species.

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 Planning Assessment Commission recommendation for an 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. This recommendation should be followed. The buffer provides protection for wildlife including the threatened broad headed snake and the aforementioned Lyrebirds. 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 the 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.

This sort of project is likely to produce acid mine drainage and release heavy metals that will affect local streams and kill aquatic life.

Despite Coalpac's claim, ecosystems cannot be replanted on farmland and especially after open-cut mining. The existing eco-systems will be lost forever. 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.

Ben Bullen State Forest is a public forest. Degradation of this forest cannot possibly be considered to be in the public interest. It should be fully protected from open-cut mining in a state conservation area for nature conservation, recreation and tourism.

Yours sincerely,

Gae Mulvogue

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 wish to lodge my very strong objection to the above proposals for the following reasons.

Open-cut mining, as proposed, will destroy the unique biodiversity, as well as the scenic 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. Lyrebirds will be threatened. They use the sides of the pagodas to nest and raise young. Not only are the pagodas likely to collapse but mining will remove their food habitats in the valley below. The Regent Honeyeater and Powerful Owl will also have their habitats completely removed. The Office of Environment and Heritage confirmed the existence of flowering shrub, Persoonia Marginata, a nationally listed threatened species.

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 Planning Assessment Commission recommendation for an 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. This recommendation should be followed. The buffer provides protection for wildlife including the threatened broad headed snake and the aforementioned Lyrebirds. 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 the 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.

This sort of project is likely to produce acid mine drainage and release heavy metals that will affect local streams and kill aquatic life.

Despite Coalpac's claim, ecosystems cannot be replanted on farmland and especially after open-cut mining. The existing eco-systems will be lost forever. 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.

Ben Bullen State Forest is a public forest. Degradation of this forest cannot possibly be considered to be in the public interest. It should be fully protected from open-cut mining in a state conservation area for nature conservation, recreation and tourism.

Yours sincerely,

Tom Coley

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 are detrimental to the the 'Gardens of Stone' and local region, and their environmental impact will have reprecussions on the quality of life for all. If we do not protect our heritage we will simply have a debased and used-up Australia to pass on to future generations, all for short term greed.

How can you even think of doing this??? Our children and their children deserve to enjoy our beautiful land and you wish to destroy it so many other places. Please leave this alone.

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 Coalpac's modifications to the Invincible and Cullen Valley coal mines. This proposal appears to be similar to the scheme which was ruled as inappropriate only last year. The Planning Assessment Commission found then that, `the benefits of the project are substantially outweighed by the breadth and potential magnitude of the impacts. The Commission therefore recommends that the project should not be approved'

It would:
Impact upon nationally threatened species, just like the previous proposal
Impact on a very precious Gardens of Stone landscape that should be protected in a reserve.
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.
It will 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.

I think it is unreasonable that Coalpac should apply for these extensions after being refused approval last year for a similar scheme with similar impacts, particularly while they are under administration. I think it would be even more unreasonable if they were given approval.

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

I recently enjoyed a 3-day hike through the Gardens of Stone National Park, including Pantoney's Crown, and I am appalled to learn that the State Government of NSW is considering mining in the Park.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 (if required) 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 and demand for thermal coal in the area is likely to decrease in the medium term.

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

Yours sincerely,

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

The following inadequacies in the proposal I believe should render it automatically unfit for approval:

It 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 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.

The Planning Assessment Commission recommendation for an independent vegetation study was not acted on.

Sincerely,

Barbara Wakefield

I object very strongly to this proposal, which will destroy large areas of publicly owned forest with proven high conservation values, to recover relatively small amounts of low quality coal. The natural values to be eliminated include an Endangered Ecological Community (Grassy Box Woodland) and Threatened Species including Capertee Stringybark trees, Clandulla Geebungs and the habitat of several threatened animals. The proposal will also threaten internationally recognised sandstone pagoda formations which have already been assessed as worthy of protection by a previous Planning Assessment Commission, by ignoring the recommended buffer of 300 metres. I personally know this area quite well and I cannot believe that valuable native bushland like this, with all its resident animals, could be destroyed for coal at this point in our history of environmental destruction.

I have visited this area many times, walking and camping in Ben Bullen State Forest. I have looked down on the Invincible mine encroaching on the surrounding bush and rock formations and I cannot imagine anyone wanting to see that encroachment extended. Basically, there are many areas where coal can be found, but few areas where rock formations like these pagodas, and where forest species, like this woodland area, are to be found. It does not make sense to trade off the common against the rare.

Consequently, I object strongly to Coalpac's modifications to the Invincible and Cullen Valley coal mines. Their 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. As for the pagodas, which I have admired so many times, these are internationally recognised for their uniqueness. Their fragility is such that they require a minimum 300 metre as a buffer for protection.

Finally, why should the residents of Cullen Bullen be subjected to increased morbidity and mortality from respiratory and cardiovascular disease linked to increased levels of coal dust?

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)

My late wife and I have spent many weeks over the years hiking in the general area known as the Gardens of Stone. It was one of our favorite places. It is an area which should be preserved for future generations. That a mining company could be allowed to mine at the base of this precious area is beyond my comprehension.

I therefore would like to lodge an objection to the 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 reportable donations to political parties in the last year.

Yours sincerely,

Bruce Toms

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)

My late wife and I have spent many weeks over the years hiking in the general area known as the Gardens of Stone. It was one of our favorite places. It is an area which should be preserved for future generations. That a mining company could be allowed to mine at the base of this precious area is beyond my comprehension.

I therefore would like to lodge an objection to the 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 reportable donations to political parties in the last year.

Yours sincerely,

Bruce Toms