Mod 4 - Extend Open Cut

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

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

This proposal will:

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

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 writing to oppose both:
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 oppose both of the mine extensions because this area has alredy been shown to be worthy of envronmental protection. The lands form part of a pagoda landform complex that is unique to the western section of Ben Bullen State Forest.

In 2012, the Planning and Assessment Commission stated that the pagodas were worthy of total protection. These extensions propose to mine within the 300 metre buffer refommeded by the PAC.

If approved, 3125 heactres of precious grassybox woodland will be cleared. This is habitat for the broad headed snake and endangered Leek Orchids.

I strongly reject Coalpas's asserteion that the mine extensions are needed to pay for rehabilitation to land damaged by previous mining. Such rehabilitation should have been covered by previous profits.Why should we believe their claims to rehabilitate new damage if such claims have not been so in the past?

I have just become aware of Coalpacs modifications to to the Invincible and Cullen valley coal mines.

Basically the objections to the previous proposal are equally valid for the new proposal.

It is self evident that an open cut coal mine in an area with outstanding scenic, ecological and geological values adjacent to a World Heritage Area is absolutely inappropriate.

There are significant ecological constraints on the proposed area, such as grassy box woodlands, capertee stringybark trees and Clandulla geebung shrubs.

There is absolutely no public benefit in this mine proposal and it should be rejected without consideration.

The Ben Bullen State Forest should be designated a Nature
Reserve immediately.

Submissions and findings from the previous enquiry are equally relevant to the current proposal.

I object to Coalpac's modifications to the Invincible and Cullen Valley coal mines. This proposal will destroy the unique biodiversity of the area including nationally endangered plants such as Capertee Stringybark trees. This area is of environmental significance with its amazing pagoda formations that also provide nesting sites for birds. Furthermore the coal mine will affect the health of Cullen Bullen residents with increases in cardiovascular disease linked to dust. This should not happen and it is of utmost importance to protect the people and environment 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)

I previously objected to the previous proposal put forward. I believe that all previous submitters should have been notified that this further proposal should have been notified to all groups and individuals that had previously submitted proposals. The short period of time for submissions makes it difficult for all interested parties to have sufficient time to make submissions.

In relationship to the current proposal 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 Pagoda landform complex and the surrounding natural areas have significant tourist potential that may be greatly impacted by mining activities that could damage irreparably areas of this land form type. The uniqueness of this landform area and its close proximity to Sydney is a resource that should be preserved in perpetuity.

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,

Adam Curry

The reasons for rejecting Coalpac's open cut mining proposal in the Cullen Bullen area in 2013 remain the same for this new proposal in the same vicinity. No amount of rehabilitation after open cut mining can adequately compensate for the loss of endangered biodiversity habitats and the unique geological structures of the area and the compromising of the air quality for local people. This is a short-term gain proposal with long-term significant impact on the Cullen Bullen locality.

It should go ahead

It should be going ahead.

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. open-cut mining will completely destroy the current ecosystem in which the mine is proposed.

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 greatly exaggerated and designed to create anxiety and doubt in the minds of NSW residents. 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 questionable short-term gains proposed by the Invincible and Cullen Valley coal mines are an insult to the intelligence of NSW residents and given the current conduct of the mining sector overall they cannot guarantee the that no adverse effects will flow to the adjoining areas of national significance. Once tainted or destroyed these ecosystems and landforms can not be recreated. This is an aspect that mining companies pretend to address in their self interests of creating wealth for themselves.

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 Lyrebirds 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.

As a scientist I becoming increasingly tired of the uncaring attitudes of the mining industry and their real motives of creating wealth for themselves and their share holders at the expense of the ever decreasing wild places. These shrinking wild places are not just essential for the survival of the species that live within, many of which are threatened, but are also essential for the longer term survival of mankind. Please refuse consent to both proposed modifications and stop open-cut mining in the Gardens of Stone region and do not put at risk the wonderful ecosystem.

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

Yours sincerely,

Dr Graham Cam

I object for the reason of Coalpac's poor previous performance with rehabilitation at Invincible and Cullen Valley mines and in biodiversity offset areas.
I don't want to see any further destruction of parts of Ben Bullen State Forest.
Also the burning of cheap extra-poor quality coal is not a good idea.

I object to the destruction of parts of the Ben Bullen State Forest, for the purpose of obtaining cheap poor quality coal,
which will be burnt at Mt Piper power station, creating even worse greenhouse gases than normal better quality coal.
Coalpac's rehabilitation of mined areas is very incomplete and of a very poor standard, being composed nearly totally of acacias trees.

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,
Shanti Meera

I object to the destruction of Ben Bullen State Forest by coal mining.
Native flora and fauna are more important (especially where rare or endangered) than extra-poor quality coal, which when burnt produces toxic greenhouse gases, which is bad for the people of Cullen Bullen, the Lithgow area, and the whole planet.
Coalpac also damages geological features which could be a major tourist attraction in the area.
Coalpac's past rehabilitation has been pitiful, in quantity and quality.

I object to the destruction of Ben Bullen State Forest flora and fauna by coal mining.
We need more tourism industry and less coal industry, as burning poor quality coal, which produces toxic greenhouse gases, is inconsistent with the government quest to reduce global emissions.

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.

A proposal for an open cut mine in this area is bad enough but I have seen the current high wall mining being carried out by the Invincible mine and consider this desecration of the landscape to be totally unacceptable.

This is madness and can''t be allowed.

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,

Rani Brown

Please leave the gardens of stone alone

I object to this proposal which will destroy even more flora and fauna in Ben Bullen State Forest .
Coalpac has a very poor record of rehabilitation, in quantity and quality, at its existing mines.
The open cut and highwall mining of inferior coal is unnecessary and the damage caused is unjustified.
It can never be rehabilitated to the original condition of Ben Bullen State Forest, even though Coalpac claims it can.

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,

Sonia wray