Mod 4 - Extend Open Cut

Part 3A Modification 4 - Invincible Mine Extension (07_0127 MOD 4) and
Part 3A Modification 2 - Cullen Valley Mine Extension (DA 200-5-2003 MOD 2)

I object to these proposed modifications to the Invincible and Cullen Valley coal mines because it will adversely impact on the internationally significant pagoda landform complex located on the western edge of the Great Dividing Range in Ben Bullen State Forest. This public forest should be fully protected from open-cut mining in a state conservation area for nature conservation, recreation and tourism.

The coal in this proposal is of poor quality and there are better quality substitute resources that can provide for at least 25 years electricity generation by the two power plants in the Lithgow Region. The claim of increased costs to electricity consumers if the Coalpac proposal does not proceed is a wild exaggeration. Nearby underground mines have provided for local electricity power plants for over 20 years.

The proposal will destroy by open-cut mining the unique biodiversity, scenery and geological values associated with the pagoda landform complex. Its outstanding values include a Grassy Box Woodland - a nationally endangered ecological community, many nationally endangered Clandulla geebung shrubs and 2,300 threatened Capertee Stringybark trees. Given the importance of the natural environment, the Planning Assessment Commission recommendation for independent vegetation study should not have been ignored by Coalpac in its current environmental assessment.

The proposal fails to provide the 300 metre minimum buffer recommended by the Planning Assessment Commission from the base of the pagoda rock formations and the open-cut area. The buffer provides protection for wildlife, including many Lyre Birds and the threatened broad headed snake. If such a buffer were provided, there would be no mine.

The proposal is less than two kilometres from Cullen Bullen and dust from this project will lead to increased morbidity and mortality in the community from respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Noise, truck movements and blasting will also adversely impact on residents. The proposal intends to vastly increase water extraction from underground workings from 26Ml/year to 750Ml/year, but fails to address the ongoing fires underground and in waste heaps. Where 2Ml/day of water pumped from old workings is to be released in not explained.

The Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment lacks credibility because it did not find a cave art site in the proposed disturbance area for the Cullen Valley Mine. Previous studies had missed other important Aboriginal cave art sites in the area.

Despite Coalpac's rehabilitation claims, ecosystems cannot be replanted on farmland or after open-cut mining native forests. No mature woodland has ever been established through mine rehabilitation. The biodiversity offsets are inadequate, and cannot replace a Gardens of Stone Stage 2 reserve over Ben Bullen State Forest.

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

Yours sincerely,

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. 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 destruction of Ben Bullen State Forest by open cut mining to obtain dirty poor quality coal is not justified.

Don't destroy Ben Bullen State Forest vegetation and geological formations for the sake of getting low quality coal by totally destructive open cut methods.
Look at the huge mess (mostly not rehabilitated) that has already been created by the previous mining.

- I support mining jobs in Lithgow, a town with a proud history of mining and a strong future if the Colliery and Cullen Valley Mine extension projects can proceed.
- There have already been too many job losses in mining over the past 12 months and these projects should be approved to secure employment for 150+ people that rely on these mines for their income and to support their families.
- I support the economic benefits that mining brings to the area and the state. These mining projects would be worth around $150 million a year to the local economy.

1. I support mining jobs in Lithgow, a town with a proud history of mining and a strong future if the Colliery and Cullen Valley Mine extension projects can proceed.
2. There have already been too many job losses in mining over the past 12 months and these projects should be approved to secure employment for 150+ people that rely on these mines for their income and to support their families.
3. I support the economic benefits that mining brings to the area and the state. These mining projects would be worth around $150 million a year to the local economy.

I support the Colliery and Cullen Valley Mine projects for several reasons as listed below:
1. Mining is a fundamental industry underpinning this great country we live in and we need mining to help maintain the wonderful lifestyle we enjoy in Australia.
2. I support mining jobs in Lithgow, a town with a proud history of mining and a strong future if the Colliery and Cullen Valley Mine extension projects can proceed.
3. There have already been too many job losses in mining over the past 12 months and these projects should be approved to secure employment for 150+ people that rely on these mines for their income and to support their families.
4. I support the economic benefits that mining brings to the area and the state. These mining projects would be worth around $150 million a year to the local economy.
5. I work in the mining industry and I and my family depend on a strong and growing mining industry. Whilst I live in Queensland, half my work comes and income comes out of NSW.

My submission is simply this, like I support the Drayton South extension in the Hunter Valley I also support this extension. In my opinion if Australia has men and women who wish to work, give them that opportunity. They don't want to bludge off the Government they want to be employed to support their families and pay tax and contribute to the wealth of Australia.

There have already been too many job losses in mining over the past 12 months and these projects should be approved to secure employment for 150+ people that rely on these mines for their income and to support their families

See attachment

Please find submission attached.

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

Yours sincerely
Birgitta Adzersen

I support mining jobs in Lithgow, a town with a proud history of mining and a strong future if the Colliery and Cullen Valley Mine extension projects can proceed.
There have already been too many job losses in mining over the past 12 months and these projects should be approved to secure employment for 150+ people that rely on these mines for their income and to support their families.
I support the economic benefits that mining brings to the area and the state. These mining projects would be worth around $150 million a year to the local economy.

I support the Coalpac modification at Invincible Colliery

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 electricity generation for at least 25 years for 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.

Open-cut mining will severely impact 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.


Yours sincerely,

Lithgow was found on coal mine no coal mine on Lithgow and srounding towns

Lithgow was found on coal mine no coal mine on Lithgow and srounding towns

This area is unique and the pagodas and vegetation should not be destroyed for a few years worth of low grade coal. In this day of global warming we should be putting our resources into alternative power sources, and not turning these magnificent pagodas into rubble for such short term profit. This landscape and the unique animals that exist there can never be replaced, what will the generations to come think when they see such disgusting environmental vandalism. We have a moral obligation to protect this land which sustains us.

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)

My family, friends and I are frequent visitors to Ben Bullen State Forest as it's Gardens of Stone provide spectacular photographic opportunities and its unique woodlands offer highly rewarding nature walks. Such an important site should be preserved for generations into the future as well as for all the plant and animal species which currently reside there.

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 reportable donations to political parties in the last year.

Yours sincerely,

Janis O'Leary