Mod 4 - Extend Open Cut

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 myself cannot get a job after I lost one in December 2012. I hope many more mines will start their operations and give jobs to thousands of people.

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,

Mark

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

Peter Bennett

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.

The Invincible mine extension should be approved to allow for the site rehabilitation to be completed to the highest possible standard. It would also allow for much needed employment in the local area.

I strongly object to the Coalpac's modifications to the Invincible and Cullen Valley coal mines.
This proposal will:
- destroy unique remaining biodiversity, including a Grassy Box Woodland and nationally endangered plants such as Clandulla geebung shrubs and 2,300 threatened Capertee Stringybark trees.

-increase morbidity and mortality in Cullen Bullen from respiratory and cardiovascular disease linked to dust.

-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.

Coal mines and there extensions are a thing of the 20th century, please let's recognise this, phase them out and invest in renewable energies that are better for us, for jobs and for the remaining planet.

Tourism, one of the few other industries in the area of the Gardens of Stone will be damaged and suffer even more if this plan goes ahead.

I support the economic benefits that these mining extensions will bring to both the local area and the state. Without the ability to supply low cost coal to the local power stations, the price of electricity will be increased and passed onto the end consumers. Increased costs of living, coupled with the loss of jobs in the local area will be a double whammy to the local families.

I support the coalpac project, our town is relying on this project for local jobs, businesses will benefit and the economic viability of the towns surrounding it...

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,

Sub Mukherjee

I object to the modifications to the Invincible and Cullen Valley coal mines. They will: destroy unique biodiversity, including a Grassy Box Woodland, threaten internationally recognised pagodas by ignoring the 300m buffer recommended by PAC.
The Platty Pagoda's of the Gardens of Stone are unique in the world and very little research has been done of the geoheritage and geomorphology of thse extraordinary geological features. Further investogation into these is currently part of my PHD research at University of NSW. The expansion of these mines into this area is very short sighted, only about short term gain. This will do irreversable damage to a part of our heritage that is not just increadibly beautiful but is a geological feature of international significance . Protect Gardens of Stone!

On behalf of the peak community body working to protect the natural environment of the Hawkesbury and surrounding areas, I strongly object to Coalpac's proposed changes to the Invincible and Cullen Valley coal mines. This area has unique natural resource qualities which will be permanently damaged by the proposed modifications to their operations. If approved, the changes will destroy some of the areas valuable biodiversity and threaten nationally endangered plants and geological features. We oppose the short-sighted expansion of this coal mine at a time when Australia and the planet is experiencing a carbon pollution crisis while alternative, renewable sources of energy are readily available and sustainable in the long-term.

Copy of letter posted 24/04/2014

Ian Ernst B.A. BSc.PhD
9 Arbutus St
Mosman NSW 2088
(h) 99693781 (m) 0402038711
[email protected]

23/04/2014



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)

Firstly I would like to congratulate incoming Planning Minister Ms Goward on her new position and express the hope that she will not pursue a "development at all costs mindset" but will listen to rational argument against outrageous development proposals such as the above.
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.
Yours sincerely,
Ian Ernst

Approval should be given to the Invincible Mine to allow futher mining. This would enable the site to be rehabilitated to the highest possible standard and create some much needed local
employment opportunities

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,

I have recently moved to the Upper Blue Mountains and I wish to support Coalpac's plans to extend mining activities at the Invincible and Cullen Valley mines..
I ask that you consider my argument as a view from a pair of fresh eyes without any ideological bias that is based on the benefits that will accrue to the community of not only Lithgow but the surrounding districts and communities of Bathurst and the Upper Blue Mountains.
When I first moved to Katoomba some 5 months ago ,I was amazed by the lack of employment opportunities for skilled and knowledge workers, while apprentices and traineeships didn't seem to exist. People in these callings travel as for as the city of Sydney for full time work.
It is clear that the estimated extra 245 permanent positions will have a enormous positive economic impact on the community at large.
Using Keynsian economics to illustrate;
Assume;
1) 245 full time positions,
2) average annual salary of $140,000,
3) Marginal propensity to Consume ; 75%
,4) economic cycles per year;
Year 1 = 3,
Year 2 = 4,
Year 3 = 5
Year 4 + = 5
AFTER THE 3rd YEAR AND EVERY YEAR AFTER, AN ECONOMIC BENEFIT IN EXCESS Of $250 MILLION pa WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE COMMUNITY.
I believe that, provided the requirements of sound environmental management are met, then the project should proceed because of the economic benefits as demonstrated above, will flow on to an already depressed area in country NSW.
These economic benefits far exceeds the consequences of not allowing the project to proceed. The immediate benefits will flow to the Small and Medium Enterprises(SME) in Lithgow. While from an Institutional point of view they will lead to an expansion of Primary Secondary and Tertiary educational opportunities which will not only benefit the citizens of Lithgow but the citizens of the outlying districts as well.

Lihgow's unemployment rate is 7.94% about 2 percentage point above the state and national rate; If the project goes ahead then there will be, over time, a improvement in these statistics. If the project doesn't go ahead then the unemployment rate will continue to rise and the state and national comparative differential will continue to widen.
There is another consequence of non approval and it will manifest in two parts which are intertwined.
The cost of coal for the Mt Piper power station , a base load generator, will rise due to increased haulage costs, this in turn will increase electricity costs for all citizens of NSW.
Over time the running costs will will become too expensive and the power station will close just as the Wallerwang power station also a base load generator, did last year because of the reported "lack of affordable coal".
Thus more jobs will be lost and there is no way of escaping the inevitable increase of electricity cost for the whole of the state.
So, if the project goes ahead with the environmental safe guards in place then everybody will benefit , not only the 20,000 people who live in the Lithgow Local Government Area, not only those that live in the surrounding areas of Bathurst and the Blue Mountains but the whole of the population of NSW some 7,500,000 people


workers

I have recently moved to the Upper Blue Mountains and I wish to support Coalpac's plans to extend mining activities at the Invincible and Cullen Valley mines..
I ask that you consider my argument as a view from a pair of fresh eyes without any ideological bias that is based on the benefits that will accrue to the community of not only Lithgow but the surrounding districts and communities of Bathurst and the Upper Blue Mountains.
When I first moved to Katoomba some 5 months ago ,I was amazed by the lack of employment opportunities for skilled and knowledge workers, while apprentices and traineeships didn't seem to exist. People in these callings travel as for as the city of Sydney for full time work.
It is clear that the estimated extra 245 permanent positions will have a enormous positive economic impact on the community at large.
Using Keynsian economics to illustrate;
Assume;
1) 245 full time positions,
2) average annual salary of $140,000,
3) Marginal propensity to Consume ; 75%
,4) economic cycles per year;
Year 1 = 3,
Year 2 = 4,
Year 3 = 5
Year 4 + = 5
AFTER THE 3rd YEAR AND EVERY YEAR AFTER, AN ECONOMIC BENEFIT IN EXCESS Of $250 MILLION pa WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE COMMUNITY.
I believe that, provided the requirements of sound environmental management are met, then the project should proceed because of the economic benefits as demonstrated above, will flow on to an already depressed area in country NSW.
These economic benefits far exceeds the consequences of not allowing the project to proceed. The immediate benefits will flow to the Small and Medium Enterprises(SME) in Lithgow. While from an Institutional point of view they will lead to an expansion of Primary Secondary and Tertiary educational opportunities which will not only benefit the citizens of Lithgow but the citizens of the outlying districts as well.

Lihgow's unemployment rate is 7.94% about 2 percentage point above the state and national rate; If the project goes ahead then there will be, over time, a improvement in these statistics. If the project doesn't go ahead then the unemployment rate will continue to rise and the state and national comparative differential will continue to widen.
There is another consequence of non approval and it will manifest in two parts which are intertwined.
The cost of coal for the Mt Piper power station , a base load generator, will rise due to increased haulage costs, this in turn will increase electricity costs for all citizens of NSW.
Over time the running costs will will become too expensive and the power station will close just as the Wallerwang power station also a base load generator, did last year because of the reported "lack of affordable coal".
Thus more jobs will be lost and there is no way of escaping the inevitable increase of electricity cost for the whole of the state.
So, if the project goes ahead with the environmental safe guards in place then everybody will benefit , not only the 20,000 people who live in the Lithgow Local Government Area, not only those that live in the surrounding areas of Bathurst and the Blue Mountains but the whole of the population of NSW some 7,500,000 people


workers

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 region is well serviced by existing mines that supply a higher quality coal. The destruction of the surrounding forest is just sheer bloody mindness. It ignores planning instruments and recommendations. Please refuse consent to both proposed modifications and stop open-cut mining in the Gardens of Stone region.

I support the Coalpac mine extensions. It will provide a cheap reliable energy source and provide hundreds of much needed jobs for this area.

* a unique swathe of outstanding recreational land will be ruined forever no matter what rehabilitation is carried out.
* native animal habitat ruined for the same reason
*rock formations that have taken thousands of years to form cannot be repaired.
*water table & aquifer disturbance will impact on local water quality and sustainability.
*make it an addition to the Gardens of Stone National Park

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 SUPPORT AL POINTS MADE IN THE DETAIL BELOW AND FEEL BY RE-ITERATING THOSE COMMENTS MY VIEW WILL BE OBVIOUS.

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,

J.P.GARDNER