Mod 4 - Extend Open Cut

I support the Coalpac mine extension. It will employ hundreds of people and provide a cheap resource to the nearby Mt Piper Power Station which in turn will keep electricity prices from rising. Mining and conservation can coexist with a balanced approach.

this needs to go a head for there is not many jobs in the area

This project should be approved as it will provide ongoing employment for a significant number of local people.Also there has been a lot of press about the health effects on tghe local community which have been wrongly construed. The prevailing winds in this area are westerly which would take any dust to the east over a totally uninhabited area of forest and wilderness to the east of the project.There has been opposition due to the destruction of supposedly pristine forest which in reality is a majority of low grade timber which in the past was heavily harvested for mine props due to its inability to grow trees big enough for saw logs.The legislation as it stands allows for the protection of any rock pagodas with a minimum standoff for any mining and in the case of high wall mining first working rules would apply as it has for underground mining to ensure that there is no chance of subsidence affecting the integrity of thew rock structures.My family has been involved in farming in the Cullen Bullen area for some 80 years and have never been impacted adversely by mining operations whether they be open cut or underground.The current owners of Coalpac hve been very good corporate citizens always willing to support local organizations both financially and in kind and have always been upfront in any dealings with the local community I would also like to point out that there is not yhe level of opposition to the project that the press coverage would have you believe.Some of the main protagionists dont even live in the community and claim to be residents.Dont get me wrong there is some opposition as there will be to any proposition but that is life.In conclusion this town has always been a mining town and I would submit that without mining it will be a ghost town.

Dear Sir/Madam,

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

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

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

The proposal will destroy by open-cut mining the unique biodiversity, scenery and geological values associated with the pagoda landform complex. Its outstanding values including a Grassy Box Woodland - a nationally endangered ecological community, many nationally endangered Clandulla geebung shrubs and 2,300 threatened Capertee Stringybark trees.

The Planning Assessment Commission recommendation for independent vegetation study should not have been ignored.

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

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

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

Despite Coalpac's claim ecosystems cannot be replanted on farmland and especially after open-cut mining. No mature woodland has ever been established in mine rehabilitation. The biodiversity offsets are inadequate, and cannot replace a Gardens of Stone Stage 2 reserve.

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

Yours sincerely,
Wayne Read

Mining proposal in the Gardens of Stone.

I object to 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.

Vivian Baruch.

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. It will threaten internationally recognised pagodas by ignoring the 300 metre minimum buffer recommended by the Planning Assessment Commission. This proposal will provide poor quality coal at a massive impact when other sources are already available. It has been rejected once already STOP ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Coal from this project will not grow food or provide Australia with cheap power as it just keeps getting dearer. If this type of development continues we will without a doubt go down in history as the best natural environment destroyers this planet will ever know. I STRONGLY OBJECT TO THIS PROPOSAL

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.
Destroying this environment for low quality coal is not worth any short term gain and future rehabilitation is a pipe dream.

I am a bushwalker who has walked numerous times in the Gardens of Stone area. I strongly object to mining destroying any of this unique and valuable area.

Mining will destroy the bush which houses numerous birds and animals. Even those creatures not directly affected will be driven away by noise and dust. Where will they go? To "somewhere else"?

Mankind should be doing his/her best to protect bushland because of its benefit to the environment in which WE live. Mining and burning coal only makes the world environment worse through climate change. Natural bushland soaks up the CO2 which burning coal creates. There should be more bushland, not less!

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)


Please refuse consent to both proposed modifications and protect the Gardens of Stone region from destruction.

I have hiked throughout this area and was amazed at the biodiversity (including endangered species), amazing natural geologic formations, historic aboriginal sites and wildlife. In any country, an area so beautiful would be preserved as a natural treasure.

I have traveled extensively around the world and have seen the effects of what coal mining can do to the land, local residents, coal miners, and local economy. When factoring the cost benefits of such an endeavour, the price of the long term and residual effects are never factored in. The cost to the government to care for its ailing population due to unsafe drinking water, air pollution, and all the other health afflictions associated with coal and its usage cannot easily be calculated but it exists. Throughout the world we are seeing the proliferation of cancer, respiratory, cardiovascular, and other diseases due to environmental pollutants. There are numerous scientific studies that confirm that coal is a costly investment to any government.

The Ben Bullen State Forest located on the western edge of the Great Dividing Range contains extremely unique pagoda rock formations as well as many caves. This area is home to numerous Lyre Birds and broad headed snakes. While coal mining may, in the short run, profit large corporations and possibly the government, in the long-run tourism and recreation dollars will continue to benefit the local community for years and years if the land is to be preserved in its natural state. The benefits to the community are numerous if the land is left unadulterated.

Throughout the world countries are investing huge sums of money to develop alternatives to coal. Australia could be an international leader in this field and show the rest of the world how they diverted "coal dollars" into alternative energy resources. I have faith that Australia has the leadership and ethics to do so. A good start would be to rethink this proposal and focus on less destructive means of providing energy.

In closing I will say that one of the most devastating aspects of this proposal is the destruction of the cultural heritage of the Aboriginal people and Australia as a whole. The cave sites I visited are incredibly rich with visual evidence of the life of the original inhabitants of Australia. I was amazed at how well the cave art was preserved. If the assessment of this property missed these sites, it is obvious the assessment is flawed.

Please do not allow coal mining of any sort to occur in this area.

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

Yours sincerely,
Bonnie Mitchell

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,
Kathy

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 strongly 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 NEEDS TO BE 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 the unique landscape and convert a very special place into mining wasteland. No revegetation can bring back what it destroys. There is no 300 meter buffer to protect the pagodas.
Why produce poor quality coal by destroying such a special place? The costs of destruction far outweigh the price paid by the coal.
Who then pays for the health care cost and premature loss of live due to the dust produced?

I oppose the mining and subsequent destruction of Gardens of Stone. The plants and animals cannot survive and my submission is for them. They cannot submit for themselves.

I object to Coalpac's modifications to the Cullen Valley and Invincible coal mines. The proposal will:
* destroy unique biodiversity, including a Grassy Box Woodland and nationally endangered plants such as Clandulla geebung shrubs and over 2,000 threatened Capertee Stringybark trees.

* threaten the pagodas by ignoring the 300 metre minimum buffer recommended by the Planning Assessment Commission.

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

* provide poor quality coal at a massive impact when other sources are available.

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

It is simply not necessary and will cause various environmental harm including danger to endangered plants and shrubs and will be a healthy hazard to those in the area..

thank you for your time

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 am writing to register my objection to these proposed modifications to the Invincible and Cullen Valley coal mines. My interest is as a local resident (I live in the Hartley Valley, a short distance from the Gardens of Stone which I regard as a very precious local amenity), and as a smallholder with a great respect for the natural environment, for the welfare of the people who live in and around Cullen Bullen, and for our cultural heritage that is embodied in the natural landscape.

In the first place, I believe these modifications are unnecessary: 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 seriously exaggerated; nearby underground mines have provided for local electricity power plants for over 20 years.

Secondly, the site of the proposal is less than two kilometres from Cullen Bullen, and the dust from this project will lead to increased illness and deaths in the community, from respiratory and cardiovascular disease. The noise from truck movements and blasting will also have an adverse impact on local residents.

There are a number of significant questions that are not addressed. The proposal intends to vastly increase water extraction from underground workings from 26Ml/year to 750Ml/year, but fails to address the issue of ongoing fires underground and in waste heaps. It does not deal with the question of where 2Ml/day of water pumped from old workings is to be released, and this is a matter for concern.

Furthermore, 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. That buffer would provide protection for wildlife including many Lyre Birds and the threatened broad headed snake. If such a buffer were provided, there could be no mine.

If the proposal goes ahead it will destroy by open-cut mining the unique biodiversity, scenery and geological values associated with 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. 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.

I would like to point out that the recommendation of the Planning Assessment Commission for independent vegetation study appears to have been ignored: this should not have happened.

The Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment lacks credibility since it failed to find a cave art site in the proposed disturbance area for the Cullen Valley Mine. Previous studies had also missed other important Aboriginal cave art sites in the area.

Despite Coalpac's claim, whole ecosystems cannot be replanted on farmland and especially after open-cut mining. I understand that no mature woodland has ever been established in a mine rehabilitation area. In addition, the biodiversity offsets are woefully inadequate, and simply cannot replace a Gardens of Stone Stage 2 reserve.

In making this submission, I declare that I have not made any reportable donations to political parties in the last year.

Yours sincerely,

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to object to the CoalPac proposal which will threaten the gardens of stone area which areas of unique, world recognised rock formations. The area that the open cut and long wall cut mine is proposed is also in an area where there are endangered flora and fauna. We need to protect all such areas for generations to come, rather than bow down to the all might dollar. Once these areas are destroyed, they are gone forever.

Also, the population for hundreds of kilometres around the site will be adversely affected by coal dust. The current mines around the area are already known to be impacting on the health of the people living within the areas that the dust spreads.

Please don't allow the prospect of making a few extra dollars win out over what is right for the environment and people living nearby. Say No to the proposal.

Sincerely,
David Minard.
[email protected]

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

Dear Sir/Madam,

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

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

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

The proposal will destroy by open-cut mining the unique biodiversity, scenery and geological values associated with the pagoda landform complex. Its outstanding values including a Grassy Box Woodland - a nationally endangered ecological community, many nationally endangered Clandulla geebung shrubs and 2,300 threatened Capertee Stringybark trees.

The Planning Assessment Commission recommendation for independent vegetation study should not have been ignored.

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

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

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

Despite Coalpac's claim ecosystems cannot be replanted on farmland and especially after open-cut mining. No mature woodland has ever been established in mine rehabilitation. The biodiversity offsets are inadequate, and cannot replace a Gardens of Stone Stage 2 reserve.

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

Yours sincerely,

Neil McGlashan

This area desperately needs to be protected for its flora,fauna and ecological significance. Please do not allow further expansion of this mine into this area.

This an extremely important ecological site and must be protected and left undisturbed.