Mod 5 - Southern Extension

The development of the mine will bring in revenue streams for the State and local economies in a socially responsible and environmentally considerate way.

I support the development proposal as this is a sound project plan that provides benefits with the employment of 35 people, providing a resource to local industry, economic benefit to the region and is a sensible use of a limited local resource.

Forsons Group supports the Invincible Coal Mine - Southern Extension Modification project. Forsons Group has been involved in the review of the proposed project from the period when the Manildra Group acquired the Invincible Mining lease.

The Manildra Group has very specific requirements for its energy requirements for its boilers, in the form of nut coal. This coal can be sourced from the Invincible site and helps make the energy resources competitive for the Manildra Group, hence allowing the company to keep its input costs lower.

The mining of coal at Invincible is for Australian domestic purposes, for an Australian manufacturing company, with some balance sent to the Mt Piper Power Station. It is not meant for export to international markets. This helps Manildra to stay competitive in terms of its input costs.

There are also other positives for the Southern Extension project, including;
- employment for the local community
- environmental remediation of the remaining Invincible mine site

In essence, this project is of a small scale in terms of coal mining operations and contains all of the required merits for go ahead. Therefore, the project should be allowed to go ahead on this basis.

Attention: Manager- Mining projects
NSW Department of planning & Infrastructure
GPO Box 39
Sydney NSW 2000

Dear Sir/Madam,

Portland District Motor Sports Club Inc on behalf of Cullen Bullen Raceway would like to make a submission regarding Invincible Mine & Cullen valley mine.

It is most important that these mines begin operations as we have little employment in our district. The local area is in a bad state with lots of local surrounding business almost unable to operate. These mines would help the local workers that have been retrenched in mines and local business houses.
Both these mines have contributed to our speedway and other none-profit organisations around the local community with help to assist in their projects.

Cullen Bullen has been a mining town for over 100 years, some residents are against the mines and some are all for it, some people are against that don't even live in the district which we feel should have NO SAY in these matters.
Previous mines have been rehabilitated as the old open cut workers that were left in unsightly state but are now rejuvenated and continues to improve.

With little to no employment in our area it makes it very hard for our club and track to keep viable as most people have limited funds to spend.

Yours in motor racing,

Sussane Healey
Secretary/Treasurer
PDMSC
0419266204

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

Dear Sir/Madam,

Submission Opposing the Invincible Extension Project 07_0127 MOD 1

I object to the proposed modification of the Invincible coal mine. This proposal is predicated on the argument that only this coal can provide the thermal properties needed. What nonsense, any gas system can be tailored to do this. They do not need this coal in particular. Open-cut coal mining should not recommence in this sensitive part of the Gardens of Stone region. It is inappropriate to reverse the 2013 and 2014 decisions by the Planning Assessment Commission that rejected open-cut mining in this 50 hectare area. I strongly oppose this proposal to expand the open-cut area and continue production for eight years. Any approval is likely to lead to incremental development of this mine, and the Department of Planning and Environment has said it is opposed to a series of incremental increases in open-cut coal mining in the Ben Bullen State Forest.

Coal from Manildra's open-cut Invincible mine will be more expensive in terms of overall costs to the economy and the environment than coal from existing operating mines that can meet the requirements of Manildra's Bomaderry plant for many decades. Approving Manildra's 50 hectare open-cut proposal will force worse environmental outcomes upon this outstanding natural area. The true cost of this damage to the community and environment cannot be compensated.

The Ben Bullen pagoda landscape is unique, irreplaceable and covers a small area of which the woodlands affected by the proposed Invincible open-cut mining operation is a key part. It is a key part of the only area where grassy tableland woodlands adjoins pagodas. This woodland is an integral part of the pagoda landscape and its loss will destroy this beautiful pagoda landscape.

The pagoda rock features cannot be considered in isolation from the surrounding woodlands that are proposed to be mined. The Planning Assessment Commission correctly observed in 2012 and confirmed 2014 that the pagoda landscape consists of the pagodas and woodlands below them.

Further, ecosystems cannot be replanted after open-cut mining. The proposed biodiversity offsets cannot replace the unique Ben Bullen pagoda landscape.

Please reject open-cut coal mining in the Ben Bullen State Forest now and refuse consent for Manildra's Invincible proposal.

I fully support the project and hope to see it approved!!.

The project is located in an area that has been involved in coal mining since the early 1900's and I wish to see that continue - it has always been a mining area. It is evident that the town of Cullen Bullen has suffered since the prior mining operations (owned by Coalpac) closed down, with many people losing jobs. It would be good to see local jobs created and the flow of economic benefits into the local community from the mine. The southern extension mining area proposed is relatively small and mines over and into existing underground workings. I see only positives coming from the project, especially considering the land currently provides no benefit and is not used by anyone. Sound rehabilitation practices have been proven in the area and once mining is complete the area will rejuvenate quickly back to bushland. Utilising the known coal resources to supply an Australian company makes sense. Any risks have been well managed in the project proposal.

We run a small business in the Lithgow / Bathurst region and have had a reduction in work since the Invincible & Cullen Valley sites have gone into care & maintenance. Our business, along with a huge number of other businesses in the local area would benefit greatly if this approval was to go ahead. Many families in our area have struggled as a result of the mining downturn in the region as the mining industry has in the past provided so much for the local economy. I hope that the outcome is in favour of the project proceeding and isn't tarnished by misinformation.

My wife & I run a small business in the Lithgow / Bathurst region and have had a reduction in work since the Invincible & Cullen Valley sites have gone into care & maintenance. Our business, along with a huge number of other businesses in the local area would benefit greatly if this approval was to go ahead. Many families in our area have struggled as a result of the mining downturn in the region as the mining industry has in the past provided so much for the local economy. I hope that the outcome is in favour of the project proceeding and isn't tarnished by misinformation.

I have personally witnessed the demise of the township of Cullen Bullen and surrounding areas since the close of operations at Invincible. This approval makes sense not only economically for the local area but also complete sense in regards to proximity to the Mt Piper Powerstation. The close minded few who would oppose this obviously have no understanding of the power generation industry in Australia. There is no suitable alternative to the reasonably clean black coal powerstations in this country. Environmentally it appears that the new owners have taken as many steps as possible to mitigate any risks and in previous operations there rehabilitation was completed successfully.

I would really like the mining to go ahead as it will provide more job prospects for the locals - something that is greatly needed in our area.

I urge the rejection of the Invincible southern extension proposal, as the destruction by open-cut coal mining is total and permanent. Large areas at the Invincible and Cullen Valley mines have already been totally destroyed, and as yet are have not been rehabilitated. Coalpac declared bankruptcy and walked away several years ago and have done zero to fix the area that they ripped up. Castlereagh Coal, the new owners, should be rehabilitating the existing damage, but have also done nothing so far. If this proposal was approved it would no doubt be the first step of a multi stage mining process. The intention to do this is implied by the companies application for an exploration licence over a much larger area, pretty much covering the large area of the original Coalpac proposal, which was twice rejected by the PAC.
I want to see no more of the public lands of Ben Bullen State Forest permanently destroyed by coal mining.
These limited areas of conservation significance should be protected for all time, rather than destroyed for short term mining gains. The huge amount of existing unrehabilitated mining areas show that these mining companies will not voluntarily do the right thing, and will get away with doing nothing if they are allowed to by the government.
If you want to create jobs, hire a lot of workers to properly fix up the existing huge mess.

I urge the rejection of the Invincible southern extension proposal, as the destruction by open-cut coal mining is total and permanent. Large areas at the Invincible and Cullen Valley mines have already been totally destroyed, and as yet are have not been rehabilitated. Coalpac declared bankruptcy and walked away several years ago and have done zero to fix the area that they ripped up. Castlereagh Coal, the new owners, should be rehabilitating the existing damage, but have also done nothing so far. If this proposal was approved it would no doubt be the first step of a multi stage mining process. The intention to do this is implied by the companies application for an exploration licence over a much larger area, pretty much covering the large area of the original Coalpac proposal, which was twice rejected by the PAC.
I want to see no more of the public lands of Ben Bullen State Forest permanently destroyed by coal mining.
These limited areas of conservation significance should be protected for all time, rather than destroyed for short term mining gains. The huge amount of existing unrehabilitated mining areas show that these mining companies will not voluntarily do the right thing, and will get away with doing nothing if they are allowed to by the government.
If you want to create jobs, hire a lot of workers to properly fix up the existing huge mess.

To Whom It May Concern,

The Paris Climate Agreement, although flawed, locks in the end of coal. Such a geopolitical agreement could not have been reached in the absence of the growing civil society and market signals that coal's demise was already happening.

Why is the NSW government allowing further expansion of coal production when it needs to be pursuing a planned, orderly contraction of coal production?

I recommend you view a video of an event I attended on 2 August 2016, hosted by Engineers Australia and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) titled "`The Big Conversation': Our climate and energy dilemma - Is there a case for emergency action?" The eminent speaker was Ian Dunlop, highlighting the serious risks that climate change poses for our social, financial, and energy systems, and the opportunities that are available to urgently re-frame our economy. This video can be viewed at: https://youtube.com/watch?v=CNT1XjBAxRE or web search: "Engineers Australia Big Conversation". The contents of this video with time intervals shown include:

0:00:00 Introduction by event moderator Adjunct Professor David A Hood AM
0:05:30 Address by Professor Greg Skilbeck - Deputy Vice Chancellor, UTS
0:14:15 Address by John McIntosh - Chair, Board of Engineers Australia
0:18:47 Adj. Prof. David Hood outlines Engineers Australia's leadership role
0:29:15 Animation presentation: Tracking CO2 in Our Atmosphere
0:34:30 Adj. Prof. David Hood introduces event eminent speaker Ian Dunlop
0:35:24 Event eminent speaker Ian Dunlop's audio visual presentation
1:07:00* Ian's overview of future energy demand and production constraints
1:19:00* Ian's overview of the implications of "official" energy demand forecast
1:22:33* Ian's overview of Climate and Energy - The Bottom Line
1:24:52* Ian's perspective that climate change is a global existential risk
1:26:40* Ian's perspective on solutions and opportunities
1:30:40* Ian's perspective on reassessing infrastructure priorities
1:35:00 Adj. Prof. David Hood introduces the event's discussion panel
1:37:47 Discussion panel's perspectives
1:53:00 Audience questions (4) and the discussion panel's responses
2:06:58 Session `wrap-up': Greg Ewing - Sydney Gen. Manager, Eng. Aust.
2:09:46 End

If a conservative organisation like Engineers Australia is now publicly supporting and endorsing the issues discussed at the event referred above, particularly the segments highlighted with an * above, then should decision-makers continue to ignore it and carry on with business as usual?

It's clear to me, emergency action is required, not just to mitigate for climate change, but also for energy security reasons.

The proposed Invincible Coal Mine Southern Extension Project is another case of continuing business as usual, contributing to increasing greenhouse gas emissions. It is a contributor to increasing a global existential risk.

This proposal must be denied; otherwise it conflicts with Australia's commitments given in the Paris Climate Agreement to make substantial reductions to our carbon emissions.



I request my contact details not be disclosed publicly. You may publish my name.

Please note I do not have my own email address. The email address provided is accessed by someone else I know, but please don't contact me via this email address as I may not necessarily receive it, or not receive it in a timely manner.

If you wish to contact me please send a letter to my postal address, using the contact details provided.

Thank you for the opportunity for me to present my views on this important issue.

Regards,

Geoff Miell

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

To who ignore the value of what we already have,

This is a submission opposing the Invincible Extension Project 07_0127 MOD 1

I object to the modification of the Invincible coal mine. Open-cut coal mining should is a disgraceful act in this rare and threatened part of the Gardens of Stone region. It would be unforgivable to reverse the 2013 and
2014 decisions by the Planning Assessment Commission that prevented open-cut mining in this area. I strongly oppose this proposal to expand the open-cut area and continue production for eight years. Any approval is likely to lead to incremental development of this mine, and the Department of Planning and Environment has said it is opposed to a series of incremental increases in open-cut coal mining in the Ben Bullen State Forest.

Coal from Manildra's open-cut Invincible mine will be more expensive in terms of overall costs to the economy and the environment than coal from existing operating mines that can meet the requirements of Manildra's Bomaderry plant for many decades. Approving Manildra's 50 hectare open-cut proposal will force worse environmental outcomes upon this outstanding natural area. The true cost of this damage to the community and environment cannot be compensated.

The Ben Bullen pagoda landscape is unique, irreplaceable and covers a small area of which the woodlands affected by the proposed Invincible open-cut mining operation is a key part. It is part of the only area where grassy tableland woodlands adjoins pagodas. This woodland is an integral part of the pagoda landscape and its loss will destroy this beautiful pagoda landscape.

The pagoda rock features cannot be considered in isolation from the surrounding woodlands that are proposed to be mined. The Planning Assessment Commission correctly observed in 2012 and confirmed 2014 that the pagoda landscape consists of the pagodas and woodlands below them.

Further, ecosystems cannot be replanted after open-cut mining. The proposed biodiversity offsets cannot replace the unique Ben Bullen pagoda landscape.

Please reject open-cut coal mining in the Ben Bullen State Forest now and refuse consent for Manildra's Invincible proposal.


Grant Innis
34 Ferro St
Lithgow New South Wales 2790
Thursday, October 20, 2016 - 17:20

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

Dear Sir/Madam,

Submission Opposing the Invincible Extension Project 07_0127 MOD 1

I object to the proposed modification of the Invincible coal mine. Open-cut coal mining should not recommence in this sensitive part of the Gardens of Stone region. It is inappropriate to reverse the 2013 and 2014 decisions by the Planning Assessment Commission that rejected open-cut mining in this 50 hectare area. I strongly oppose this proposal to expand the open-cut area and continue production for eight years. Any approval is likely to lead to incremental development of this mine, and the Department of Planning and Environment has said it is opposed to a series of incremental increases in open-cut coal mining in the Ben Bullen State Forest.

Coal from Manildra's open-cut Invincible mine will be more expensive in terms of overall costs to the economy and the environment than coal from existing operating mines that can meet the requirements of Manildra's Bomaderry plant for many decades. Approving Manildra's 50 hectare open-cut proposal will force worse environmental outcomes upon this outstanding natural area. The true cost of this damage to the community and environment cannot be compensated.

The Ben Bullen pagoda landscape is unique, irreplaceable and covers a small area of which the woodlands affected by the proposed Invincible open-cut mining operation is a key part. It is a key part of the only area where grassy tableland woodlands adjoins pagodas. This woodland is an integral part of the pagoda landscape and its loss will destroy this beautiful pagoda landscape.

The pagoda rock features cannot be considered in isolation from the surrounding woodlands that are proposed to be mined. The Planning Assessment Commission correctly observed in 2012 and confirmed 2014 that the pagoda landscape consists of the pagodas and woodlands below them.

Further, ecosystems cannot be replanted after open-cut mining. The proposed biodiversity offsets cannot replace the unique Ben Bullen pagoda landscape.

Please reject open-cut coal mining in the Ben Bullen State Forest now and refuse consent for Manildra's Invincible proposal.


Christian Jones
148 Victoria St
Mount Victoria New South Wales 2786
Thursday, October 20, 2016 - 17:38

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

Dear Sir/Madam,

Submission Opposing the Invincible Extension Project 07_0127 MOD 1

I object to the proposed modification of the Invincible coal mine. Open-cut coal mining should not recommence in this sensitive part of the Gardens of Stone region. It is inappropriate to reverse the 2013 and 2014 decisions by the Planning Assessment Commission that rejected open-cut mining in this 50 hectare area. I strongly oppose this proposal to expand the open-cut area and continue production for eight years. Any approval is likely to lead to incremental development of this mine, and the Department of Planning and Environment has said it is opposed to a series of incremental increases in open-cut coal mining in the Ben Bullen State Forest.

Coal from Manildra's open-cut Invincible mine will be more expensive in terms of overall costs to the economy and the environment than coal from existing operating mines that can meet the requirements of Manildra's Bomaderry plant for many decades. Approving Manildra's 50 hectare open-cut proposal will force worse environmental outcomes upon this outstanding natural area. The true cost of this damage to the community and environment cannot be compensated.

The Ben Bullen pagoda landscape is unique, irreplaceable and covers a small area of which the woodlands affected by the proposed Invincible open-cut mining operation is a key part. It is a key part of the only area where grassy tableland woodlands adjoins pagodas. This woodland is an integral part of the pagoda landscape and its loss will destroy this beautiful pagoda landscape.

The pagoda rock features cannot be considered in isolation from the surrounding woodlands that are proposed to be mined. The Planning Assessment Commission correctly observed in 2012 and confirmed 2014 that the pagoda landscape consists of the pagodas and woodlands below them.

Further, ecosystems cannot be replanted after open-cut mining. The proposed biodiversity offsets cannot replace the unique Ben Bullen pagoda landscape.

Please reject open-cut coal mining in the Ben Bullen State Forest now and refuse consent for Manildra's Invincible proposal.


Alan Cavanough
128 laver rd
Dapto New South Wales 2530
Thursday, October 20, 2016 - 18:00

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

Dear Sir/Madam,

Submission Opposing the Invincible Extension Project 07_0127 MOD 1

I object to the proposed modification of the Invincible coal mine. Open-cut coal mining should not recommence in this sensitive part of the Gardens of Stone region. It is inappropriate to reverse the 2013 and 2014 decisions by the Planning Assessment Commission that rejected open-cut mining in this 50 hectare area. I strongly oppose this proposal to expand the open-cut area and continue production for eight years. Any approval is likely to lead to incremental development of this mine, and the Department of Planning and Environment has said it is opposed to a series of incremental increases in open-cut coal mining in the Ben Bullen State Forest.

Coal from Manildra's open-cut Invincible mine will be more expensive in terms of overall costs to the economy and the environment than coal from existing operating mines that can meet the requirements of Manildra's Bomaderry plant for many decades. Approving Manildra's 50 hectare open-cut proposal will force worse environmental outcomes upon this outstanding natural area. The true cost of this damage to the community and environment cannot be compensated.

The Ben Bullen pagoda landscape is unique, irreplaceable and covers a small area of which the woodlands affected by the proposed Invincible open-cut mining operation is a key part. It is a key part of the only area where grassy tableland woodlands adjoins pagodas. This woodland is an integral part of the pagoda landscape and its loss will destroy this beautiful pagoda landscape.

The pagoda rock features cannot be considered in isolation from the surrounding woodlands that are proposed to be mined. The Planning Assessment Commission correctly observed in 2012 and confirmed 2014 that the pagoda landscape consists of the pagodas and woodlands below them.

Further, ecosystems cannot be replanted after open-cut mining. The proposed biodiversity offsets cannot replace the unique Ben Bullen pagoda landscape.

Please reject open-cut coal mining in the Ben Bullen State Forest now and refuse consent for Manildra's Invincible proposal.


Ian Partridge
25 Garling St
Lane Cove West New South Wales 2066
Thursday, October 20, 2016 - 18:25

Submission Opposing the Invincible Extension Project 07_0127 MOD 1

I object to the proposed modification of the Invincible coal mine. Open-cut coal mining should not recommence in this sensitive part of the Gardens of Stone region. It is inappropriate to reverse the 2013 and 2014 decisions by the Planning Assessment Commission that rejected open-cut mining in this 50 hectare area. I strongly oppose this proposal to expand the open-cut area and continue production for eight years. Any approval is likely to lead to incremental development of this mine, and the Department of Planning and Environment has said it is opposed to a series of incremental increases in open-cut coal mining in the Ben Bullen State Forest.

Coal from Manildra's open-cut Invincible mine will be more expensive in terms of overall costs to the economy and the environment than coal from existing operating mines that can meet the requirements of Manildra's Bomaderry plant for many decades. Approving Manildra's 50 hectare open-cut proposal will force worse environmental outcomes upon this outstanding natural area. The true cost of this damage to the community and environment cannot be compensated.

The Ben Bullen pagoda landscape is unique, irreplaceable and covers a small area of which the woodlands affected by the proposed Invincible open-cut mining operation is a key part. It is a key part of the only area where grassy tableland woodlands adjoins pagodas. This woodland is an integral part of the pagoda landscape and its loss will destroy this beautiful pagoda landscape.

The pagoda rock features cannot be considered in isolation from the surrounding woodlands that are proposed to be mined. The Planning Assessment Commission correctly observed in 2012 and confirmed 2014 that the pagoda landscape consists of the pagodas and woodlands below them.

Further, ecosystems cannot be replanted after open-cut mining. The proposed biodiversity offsets cannot replace the unique Ben Bullen pagoda landscape.

Please reject open-cut coal mining in the Ben Bullen State Forest now and refuse consent for Manildra's Invincible proposal.

Dear Sir/Madam,

Submission Opposing the Invincible Extension Project 07_0127 MOD 1

I object to the proposed modification of the Invincible coal mine. Open-cut coal mining should not recommence in this sensitive part of the Gardens of Stone region. It is inappropriate to reverse the 2013 and 2014 decisions by the Planning Assessment Commission that rejected open-cut mining in this 50 hectare area. I strongly oppose this proposal to expand the open-cut area and continue production for eight years. Any approval is likely to lead to incremental development of this mine, and the Department of Planning and Environment has said it is opposed to a series of incremental increases in open-cut coal mining in the Ben Bullen State Forest.

Coal from Manildra's open-cut Invincible mine will be more expensive in terms of overall costs to the economy and the environment than coal from existing operating mines that can meet the requirements of Manildra's Bomaderry plant for many decades. Approving Manildra's 50 hectare open-cut proposal will force worse environmental outcomes upon this outstanding natural area. The true cost of this damage to the community and environment cannot be compensated.

The Ben Bullen pagoda landscape is unique, irreplaceable and covers a small area of which the woodlands affected by the proposed Invincible open-cut mining operation is a key part. It is a key part of the only area where grassy tableland woodlands adjoins pagodas. This woodland is an integral part of the pagoda landscape and its loss will destroy this beautiful pagoda landscape.

The pagoda rock features cannot be considered in isolation from the surrounding woodlands that are proposed to be mined. The Planning Assessment Commission correctly observed in 2012 and confirmed 2014 that the pagoda landscape consists of the pagodas and woodlands below them.

Further, ecosystems cannot be replanted after open-cut mining. The proposed biodiversity offsets cannot replace the unique Ben Bullen pagoda landscape.

Please reject open-cut coal mining in the Ben Bullen State Forest now and refuse consent for Manildra's Invincible proposal.

Dear Sir/Madam,

Submission Opposing the Invincible Extension Project 07_0127 MOD 1

I object to the proposed modification of the Invincible coal mine. Open-cut coal mining should not recommence in this sensitive part of the Gardens of Stone region. It is inappropriate to reverse the 2013 and 2014 decisions by the Planning Assessment Commission that rejected open-cut mining in this 50 hectare area. I strongly oppose this proposal to expand the open-cut area and continue production for eight years. Any approval is likely to lead to incremental development of this mine, and the Department of Planning and Environment has said it is opposed to a series of incremental increases in open-cut coal mining in the Ben Bullen State Forest.

Coal from Manildra's open-cut Invincible mine will be more expensive in terms of overall costs to the economy and the environment than coal from existing operating mines that can meet the requirements of Manildra's Bomaderry plant for many decades. Approving Manildra's 50 hectare open-cut proposal will force worse environmental outcomes upon this outstanding natural area. The true cost of this damage to the community and environment cannot be compensated.

The Ben Bullen pagoda landscape is unique, irreplaceable and covers a small area of which the woodlands affected by the proposed Invincible open-cut mining operation is a key part. It is a key part of the only area where grassy tableland woodlands adjoins pagodas. This woodland is an integral part of the pagoda landscape and its loss will destroy this beautiful pagoda landscape.

The pagoda rock features cannot be considered in isolation from the surrounding woodlands that are proposed to be mined. The Planning Assessment Commission correctly observed in 2012 and confirmed 2014 that the pagoda landscape consists of the pagodas and woodlands below them.

Further, ecosystems cannot be replanted after open-cut mining. The proposed biodiversity offsets cannot replace the unique Ben Bullen pagoda landscape.

Please reject open-cut coal mining in the Ben Bullen State Forest now and refuse consent for Manildra's Invincible proposal.

In a time when demand for coal is declining it is irresponsible to continue degrading our diminishing natural bushland for mining.