Mod 9 - Additional Coal Extraction

Our company has been servicing the Mudgee area in the hydraulic industry for over 10 years.
We have an operational branch in the town of Mudgee to support the area in hydraulic service, repairs, redesign, breakdowns etc.
We fully support the expansion of the Moolarben coal mine and any future developments.
We feel these expansions will be of a great benefit to the region and to our company.
We have built up a excellent relationship with all Moolarben staff
and look forward to this continuing with future expansions.

Moorlaben coal mine contributes to the community by employing locals. Expansion of the project will caused increased employment opportunities and benefit the community.

I wish to submit my support for Moolarben coal's stage 1 optimisation project.

Moolarben Coal provide crucial economic support to the greater Mid Western Regional Council area, through employment of a local work force and support to local businesses and contractors.

They are active in their commitment to upholding environmental practises and taking initiatives improve environmental management strategies. Moolarben coal also provides significant financial community support funding important grassroots projects.

To whom it may concern

I wish to give my support to Moolarben Stage 1 (optimisation project)
The reason I give my support is as follows

Current mining operation
Moolarben has a very active environmental and operations department that actively monitors and manages environmental compliance.
Moolarben has an excellent proactive rehabilitation program for mined land rehabiliatation.
The original stage 1 approval did not consider optimal resource management when it was approved whereas the optimisation proposal has improved use of the (Australia;s) resource and reduces the amount of coal that would otherwise have been sterilised.
The mine provides employment for local people.
Moolarben supports the local community groups and charities.
The mine provides income and opportunities for small business.
The approval would provide security of employment for employees.
People are proud to work at Moolarben.
The footprint of the proposal does not impose on land of any significant value for agriculture or any other cultural use,
The land surface area has preiously been disturbed by timber cutters tracks and some crazy stone mining.

To Sara Wilson,

Director, Mining and Industry Projects, Development Assessment Systems & Approvals
Department of Planning and Infrastructure


I am writing to express my support for the proposed Moolarben Coal Stage 1 Optimisation Project (05_0117 MOD 9).

I am a 5th generation Mudgee local, and as such this district holds a special place in my heart. It is a place with a rich history in mining stretching back to the Gold Rush era and continuing to present day with Coal Mining bringing prosperity to the area.

The MWRC area has benefited both directly and indirectly as a result of the operation of the Moolarben Coal Mine.

It is a major employer of local people and a direct contributor of funds supporting community organisations, services, charities, events, and roads and infrastructure improvements.

There is also a flow on effect in the community as income earned at the mine is redistributed back through the area via support of local businesses and shopping locally. This in turn increases employment opportunities, attracts new developments and boosts the local housing market.

The continuation of this prosperity however, strongly relies on the continuation of mining in the area, as the two are inextricably linked.

The Moolarben Coal Stage 1 Optimisation Project (05_0117 MOD 9) would therefore provide increased job security and greatly help in ensuring the area's economic viability for years to come.

The Optimisation Project proposed by Moolarben Coal, which seeks to more efficiently and effectively utilise the land within the mine's perimeter, makes not only good economic sense, but is also logistically a better and safer option.

If supported, this proposal has the ability to improve the workability of the terrain, thereby, and more importantly, making for even safer operations.

Moolarben Coal Mine strongly emphasises the importance of safety in its day to day running. In supporting this proposal you will therefore be supporting improved safety.

Whilst we do go to work to earn money, the important thing is that we return home safely at the end of the day.

Please support this proposal. Support Moolarben Coal. Support their employees. Provide us the opportunity to in turn support our families and community.

Yours Sincerely,

Catherine Anderson

To Brad Hazzard, Minister of Planning

Dear Sir,
I am writing to object to the further expansion of stage 1 Mooarben Coal Project, given the size of the three existent projects [Ulan, Moolarben and Wilpinjong] on this section of the Goulburn River which in very close proximity to The Drip, a major tourist and recreation attraction. I am very concerned about putting additional pressure on the river and the fragile aquifer system, as well as expanded threats to flora and fauna in the eco-retreat, Stone Cottages, where the drilling is proposed.

I have read the 258 page 'Optimisation' booklet and am deeply concerned that the mine proposes to eliminate the current wildlife and woodland corridor between currently approved sections of the mine. This will effectively create an even larger mine within the so-called 'footprint' [with very little cost to the mine but adding significant risks and stress to the environment].

Another chief concern is the changes these mining expansions are bringing to the character of the area with respect to Mudgee's reputation for tourism, wineries, and agriculture [prime farmland and stud farms, including the Andrews' property, home of 'natural sequence farming' and a major innovator in land management, salinity prevention and drought-proofing through raising the water-table]. We should be supporting such initiatives of national significance For my part, I am one of the co-directors of Cementa 13 Contemporary Art Festival which recently attracted many key players in the Sydney art world and local regions; I am also a director Kandos Projects which promotes arts and research in the region, and am Secretary of the Kandos Museum. I am seriously concerned that the region has reached a tipping point with respect to the delicate 'co-existence' of Big Coal and tourism and related industries, and strongly advocate that this proposed expansion of Moolarben Stage 1 does not go ahead.

I work for Moolarben Coal and use local and out of the area contractors. Moolarben coal operation contributes greatly to the ecconomy.

The company also donates large amounts of money to local charities and community oginisations.

This project should go ahead for the above reasons alone

This project should be approved as soon as possible. The environmental impacts and risks associated with the project are minimal and the benefits to the community and economy are significant. The benefits that will flow from the project are very much needed. The jobs and general wealth it will create as the economy is slowing are critical, particularly for younger people where secure jobs are becoming scarcer.

I consider the long term benefits to the employees, local community, supporting industries, and the state of NSW are significant, and are far to important to ignore.
I am confident a proper framework will be in place for the continued operation of the Moolarben Coal Project, should the project be granted approval.
I wish to indicate my full support of the proposal, and recommend it be approved.

Dear Sir
Modification 9 proposal:
I object to the Moolarben Mine Modification 9 proposal to increase in mine life from 2028 to 2033 and make a 25% increase in the Open-cut Mine footprint = 178 hectares (ha) increase in pit size.
I object to the extension and joining of Open Cuts 1 & 2 - Total area of Stage 1 Open Cuts pits = 886 ha, removal of vegetated sandstone ridges (east-west and north-south) - 100m, 60m and 30m high ridge-line above the Moolarben valley floor . All three ridge-line excavations are visible from multiple points in the landscape and face the densely populated Ridge Road and Cooks Gap community.

Permission must not be approved to clear an additional 171.4 hectares of native vegetation including 17.2 ha of Ecological Endangered Communities listed under the NSW Threatened Species Act (16.5 ha critically endangered listed federally under the EPBC).
The spurious legislation (WMA2000) that enables mines to utilise ground water without a permit has and will continue to have unacceptable impacts that deplete and contaminate subterranean and above ground watercourses. The open Cut 2 pit cannot be permitted to extend to within 100m of Moolarben Creek (headwaters Goulburn River). MCO has a questionable environmental record and has been fined 3 times for non-compliance to EPL conditions for water pollution of the Goulburn River. The Moolarben Mine complex straddles the headwaters of the Goulburn River - Upper Hunter Valley

The extensive surface disturbance, open cut pits and overburden emplacement in close proximity to Moolarben Creek represents a significant threat to downstream water quality from sediment and salinity discharge into the headwaters of the Goulburn River.

The outrageous proposal to make a dumping ground of Moolaraben Creek by overburden emplacement on the edge of Moolarben Creek (Year16) is in the 21st Century a shocking and retrogressive idea that harks back to 19th Century Industrial Revolution thinking at its most crude. Any sediment or mine water dam overflows or offsite discharges eventually flow into, and will impact on, the downstream ecology and water quality of the Goulburn River.
To further embed this disastrous plan, the proposal to place a haulage road down centre of the open cut mine area until 2033 (life of mine) will severely limit progressive rehabilitation and clean water management and diversion far into the future.
As educated, informed, socially responsible, creative Australians we must legislate for a future that respects and protects water in the land and audits its value as an essential resource.

The >576 Million Tonnes C02-e produced over the life of the mine (2013-2034) makes a mockery of a sustainable future. The science on global warming, the waste and contamination of precious water resources and the desecration of vast tracts of pristine environment all tell us loud and clear that coal is not the fuel for today and not the fuel for tomorrow and no further expansion of this mine can be condoned.

The fact that no Water Access Licenses are required because diversion and use of water for mining is apparently exempt under WMA2000 is not the way we should be managing our water resources in the 21st Century. This legislation must o is changed to reflect our current knowledge and scientific research about the value of water supplies.

In this context The Proposed Water Management Plan (WMP) is little more that a script for a disaster movie in which public owned water resources will be hi jacked from the rivers and aquifers that sustain the life of the countryside and used to wash coal, contaminated and then released to poison the pitiful flows that remain in depleted creeks, collapsed river beds and sprayed on the pseudo regenerated post coal landscapes that have sent their top soils to hell.
For many years, as a potter and a visual artist, I have visited the Gulgong and Mudgee Areas to attend ceramics conferences. I have visited the Drip and know artists and farmers in the area whose cultural contribution to society is jeopardised by the gargantuan greed of these coal mining ventures.

Along with many Australian artists, I am inspired by the history of landscape painting, the insights of scientific research into ecology and sustainable farming such as the nationally significant work of Andrews' property, home of 'natural sequence farming and the respect for water in the landscape that is the Australian Aboriginal heritage of this country.
I am against the existing Moolarben mine and strongly against its poorly researched, exploitative and cynical bid for expansion.
Toni Warburton

An extension of the existing mines around Mudgee will have major positive influence for both the Mudgee and surrounding community. It will increase not only local employment and boost the local economy. As well as being beneficial for the community the mines have little environmental impact as they rehabilitate the areas that are mined and follow strict laws regarding environmental care. As far as I am concerned there are no long term disadvantages to extending an existing mine.

Moolarben Coal has been a great support to our childrens schools in Mudgee and surrounding Schools in many different ways. They support many local volunteer groups through fund raising and donations. I feel that Moolarben Coal employ a balanced work force consisting of many local people which then helps the smaller businesses in the town thrive and keep local people in work. It is a joy to drive pass the mine site and see how passionate they are about quickly rehabilitating the land after it has been mined to provide a biodiverse environment which encourage native birds and wildlife back into the area.

Moolarben Coal is an important part of the community and provides valuable investment in the mudgee community. By extending the approval of the mine would allow Moolarben to have a greater impact on the community and the people supported by Moolarben

My family like many others are supported by Moolarben Coal, I believe the the approval of the extension to Moolarben will help Mudgee and surrounding communities to continue to grow and prosper.

I would like to give my support for the Moolarben Mine Stage 1 Optimisation Project.
My reasons are;
1. I have an 18 year old son employed as an Heavy Vehicle Mechanic by the company and who would now like to study Hydraulic Engineering as well as have work available after he finishes his TAFE training. He now has a very bright future due to the investment and development of the mine without having to leave and seek employment in the large cities.
2. I believe that mining is one of the only industries that can save smaller country towns from a gradual, slow population decline and eventual death. Having said that areas that have existing mines need to stay operating as long as possible to maintain the prosperity from their investment and employment.
3.Infrastructure within the area is supported and partially funded by this mine. Extending the life of the mine can extend the investment and maintenance of critical infrastructure and services. An example of this is that we would not have the air services existing in Mudgee without the business provided from the local mining industry.
It makes much more commercial and economic sense to extend the life of existing mines using the existing facilities that to develop new mines.

Hello my name is Ken Harding and I have lived in Mudgee most of my Life. Some twenty five years of that I ran business in the local district. It has come to my attention that a local coal mine that being Moolarben is having a second stage of its development under consideration. I would like to support this development. Over many years living in the Mudgee area I have seen the benefit and growth the mining industry has brought to this town . The large number of associated business eg hire , irrigation, engineering, tools, training centres, the list goes on and on. After Mudgee's major employment company closed down , the regional Abattoirs it was the mining sector that kept this town alive. Where a lot of rural towns are struggling to survive Mudgee is growing from strength to strength.
It is this reason that I hope you look favorable on there continuing support and growth.
Regards Ken Harding

To the Minister for Planning, Brad Hazzard

Dear Minister

I am writing to oppose the expansion of stage 1 of Mooarben Coal Project because of the serious risk it poses to the Goulburn River through mine water discharge and the disturbance to flora and fauna in the surrounding area, as well as the risk of more widespread damage to underground water systems.

Governments need to represent all the people of their state, not just the interests of big business. Human society needs to care for the physical environment in which we live, so that it remains habitable for future generations of human beings and other life forms that also live here, and it should not allow coal mining or any other activity to exploit it for short-term profit at the expense of other interests.

For these reasons, I urge you to reject this proposed modification on behalf of the people and environment of NSW.

Margaret Roberts

Hi I give my support to moolarben coal mine stage 1 optimisation project .moolarben coal do great things for Ulan & mudgee & gulgong & surrounding communties they support contractors & local businesses & community groups they spend lots of money on rehabilitation they are a great team of people thank you dean endacott mudgee nsw

Dear Sara

Sorry my microsoft word has failed, and so my submission will be just a email.
I am making an objection to the proposal, on these grounds.

1. The "the Drip" requires government protection as a significant landmark and importance to the community, also for future economic gains to the area and the state, through other industries which is sustainable.
2. Industrial noise policy- the terms of reference of the review has not been set, which has a significant bearing on the assessment related EIS and mitigation, my last correspondence with EPA was just last month.
3. Cumulative impacts of salinity within the spoils and the speed it travels to the void sink, and the aquifers becoming sourcing, from all the reports on NOW website and ACARP reports, this issue requires more research and the impact on the water network system.
4. Cumulative impact of rehabilitation on the economic future of the area, and the cost of maintenance of the rehab area, the cost of maintenance on the final voids post mining. The tax payer should not be burden with any post mining impacts related to the rehab and the water network system, so therefore must be sufficient money to support ongoing costs when the land is handed back to the state.
5. Cumulative impacts of blasting on the area, where no department has a record, which means they have no idea on how many per day or year which means they have no true indicator of the impacts on the air quality if the industry actually follows there consent conditions.

regards
Deidre Olofsson

I wish to lodge an objection to the proposed "modification" of the Moolarben Mine for the following reasons.


The Moolarben mine has previously shown that it is incapable of managing pollution incidents which have resulted in the company having fines imposed for those breaches.

Mining approvals and extensions have led to population reductions in rural communities, with the reduction in agricultural production having an economic impact on rural suppliers and local businesses and threatening Australia's ability to continue as a producer of food.

Small rural schools such as Wollar PS and Ulan PS have seen severely reduced student populations as a result of the depopulation of their surrounding areas. Any such reduction in numbers at small community schools threatens the viability and existence of those schools which are at the centre of life for those children and the whole community.