Mod 9 - Additional Coal Extraction

I Dr Sara Fergusson of Dunedoo NSW 2844, object to the proposed extension of Moolarben mine.

The current mine conditions are detrimental to the health of our communities and are impacting in a devastating way to our environment.

Further extension is unacceptable.

Dr Sara Fergusson
GP and VMO
Dunedoo

I would like to add our names to the list of people objecting to the expansion of the Moolarben Mine.



We would like you to consider the following points:



1. This proposed `modification' is a major extension to the current approved Moolarben Mine.



2. Proposal to extend existing mine footprint by 25% will disturb an additional 178 ha and create a super pit covering 886 ha.



3. Extending life of mine by 5 years to 2033 to extract additional 6 million tonnes coal per year will cause continued unsustainable environmental disruption and increased greenhouse gas emissions.



4. The extension will remove vegetated sandstone ridgeline habitat 100m, 60m and 30m high while increasing dust and noise impacts.



5. Clearing will destroy 171.4 ha of woodland including vegetation communities listed for protection under state and federal law. This is additional to the removal of 416.8 ha native vegetation in the current approval for Moolarben Stage 1.



6. 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.



7. The proposed Water Management Plan suspends the protection of water quality.



8. The increased mine size will intercept additional overland and base flows to the Goulburn River.


`The Drip' must be protected within Goulburn River National Park. This is a unique and magnificent area and any expansion must be stopped.

Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

I understand that my submission is late, however I wish to object to any proposed expansion of the Moolarben Mine.



I believe it is going to me a major extension to the current mine site, requiring removal of nearly 200 hectares of woodland, ridgeline and other animal life and vegetation.



I understand that noise, traffic, trains, pollution and earth disturbances will threaten those living in the community and the habitat and water quality at the headwaters of the Goulburn River.



My greatest concern is that `the Drip' which is a beautiful and rare natural environment must be protected.

Please would you register my objection to the proposal to increase the footprint of the Moolarben Mine by 25%.

As the mine has demonstrated an inability to manage pollution incidents in the past, it would seem an outrageously irresponsible action on the part of the Department of Planning and Infrastructure to approve such an expansion.

The above is just one of the reason why I make this objection. There is, of course, the local community, school, birds, animals, trees, water etc. that surely must have to be looked after by something called the Department of Planning and Infrastructure.

I am writing to object to this modification


I am a frequent visitor to this part of New South Wales and was most distressed to hear of the proposed expansion of Moorlarben Mine which is a 25% expansion.
This is an area of New South Wales whose natural beauty has already been blighted by the existing mining. To increase the mining operation would be catastrophic from a visual perspective alone
The loss of woodland including native forest would be a totally irresponsible act
Climate change is a world issue and the consequent increase in greenhouse gas emissions is indefensible.
I would hope that policy in NSW would be directed towards decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and not increasing them
Australia has a wealth of natural resources that can be used to ensure sustainability
Please accept and report my objections

Submission of Objection to Moolarben Mine Stage 1 Modification 9 (Part3AMod)

I strongly object to this proposed "modification". The justification is only financial gain, ostensibly in the public interest. However, the end of the Coal Age is nigh. The price of coal is plummeting. The cost of this modification on environmental grounds would only ever increase in quantum. It would have negative impact on atmospheric pollution, groundwater depletion, water quality and quantity, biodiversity conservation, rehabilitation and chances for redemption of the extinction debt of flora and fauna currently in train in NSW. There is no need whatsoever for the approval of Moolarben Mine Stage 1 Modification 9. There is already too much coal approved for extraction.


The current ballpark calculations on greenhouse gas emissions that constrain carbon dioxide ppm to limit global temperature rise to two degrees requires 80% of the extant coal to remain in the ground. Unburnt.


The proposal to create an even bigger megaopencut pit, in the headwaters of the Goulburn River also fails on ecological grounds.

The specific NO GO from any planning perspective, not just ecological, for the proposed greedy modification and cumulative impact should be the foreclosure of the northsouth vegetation connectivity by the proposed Stage 2. This linkage for Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and Goulburn River National Park is extremely important under existing approvals. It must remain. The capacity for migration of gene pools of flora and fauna in our uncertain future of climate change should be protected and enhanced at all costs. The existing vegetation, from purely a landscape perspective is irreplaceable and invaluable, let alone that it also includes a Nationally Critically Endangered Ecological Community. It would be totally inappropriate to approve this modification, given already over 400 hectares have been approved for clearance.

I urge Planning NSW to situate decision-making in the present and future. Some years ago YanCoal made the economic decision to risk spending money in order to seek an extension. The price of coal was high and the American shale gas resource was not as established. It is not behoven on Planning NSW to approve an application on alleged economic benefit grounds. There will be a significant cumulative impact.

The people of NSW and the flora and fauna need the coal to stay in the ground and the 170ha vegetation to remain intact and serving its ecosystem functions.

The recent Land and Environment Court decision to disapprove the extension of the Warkworth Coal Mine because it could not be established that the activity would be in the public interest should provide essential guidance to Department of Planning. I submit this "modification" should not be approved.

Moolarben Mine Stage 1 Modification 9 (Part3AMod)
Submission of Objection


I am deeply concerned about this proposed mine modification, which in effect will increase the current Moolarben Mine by a massive 25%.

It will extend the already approved three open cuts, creating a huge pit of 886 hectares. (I wonder how much of Sydney would be swallowed up by this amount of land).



It will result in the clearing of 171.4 hectares of woodland, including 17.2 ha of the endangered ecological community White Box Yellow Box Blakely's Red Gum, most of which is the critically endangered ecological community White Box Yellow Box Blakely's Red Gum and Derived Native Grassland. These are vegetation communities listed under both Federal and State Law. This extra clearing is in addition to the 416.8 ha already approved under Moolarben Stage 1.


Vegetated sandstone ridgeline habitat will also be removed.


Moolarben Creek will be very close to the open cuts, the extensive surface disturbance and overburden piles, threatening downstream water quality sediment and salinity discharge into the headwaters of the Goulburn River, and ultimately the Hunter River.


The protection of water quality will be suspended on a regular basis under the proposed Water Management Plan. This is unacceptable. Increasing the size of the mine by 25% will also cause further disturbance to existing ground and surface water systems already impacted by current mine approvals in the area.


It is absolutely essential that "The Drip" be protected within the Goulburn River National Park. This is an iconic natural feature reminiscent of the wet tropics and must gain national park status.



Moolarben Coal Mine does not have a good record at managing its pollution and adhering to its conditions of approval. It has been before the courts and fined on numerous occasions for breaches and pollution incidents. This is poor management.


There are also issues of hugely increased dust, train movements and noise impacts involved with this modification. This is a major expansion, not a modification and should not be approved.


In terms of climate change, it is hideous to extend the life of the mine for a further five years. The world is already experiencing global warming, and increasing greenhouse emissions under this proposal is just simply not on, for the sake of our children, and yours.

Thankyou for the opportunity to comment on a proposed extension to the Moolarben Mine Stage 1.

I totally object to any extension of mining activities in this sensitive area, they have already gone too far.

The Drip: there is only one such place, I have stood there amazed and delighted. For countless ages past it has been a sacred, remarkable and soaring place of contemplation. It is also delicate, to be protected at all costs.

The entire environment which is the context for The Drip is in danger from this proposed mine extension.
The actual water of the Goulburn River, and its purity, is in question. The vegetation types found in this locality are precious, at the same time as being currently conserved and cared for to allow public appreciation. This public investment, and the promise of future benefit from The Drip, needs to be respected.

The entire setting is rare, a future focus for tourism activity as long as the mines can be kept out of the immediate picture. But the tipping point is close already, and this proposal would send it over into irreversible decline. Clearing more ridge vegetation in this special location is out of the question.

The existing pits and their damage are already without a long term solution for remediation. To add to this irreversible destruction before solving the consequences of what is done already, shows a recklessness on the part of the proponent in the first place. Government's acquiescence to it would reveal not any long term care for the Nation, which is its job, but only an empty hunger for short term returns. These will mean nothing when we have nothing left of value, no decent place to live.

Now is the time to pause and think. It is not time to tear more and more apart, leaving us and our children bereft even of basic climatic comfort, due to climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions from just such as this mine.

I object in the strongest terms to any extension of this Moolarben mine, and to the cumulative effects of this mine in context with the others.

Submission of Objection

Title: Moolarben Mine Stage 1 Modificiation 9 (Part3AMod)

Email: [email protected]



The Mudgee district is slowly being destroyed by large industry/mines/proposed gas seam/increased traffic of large vehicles. The picturesque nature of the district has made it a terrific tourist destination + for sustainable farming coexisting with the natural beauty of the land. We don't need anymore mines destroying our land and especially we don't need to destroy the fragile underground water systems.

We live on a small farm 20km out of town - we have solar power which fully covers our power needs and we recycle everything we use to try and leave a country suitable for future generations to live a healthy life.

Australia can survive without money coming in from mines.

From: North East Forest Alliance, Hunter Region

To: Department of Planning

Email: [email protected]


June 21st 2013


Objection to Moolarben Mine Stage 1 Modificiation 9

In October 2006 we submitted detailed objections to this project, and also summarised general objections to new and extended mining, as follows:


the total contribution of emissions to greenhouse warming are unacceptable at a time of evident climate crisis requiring immediate action to drastically reduce such emissions, already enormous from Hunter Valley mining;

approval would be inconsistent with the objects of NSW legislation to protect significant remnant native vegetation, threatened species fauna habitat, and water and catchment values;

approval would also be inconsistent with Commonwealth legislation, and strategies binding on state governments, and with international obligations;

the proposal cannot be justified as being in accordance with principles of ecological sustainability;

the proposal is not in the long-term public interest;

the proposal cannot be amended by imposing conditions on an approval which would be acceptable; and

such proposed new mines would constitute not only a gross violation upon the natural values of the locality, but also upon the fabric and amenity of life of the local community, and that of future generations; and accordingly, would breach without defence of necessity, the principle of inter-generational equity - are we to deny to our children and grandchildren, enjoyment of woodlands, and birds, and clean water ?


In 2006 we objected to this three-stage project being submitted for approval on the basis of an assessment of Stage one only. Now we find a proposed `modification' which in fact is a major extension to the mine as currently approved. We object to assessment and approval processes which are token only: assessments are inadequate, approval is automatic, pre-ordained, the public interest and the health and well-being of local and regional communities, and funtuure generations, is ignored.

The additional 178ha to be destroyed adds significantly to the environmental impacts we documented in 2006, including loss of Nationally Critically Endangered Box-Gum Woodland and species habitat, with likely loss of the Brown Treecreeper.

We call on the Department's Planners to act with integrity, in accordance with professional standards in the public interest, and recommend to Government that, on overwhelming grounds, we must rapidly move beyond the coal and coal seam gas industries, to be able to contemplate life for future generations.

Submission of Objection

Moolarben Mine Stage 1 Modificiation 9 (Part3AMod)

Dear Ms Wilson,

I would like to object to the Moolaben Stage 1 Modification 9 because it is not really a modification but an expansion which increases the mine footprint by 25% and leaves a 886Ha hole.

Th This extension guarantees unsustainable environmental disruption and increased greenhouse gas emissions.

4. I am concerned at the further loss of protected ecological communities and the increased impact on the already impacted Goulburn River (eg salt, gouging floods, groundwater interference and sediment).

8. I think the Drip is one of the most amazing landscape formations in the Upper Hunter and can't believe we can compromise it's integrity for short term profit.

The company has a history of breaches and I think it is important that we recognise the haste to expand is based on the desire to get as much as possible before the world fully wakes to realit of climate change and the urgency with which we need to get out of coal. Who really believes the impact of either the local environmental and social destruction or that of climate change can be mitigated by continuing to mine and export coal?

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

Points for submission of objection:

This proposed `modification' is a major extension to the current approved Moolarben Mine.

Proposal to extend existing mine footprint by 25% will disturb an additional 178 ha and create a super pit covering 886 ha.

Extending life of mine by 5 years to 2033 to extract additional 6 million tonnes coal per year will cause continued unsustainable environmental disruption and increased greenhouse gas emissions.

The extension will remove vegetated sandstone ridgeline habitat 100m, 60m and 30m high while increasing dust and noise impacts.

Clearing will destroy 171.4 ha of woodland including vegetation communities listed for protection under state and federal law. This is additional to the removal of 416.8 ha native vegetation in the current approval for Moolarben Stage 1.

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 proposed Water Management Plan suspends the protection of water quality.

The increased mine size will intercept additional overland and base flows to the Goulburn River.

`The Drip' must be protected within Goulburn River National Park before this proposal can be considered.

The cumulative effects of mining in the region need to be considered rather than considering mines on an individual basis.



Ecological Impacts:

Expanding the footprint of the 3 open cuts will result in the clearing of an additional 178 hectares of land, comprising 171ha of native forest and woodland, including 17.2ha of the White Box Yellow Box Blakely's Red Gum Woodland, listed as endangered ecological community under the TSC Act (containing 16.5ha of the White Box Yellow Box Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland which is listed as a critically endangered ecological community under the EPBC Act), 154.2ha of other non-threatened native vegetation communities and 6.6ha of cleared land or exotic pasture.

Two threatened species recorded - the Eastern Cave Bat and a Brown treecreeper.

Moolarben history: The mine has demonstrated inability to manage pollution incidents and has been fined a number of times for breaching existing conditions of approval.

Increased traffic and trains, loss of more community in region, threat to Ulan School

Objection to proposal of expansion of Moolarben Mine stage one
Modification nine.
The expansion of the pit will cover an area of 886 hectares
increasing the footprint of the mine by 25%.
The removal of the vegetated sandstone ridgeline, will destroy
171.4ha of woodland and protected vegetation communities.
There is significant threat to Moolarben creek due to close
proximity to pit and overburden placement. Goulburn river being
affected by sediment and salinity discharge, base flows
affected.
The Drip must be protected and included in the Goulburn national park.
Moolarben mine has proven it is incapable of meeting
environmental conditions, receiving a number of fines for
breaching pollution conditions.
Communities will further be under threat from expansion...
increased noise ,pollution, transport issues, health will be at
risk, stress causing increased mental health problems.
Threatened species, have been recorded Eastern cave bat,
brown creeper bird.

Submission of Objection



Moolarben Mine Stage 1 Modification 9 (Part 3A Mod)



1. This proposed modification is a major extension to the current approved Moolarben Mine.



2. The proposal to extend the life of the mine by 5 years and to extract an additional 6 million tonnes of coal per year will cause continued unsustainable environmental disruption through increased greenhouse gas emissions.



3. The extension will increase noise and dust impacts.



4. Clearing will destroy 171.4 ha. of woodland, including vegetation communities listed for protection under State and Federal law.



5. The proposal will result in a significant threat to downstream water quality from sediment and salinity discharge into the headwaters of the Goulburn River.



6. The iconic "Drip Gorge" on the Goulburn River must be protected by adding it to the "Goulburn River National Park" for the sake of our heritage.

Moolarben Mine Stage 1 Modificiation 9 (Part3AMod)
Submission of Objection
I object to the application by Yancoal to expand and prolong the current Moolarben Open Cut mining operation (Mod 9).
The proposal is a major expansion of existing approved operations. Moolarben Coal Mine has already had a significant impact on the surrounding environment above those predicted in the original environmental assessment.
The project has not been managed responsibly and has caused a range of environmental and pollution incidents in breach of current conditions of approval.
Moolarben Stage 1, as currently approved, has a significant opportunity to access a large volume of coal. There does not seem to be any attempt by Yancoal to progress the approved longwall mining operation.
This proposal to enlarge the current open cut operation by 25% in combining Pits 1 and 2 into a super pit covering 886ha is an unacceptable impact on the surrounding environment.
The increased levels of dust and noise, increased interception of surface and groundwater flows to the headwaters of the Goulburn River, increased destruction of biodiversity and increased production of greenhouse gas emissions until the year 2033 are not acceptable.
I disagree with the statement in the Executive Summary of the environmental assessment for Mod 9 "potential impacts on water resources are negligible and amenity impacts minor, with no additional privately-owned residences predicted to be subject to acquisition upon request."
The proposal requires the removal of ridge-lines at a height of 100m down to 30m. This is a major change to the local landscape and amenity. The ongoing loss of biodiversity and vegetation on the site of Moolarben Mine has already dramatically changed the visual amenity of the region. All three proposed ridge-line excavations are visible from multiple points in the landscape and face the densely populated Ridge Road and Cooks Gap community.
These communities have already been impacted by Moolarben Stage 1 to a much greater extent than predicted in the original assessment. There is no confidence that the assessment for Mod 9 will be any more accurate. The noise and dust modelling used to predict `no impact' have been proven to be inadequate for this mine.
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.
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.
The proposal to join Open Cuts 1 & 2 limits opportunities for clean water diversion and water management around the disturbed area thus increasing the interception and loss of catchment runoff.
The disturbance of an additional 178 ha of land will result in a further reduction in catchment runoff and groundwater recharge that support stream and base flows to the Goulburn River. The interception and extraction of surface flows and groundwater by 1,304 ML/yr and consumption of water for dust suppression and coal preparation of between 1,500-2,380 ML/yr is a significant impact on the flows to the Goulburn River headwaters.
The cumulative loss of flows to the river system has not been adequately assessed. Ulan Mine intercepted 4,355 ML during 2011/12. The predicted additional interception of 1, 304 ML/yr from Mod 9 will result in almost 6 GL of water being intercepted by mining from the groundwaters and surface waters associated with the Goulburn River.
The ecological impact and loss of water volume and quality available to other users in the Goulburn River system has not been adequately considered by the NSW Government.
There have been ongoing calls from the community to conduct an independent regional water study of the impacts of mining on the Upper Goulburn River. The Department of Planning and Infrastructure and NSW Office of Water must instigate this study, funded by Xstrata and Yancoal, before any further mine expansions can be considered in this part of the Hunter River catchment.
As a downstream water user with basic rights on the Goulburn River, I have witnessed significant changes to the river hydrology over time. Natural flow variability has been noticeably impacted while water quality, particularly sedimentation, has continued to decline.
The proposal in the Water Management Plan for Mod 9 to suspend the Environmental Pollution Licence after 5 consecutive days of rainfall over 44mm is completely unacceptable and should not be considered. These types of rainfall events occur on average 3 or 4 times per year in the catchment.
This proposal is an indication that Yancoal will not be able to prevent ongoing pollution of river water if Mod 9 is approved. Uncontrolled overflow of sediment dams and mine water dams is not acceptable and should not be approved.
As previously stated, the proposal to join Open Cuts 1 & 2 limits opportunities for clean water diversion and water management around the disturbed area. This will increase the volume of contaminated water across the site.
This mine has been fined for uncontrolled pollution of the Goulburn River. There is no confidence in the community that this behaviour will not continue.
Finally, I request that no further consideration be given to expansion of coal mining activities in the Ulan region, particularly at the Moolarben operations, until "The Drip" is protected within the Goulburn River National Park.

Submission Objections:
1. This proposal will extend the existing mine footprint by 25% , will disturb an additional 178 ha
and create a super pit covering 886 ha. This is not a `modification' it is a major extension with
major undesirable impacts.
2. This proposal to extend life of mine by 5 years to 2033 and to extract additional 6 million tonnes
per year will cause continued unsustainable environmental disruption through increased
greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change.
3. I am concerned about the impact of the removal of vegetated sandstone ridgeline habitat
100m, 60m and 30m high.
4. Clearing will destroy a further 171.4 ha of woodland including vegetation communities listed for
protection under state and federal law.
5. There will be a significant threat to downstream water quality from sediment and salinity
discharge into the headwaters of the Goulburn River by the extensive surface disturbance, open
cut pits and overburden emplacement in close proximity to Moolarben Creek.
6. The increased mine size will intercept additional overland and base flows to the Goulburn River
7. `The Great Dripping Wall' is an iconic site of significant importance and must be protected.
8. There will be a huge increase in dust and noise impacting on the residents of this area.
9. Increased traffic and trains, loss of more community in region, threat to Ulan School
10. To date the managers of Moorlarben have demonstrated an inability to manage pollution
incidents and has been fined a number of times for breaching existing conditions of approval.

Submission of Objection
Title: Moolarben Mine Stage 1 Modificiation 9 (Part3AMod)
I am very angry about the overhaul lack of concern of environmental issues connected with the
proposed expansion of this mine. Clearing will destroy 171.4 ha of woodland including
vegetation communities listed for protection under state and federal law. This is additional to
the removal of 416.8 ha native vegetation in the current approval for Moolarben Stage 1. This
government does not have to accept the expansion of this mine.

I wish to object strongly to proposed major extension of Moolarben mine, my reasons are
as follows:-
1.The proposal to extend the life of the mine by 5 years, and to extract a further 6 million
tons per year is just unsustainable. It will cause continued enviromental pollution. increasing
greenhouse gases, and further destruction of country.
2 The proposed water management is simply unsustainable, there will be significant threat
to downstream water qual;ity from sediment and salinity discharge into Goulburn River.
3 There will be increased noise problems, to say nothing of dust problems.
4. We should be spending the millions all this development will cost on alternate energy
sources !!
5. Most importantly the Drip must be protected. and the increased mine size will add
additional overland flows to the Goulburn River, and increased pollution from sediment etc.,
to the river.
6. The clearing will destroy an additional 171.4 ha. of woodland, including communities
listed for protection under state and federal laws. This is in addition to the 416.8 ha native
vegetation in the current approval of Moolarben stage 1.
For all the above reasons and more, I would like to voice my disapproval, in the strongest
possible terms. Its time for Austral;ia to play her part in turning around the extreme climate
change, by

this email is to register my strongest objection to the extension of Moolarbin coal mine. Australia should not be
contributing to increased greenhouse gas emmisions by exporting such huge quantities of coal. The world has to learn to
live with less. Future generations will pass harsh judgement on those who have been party to the destruction of our
irreplaceable natural treasure.

I am writing to object to the proposed `modification' of the Moolarben Mine. This `modification' is in fact a
major extension of the already significant mine operations which will extend its footprint by 25% resulting in
the removal of 178 hectares of land including Endangered Ecological Community of White Box Yellow Box
Blakely's Red Gum Woodland.
The 5 year extended life of the mine will contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and the burning of the 30
million tonnes of coal extracted will add unacceptable levels of CO2 into a global atmosphere already
overburdened with carbon.
Our species and all other species on Earth will suffer as a result of this irresponsible behaviour.
We must resist the demands of a fossil fuel industry addicted to profits at the expense of our wellbeing and
encourage it to transition to alternative energy production.
This is a