Modification 11 - Time Extension

I am writing to object to the proposed Modification 11 extension of operations at Clarence Colliery.
This proposal seeks to extend coal extraction for a further five years. At a time when NSW must urgently reduce reliance on fossil fuels, approving continued coal mining is the wrong direction for our environment, our communities, and the future of the Gardens of Stone region.
Extending coal extraction is not a minor administrative adjustment. It is a significant decision that would prolong environmental harm already affecting waterways, landforms, air quality and the climate. Ongoing mining and coal combustion continue to damage fragile ecosystems and undermine the long-term protection of this unique landscape.
I support the position of the Gardens of Stone Alliance in opposing the extension in its current form.
However, if the extension is approved despite strong community concern, it must be subject to strict and enforceable conditions to reduce harm and reflect modern environmental expectations.
1. Approval must be linked to upgrading the Lidsdale coal unloader
This critical infrastructure upgrade would reduce reliance on the highly polluting wet coal supply from Springvale mine. Continued operations should not proceed without clear progress toward this transition.
2. End approval for large-scale coal transport by truck
There is no justification for continuing to allow hundreds of thousands of tonnes of coal to be transported by road when rail infrastructure already exists. Heavy truck movements through the Blue Mountains and surrounding urban areas create avoidable environmental and community impacts. Rail transport should be mandatory.
3. Properly acknowledge the real impacts of truck transport
Claims that trucking has “no or negligible” impact do not reflect lived community experience. Thousands of truck movements each year generate noise, diesel emissions, congestion and road safety risks. These impacts must be fully recognised and addressed.
4. Prioritise local energy supply over export
If extraction continues, coal should be directed primarily to Mount Piper Power Station rather than exported. Local use would reduce pressure for additional coal extraction from more environmentally damaging sources elsewhere in the region.
5. Strengthen and modernise rehabilitation requirements
Existing rehabilitation commitments are outdated and inadequate. Any extension must impose contemporary, enforceable rehabilitation standards with clear timelines, accountability and independent oversight to ensure meaningful restoration of the landscape.
This decision carries long-term consequences. Extending coal mining locks in continued environmental damage, delays transition to cleaner energy systems, and risks further degradation of a region recognised for its ecological and cultural significance.
For these reasons, I object to the proposed extension in its current form. If approval is granted, it must include the strict conditions outlined above to reduce harm and better protect the environment and surrounding communities.
Thank you for considering my submission.

At a time when Australia urgently needs to reduce reliance on fossil fuels including coal and expand the use of sustainable energy, approving extended coal extraction takes the Gardens of Stone region and the state of NSW in completely the wrong direction. The Gardens of Stone Alliance opposes the extension in its current form. Plus we all know that mining and burning coal prolongs the environmental damage already severely affecting our waterways, landforms, the natural environment including flora and fauna, and the climate.

On these grounds alone the extension should be disallowed, but if it goes ahead despite community opposition, it must be subject to these five strict conditions:
1. Link the approval to the upgrade of the Lidsdale coal unloader. This critical infrastructure would reduce reliance on the dangerously polluting and wet Springvale mine.
2. Stop the continuing approval of transporting 300,000 tonnes of coal by truck. There is no justification for extending many years of heavy truck movements through the Blue Mountains and Sydney. Rail transport is available and must be made mandatory in this case.
3. Acknowledge the real impacts of transporting coal by truck. The claim of “no or negligible” impacts does not reflect the experience of communities dealing with ongoing noise, traffic, road maintenance, diesel pollution and greenhouse emissions, and road safety risks from over 7000 truck trips every year.
4. Prioritise local use of the coal over exporting it, since currently most Clarence coal is exported. If extraction continues, it should be used to supply Mount Piper Power Station and so avoid pressure for new coal from even more damaging mines in the region.
5. Strengthen rehabilitation requirements for the mine site. Existing rehab requirements are weak, outdated and completely inadequate. Any extension must impose modern, enforceable rehabilitation standards and requirements.

Summing up, this proposal is no minor administrative change. If it is approved it will have a significant and deleterious effect on the environment, communities, and the Gardens of Stone. More generally, NSW and Australia must put a moratorium on all new fossil fuel projects and urgently begin making a just transition to sustainable energy and the associated explosion of new jobs, technologies, and industries such a transition will bring. Already it is looking unlikely that the world will reach the 1.5-degree warming targets set by the Paris Agreement, and this proposed project just increases the climate burden.

I oppose the extension of this coal mine. This mine is in a significant region that needs protecting for future generations. Mining and burning coal prolongs the environmental damage already affecting our waterways, landforms and climate. Mining in this regions creates the use of heavy truck movements through the Blue Mountains of up to 7000 truck trips a year. Most of this coal is sent overseas rather than supplying Mount Piper Power Station. Allowing the extension of this lease will delay rehabilitation of this site and the continued pollutions of local streams, creeks and ultimately our water supply.

Coal mining is the largest employment sector for the Lithgow and Blue mountains area, helping support local schools ,local businesses and sporting communities across the districts, these employees are integral to the community, filling vital roles as first responders, coaches and volunteers. without the extension to Clarence, there would be devastating consequences to individual employees as well as the local economy and livelihood of the community. While discussions around energy transition and environmental responsibility are important, any changes must consider the social and economic impact on regional communities.

This project directly supports myself and my extended family as well as employing nearly 300 persons locally. Centennial is the largest employer in this region and the loss of this project will have a major impact on the district economy, the employees, their families and local suppliers. If the project fails to gain an extension the workforce will lose their jobs forcing migration from this district due to the limited industrial work opportunities in this area. Lithgow will see more shop closures and further erosion of future opportunities for our younger people. It's time we supported the industry that is the back bone of our countries economy.

The proposed extension of time is considered the best option to ensure that the approved coal resource can be extracted for export and to maintain a supplementary coal supply for domestic consumers, including VPPS and MPPS. This time extension would not involve mining beyond the previously approved area and would not introduce new environmental risks. If mining stops before the approved resource is fully extracted, the following benefits would be lost: ongoing direct employment of up to 400 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers from 2026 to 2031, indirect employment and economic benefits in related supply chains, and the continued supply of coal to both domestic and export markets.

I would like to express my extreme objection to the Clarence Colliery’s modification 11.
It is unacceptable to be considering extending coal extraction operations at this time of climate crisis when we should be reducing our reliance on coal.
Any extension needs to address the dangerous transportation of coal by road- it causes noise, pollution and safety risks to our community.
Inadequate rehabilitation commitments also need to be altered to establish modern appropriate standards that are measurable and can be enforced.
It is unacceptable to be extending the life of coal extraction operations at this time of climate uncertainty especially when existing operations appear to be so environmentally unaccountable.

I lived near Clarence Colliery for decades. I painted the noble Mount Clarence many times. As an artist and former resident, I have a deep attachment to this area.
I feel very strongly that we must respect Country; we must honour Nature and protect landscape, geology, ecosystems and the species who inhabit the precious, unique Australian bush. This area is beautiful and grand and deserves to be cared for and restored.
I am distressed that, in a climate crisis, Government would contemplate extending the operation of an antediluvian coal mine. Fossil fuels are polluting, destructive and abhorrent.
Special natural wonders, such as the Gardens of Stone and the Blue Mountains Heritage Area are in the vicinity of this relic of our destructive past. There is no social licence for the continuance of this dark extractionist exploitation.
If you cannot be dissuaded from its continuance, at the very least, these conditions must apply:
Link approval to the upgrade of the Lidsdale coal unloader. This critical infrastructure would reduce reliance on the polluting, wet Springvale mine.
Reject the continued approval of 300,000 tonnes of coal by truck. There is no justification for extending years of heavy truck movements through the Blue Mountains and Sydney. Rail is available and should be mandatory.
Acknowledge the real impacts of truck transport. The claim of “no or negligible” impacts does not reflect the experience of communities dealing with noise, traffic, diesel pollution and road safety risks from over 7000 truck trips every year.
Prioritise local use over export. Most Clarence coal is exported. If extraction continues, it should supply Mount Piper Power Station to avoid pressure for new coal from more damaging mines in the region.
Strengthen rehabilitation requirements. Existing rehab commitments are outdated and inadequate. Any extension must impose modern, enforceable rehabilitation standards.
Thank you for considering my concerns. I trust you will not approve this extension, for the sake of our future.

Clarence Colliery (Clarence) is an underground coal mining operation located within the New South Wales (NSW) Western Coalfields, approximately 10 kilometres east of Lithgow, supplying coal primarily to export markets with some domestic clients. Mining operations are undertaken 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, commencing in 1979, originally under Lithgow City Council (LCC) Development Consent IRM.GE.75, granted in 1976. Consent 174/93 approved the extension of the underground coal mining operations in 1994. The current underlying NSW DA 504-00 to extract up to 3 million tonnes per annum until 31 December 2026 was approved in 2005. The current proposed modification to this DA (Mod-11) seeks to extend operations for another five years, to 31 December 2031, within the existing approved mining lease (ML) 1583, deferring decommissioning and rehabilitation to commence in 2031 instead of in 2026.
There are several excellent reasons why the extension should not be approved, which are outlined in the attached document. However, given that at this point in NSW's clean energy transition, we are still partially reliant on coal-fired electricity, DHPI may take the view that extending the mine for 5 years may be the lesser evil, compared with opening a new mine. If so, I argue in the strongest possible terms that to reflect changed community expectations, the approval must require improvements to Centennial's 'business as usual.'
a. Link approval to the upgrade of the Lidsdale coal unloader. This critical infrastructure would reduce road traffic and pollution, reduce reliance on Centennial's more polluting, wet Springvale mine and provide more operational flexibility to both Centennial and the Mt Piper Power Station.
b. Reject the continued approval of moving up to 300,000 tonnes of coal by truck. The approval of modifications to the development applications for the mine and the coal loader in 2022 and again in 2024 permitted up to 50 extra truck movements (80 in total) every day, up to 10pm at night, between the colliery and Mount Piper Power Station or the Lidcome Siding (effective to 31 Dec 2026) plus up to 25 laden trucks per day to the coal loader, generating constant noise and diesel emissions, which are known to contribute to respiratory and other health problems. If the loader is upgraded, there is no justification for extending years of heavy truck movements through the Blue Mountains and Sydney. Contrary to Centennial's claims in environmental assessments that tangible impacts of increased coal truck traffic are justified or negligible, local communities have experienced air quality degradation, diminished road safety, noise, and traffic congestion associated with heavy truck volumes. The impact of coal trucks should be acknowledged and prioritised over operational convenience (and presumably some cost reduction) for the mine operator. Rail is available and should be mandatory.
c. Prioritise local use over export. Most Clarence coal is exported. If extraction continues, it must prioritise adequate supply to Mount Piper Power Station to avoid pressure for new and more damaging mines in the region.
d. Strengthen monitoring and rehabilitation requirements. Existing rehabilitation commitments are outdated and inadequate. While the current Clarence mine rehabilitation framework complies with NSW regulatory requirements, it focuses on annual reporting and monitoring and lacks robust, clearly defined, legally binding and long-term environmental risk management, rehabilitation or performance milestones that must be met by certain dates. Annual reporting is being produced but there is minimal public disclosure of detailed rehabilitation outcomes or independent verification, which modern 'best practice' standards increasingly require. Even if the extension is approved, concerns regarding the long-term management of subsidence, contamination, and ecosystem restoration not fully covered under the original Development Approval (DA) condition must be addressed. In short, any extension must justify its ongoing social licence by imposing modern, enforceable rehabilitation standards with stronger regulatory enforcement mechanisms and meet modern community expectations for transparency.
A couple of examples where current practice falls far short of community expectations and 'best practice' relating to water management:
○ Lack of answers for residents dependent on ground water
In the December 2025 meeting of the Clarence Community Consultative Committee, a feedback forum for selected community representatives, concerns were raised by Clarence residents who rely on bore water, about the potential for mining activity to compromise the Clarence aquifer or bore water supply - a vital resource particularly in bushfire season. Residents wanted to know how quickly changes in groundwater level would show up in the monitoring network and what practical actions would follow. Clarence was unable to provide reassurance beyond explaining that data from their monitoring bores seemed to mirror rainfall patterns.
○ Below best-in-class water filtration
In the same meeting, while reiterating that water quality in the aquifer and released into waterways was equivalent to water from outside the mine area, Centennial reported an unsuccessful pilot study into modern additional treatment options to remove 'target' metals such as zinc, nickel and cobalt and nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from mine water runoff, the former as a potential revenue source and the latter to help manage risks such as algal growth and broader ecosystem effects downstream.(4) While this transparency is welcome, one might wonder why the investigation is only taking place now, given the mine’s water management has been a focus throughout its 45 years of operation and innovative alternatives may be available (5)
○ Legal action over polluted water and delayed rehabilitation of Angas Place
Inadequately rehabilitated coal mines in the region are damaging some of the most spectacular and sensitive landscapes in NSW including endangered wetlands such as upland swamps, groundwater systems and Aboriginal heritage sites within the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area, a protected landscape adjoining the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Because of this, a NSW conservation group 4nature is now taking legal action to force Centennial Coal to rehabilitate its nearby Angus Place coal mine. Centennial has been pumping 'toxic' wastewater from the mine into Cox's River, part of the Wingecarribee dam catchment (and Sydney's water supply) since the mine ceased production in 2013. The conservation group argues that the original approval granted by the NSW Government expired in August 2024 so Centennial should have rehabilitated the mine by that date. Instead, in October 2025 Centennial obtained a modification to the DA effectively defer its rehabilitation obligations to an unspecified future date. In short, the rehabilitation has not occurred, and the company continues to pump out mine water (6). One can speculate whether this is related to a proposal developed in 2024 to recommence mining at Angas Place mine (SSD-26254212, known as Angas Place West), primarily to supply Mt Piper Power Station.
The cumulative impacts of existing, new or extended mining activity on subsidence, water quality, scarcity and security must be explicitly reflected in enforceable undertakings attached to any approvals, such as DA 504 Mod 8 (extension of mining to ML 1353 and ML 1354 plus extraction of 'mine water' to the Wallerawang Pipeline Project (CWPP)) which is currently being prepared. Centennial also anticipates commencing mining of additional 'panels' (800 Area SMP v10; 918 Panel Extraction Plan; 701,718-724 Panels Extraction Plan) within its existing leases at within the next year or so, and is preparing a new overarching 'consolidated' DA ('Clarence Mine Extension Project') including a significant new mine with a proposed 25 year operational LOM located to the north of the current Clarence mine, across large areas of the Birds Rock Flora reserve, Newnes State Forest and Gardens of Stone Conservation Area. (7)
Centennial's track record in managing, mitigating and rehabilitating environmental damage must be taken into account in considering current and future approvals. Lithgow and greater Sydney deserve clean water and a well-managed transition away from coal to a diverse economy and clean, renewable future.
Yours sincerely
[Name redacted]

I, like so many others, object to this project in it's current form!

At a time when we urgently need to reduce reliance on coal because of well known reasons, approving extended coal extraction is the wrong direction for the Gardens of Stone region and for NSW.

Mining and burning coal prolongs the environmental damage already affecting our waterways, landforms and climate! So many Australians unnecessarily suffer each year due to floods, massive bushfires, drought, and polluted air. And not only humans, also our unique fauna and flora. In a modern, democratic, wealthy and first world country this should not have to happen!! And ALL Australians have the right to a long, happy and healthy life, not only those who can afford huge electricity, gas, water (including bottled water) and healthcare bills. Especially not only those who make a lot of money from this coal mine, whilst having several air-conditioning systems in their homes, solar panels on their roofs, batteries on their walls and driving electric cars!!!

If the extension is approved despite community opposition, it must come with these five strict conditions:

- Link approval to the upgrade of the Lidsdale coal unloader. This critical infrastructure would reduce reliance on the polluting, wet Springvale mine.
- Reject the continued approval of 300,000 tonnes of coal by truck. There is no justification for extending years of heavy truck movements through the Blue Mountains and Sydney. Rail is available and should be mandatory.
- Acknowledge the real impacts of truck transport. The claim of “no or negligible” impacts does not reflect the experience of communities dealing with noise, traffic, diesel pollution and road safety risks from over 7000 truck trips every year.
- Prioritise local use over export. Most Clarence coal is exported. If extraction continues, it should supply Mount Piper Power Station to avoid pressure for new coal from more damaging mines in the region.
- Strengthen rehabilitation requirements. Existing rehab commitments are outdated and inadequate. Any extension must impose modern, enforceable rehabilitation standards.

This is a critical moment!!!! Five more years of coal extraction is not a minor administrative change — it is a significant decision for our environment, our communities and the Gardens of Stone!!!!!

Thank you for your time.

This modification will Secures 300–400 Local Jobs which our community and young people need.
Mod 11 guarantees continued employment for approximately 300 full‑time equivalent workers, sustaining jobs that anchor the local economy and support families across the
Lithgow region.
Centennial is the Largest Employer and Economic Driver in Lithgow
Coal mining is the largest employment sector in Lithgow LGA and contributes $241 million annually,
meaning Mod 11 protects a critical economic pillar and prevents significant economic shock to the
region.
The project provides essential coal supply to Mt Piper Power Station, supporting dispatchable
baseload power during NSW’s renewable transition—a period when energy stability is paramount.
Protects Local Businesses and Supply Chains
The mine generates extensive indirect employment across transport, services, contracting and
manufacturing, supporting over 580 additional jobs and significant local procurement benefits.
Strong Economic Benefit to NSW and Australia
Cost‑benefit analysis demonstrates substantial net social benefits: $149M for NSW and $212M
nationally—benefits that are lost if Mod 11 is not approved.
Maintains Critical Royalties and Local Government Revenue
The operation contributes major revenue streams including state royalties, payroll tax, and local
council rates, strengthening public services and infrastructure funding.
Strong Community Support for Employment Benefits
Consultation shows local residents support the continuation of the mine, noting its long history,
stable operations, and strong role in maintaining local employment and services.
Avoids Social and Community Disruption
Failure to approve the modification would result in sudden job losses, reduced income, and reduced
social cohesion—impacts identified as avoidable through approval of Mod 11.
Clear Alignment With Ecologically Sustainable Development
Mod 11 meets ESD principles by balancing environmental protection, community stability, economic
development and inter‑generational equity, making approval both responsible and in the public
interest.
No Significant Environmental Impacts
Comprehensive assessments (traffic, noise, vibration, water, GHG, social and economic) concluded
no significant adverse impacts from the extension, confirming robust environmental performance.
Traffic impact assessments show all intersections maintain excellent Levels of Service (A–D) through
2031, requiring no upgrades and creating no adverse impacts on road users.
No Impact on Sensitive Groundwater or Swamps
Monitoring confirms no mining‑related impacts on shallow aquifers or critically important Temperate
Highland Peat Swamps on Sandstone, preserving sensitive ecological values.
Fully Consistent With Planning and Regulatory Frameworks
State agencies confirmed the project remains “substantially the same development” under EP&A Act
s4.55(2), meaning Mod 11 fully complies with statutory requirements.
No Additional Biodiversity Impacts
With no new land clearing or disturbance, Mod 11 does not increase impacts on threatened species
or ecological communities, satisfying biodiversity legislation requirements.
Demonstrated Ability to Manage Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Scope 1 and 2 emissions remain comparatively low, with clear pathways for mitigation and offsets
under established management plans.
Robust Monitoring and Adaptive Management
Existing Traffic, Noise, Water, GHG and Rehabilitation Management Plans remain effective and will
continue to be updated as needed, ensuring strict oversight and continuous improvement.
No New Environmental Disturbance
The modification introduces no new surface disturbance, no expansion of the mine footprint, and no
new infrastructure, ensuring the project remains within already‑assessed and environmentally
managed areas.

Submission regarding Clarence Colliery Modification 11

To: The Department of Planning
From: Cr. Brent Hoare, Blue Mountains City Council
Date: 19 February 2026
Subject: Objection to Extension of Clarence Colliery – Modification 11

I am writing in my personal capacity as a Greens Councillor for the Blue Mountains to formally oppose Modification 11, which seeks to extend operations at Clarence Colliery for a further five years.

At a time when our Council and many others have declared a climate emergency, and when our community in the Blue Mountains is increasingly feeling the impacts of a warming world—from catastrophic bushfires to water scarcity—approving an extension of coal extraction is a regressive step. The Gardens of Stone region is a nationally significant landscape, and the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area acts as a buffer to these operations. We cannot claim to be protecting our environment while simultaneously approving the expansion of the industry that endangers it.

However, if the NSW Government is determined to approve this extension despite widespread community opposition, I submit that the following six stringent conditions must be imposed to mitigate the damage to our communities and environment:

1. Mandate the Upgrade of the Lidsdale Coal Unloader
Approval must be contingent on the immediate upgrade of the Lidsdale coal unloader. It is unacceptable that our communities continue to bear the burden of wet coal from the Springvale mine. This infrastructure is critical to reducing the pollution and inefficiency currently plaguing the system.

2. Reject Continued Truck Haulage
There is no justification for the continued approval of 300,000 tonnes of coal being transported by truck. The rail link exists and must be utilised. I strongly oppose any extension of the heavy truck movements that plague our communities. The use of rail should be mandatory, not optional.

3. Acknowledge the Real Impacts of Truck Transport
The Environmental Impact Statement’s claim of "no or negligible" impacts from truck movements is demonstrably false and insulting to the residents of the Blue Mountains and Western Sydney. The noise, traffic congestion, diesel pollution, and road safety risks associated with over 7,000 truck trips per year are significant. Any approval must be based on the reality of these impacts, not a developer’s fiction.

4. Prioritise Local Energy Use Over Export
It is perverse that Clarence coal is largely exported while the Mount Piper Power Station sources coal from other mines. If extraction is to continue, the coal should be prioritised for local electricity generation at Mount Piper to prevent the need for opening new, more destructive mines elsewhere in the region to supply the domestic market.

5. Strengthen Rehabilitation Requirements
The existing rehabilitation commitments are outdated and inadequate. Any extension must be subject to modern, legally enforceable rehabilitation standards that reflect best practice and ensure the land can be returned to a safe and sustainable state for future generations.

6. Link Approval to Rehabilitation of Old Waste Dumps
The disused coal waste heaps are actively damaging the Wollangambe River, a listed wild river. Fine sediments washing into this iconic waterway is an ongoing environmental crime. Approval of this modification must be tied to the immediate and comprehensive rehabilitation of these legacy waste dumps.

In summary, I strongly object to Modification 11. Approving five more years of coal extraction is inconsistent with the scientifically backed targets required to address climate change and protect the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.

If the Minister is inclined to approve this modification, the six conditions outlined above represent the absolute minimum required to protect our communities, our waterways, and our climate from further harm.

Yours sincerely,

Cr. Brent Hoare
Blue Mountains City Council

The Mining and Energy Union South Western District (MEU) is proud to represent coal mineworkers in the New South Wales central west, including at Clarence Colliery and across the broader Lithgow region
The MEU makes this submission in strong support of Centennial Coal’s proposed Modification 11 for Clarence Colliery. The proposed extension of the mine’s operational life by five years to 31 December 2031 is critical to protecting secure, well paid employment, maintaining industry skills in the Lithgow region, and sustaining the social and economic fabric of the local community.
Clarence Colliery and Centennial has been a long standing and responsible employer in the Central West of New South Wales. The proposed modification does not introduce new mining activities or increase production but instead ensures continuity of existing approved operations with no material increase in environmental or social impacts.
This will provide ongoing employment for approximately 300 full time workers, ensuring job security beyond the currently approved end date of 2026. For union members and their families, this extension represents stability, certainty, and the ability to plan for the future in a region where alternative large scale employment opportunities are limited.
The loss of Clarence Colliery at the end of 2026 would result in a sudden and significant reduction in high quality industrial jobs, with serious flow on effects to contractors, suppliers, and service industries.
Clarence Colliery supports a highly skilled, workforce across mining operations, maintenance, trades, and technical roles. These are not short term or casual jobs; they are long term careers that support apprenticeships, training pathways, and the retention of critical mining skills within the region.
The continuation of Clarence Colliery operations will deliver substantial ongoing economic benefits to the Lithgow region and broader NSW economy. Workers employed at the mine live locally, spend locally, and support:
• Small businesses and retail services
• Hospitality and accommodation providers
• Trades, transport, and maintenance contractors
• Local schools, sporting clubs, and community organisations
The wages generated by Clarence Colliery flow directly into the community, underpinning economic resilience during a period of transition for regional NSW.
The Lithgow region has experienced significant industrial change in recent years. In this context, maintaining existing, approved mining operations is vital to ensuring an orderly and realistic transition for workers and the community.
The Mining and Energy Union strongly supports Modification 11 for Clarence Colliery and for above outlined reasons, the MEU urges the NSW Government to approve this and allow Clarence Colliery to continue operating until 2031.
Regards
Mark Jenkins
Vice President
Mining and Energy Union Southwestern District Branch

As a local resident who relies on the stability that Clarence Mine brings to our community, I strongly support Modification 11. The mine provides steady employment for up to 400 people, and these jobs are the backbone of many families in the Lithgow area. Coal mining is still the largest employer in our region and contributes more than $241 million each year to the local economy, so keeping Clarence operating is essential to avoiding a major economic shock that our community simply couldn’t absorb.
Clarence also plays a critical role in supplying coal to Mt Piper Power Station, which remains one of the few sources of reliable baseload power in NSW during the state’s transition to renewables. Maintaining that stability is vital, especially while new technologies are still being rolled out. The project’s cost‑benefit analysis shows a net social benefit of $149 million for NSW and $212 million nationally, which would be lost without this approval. The mine also contributes significantly through royalties, payroll tax, and council rates—funding that supports local services and infrastructure we all rely on.
Importantly, the assessments for Mod 11 found no significant environmental impacts, and ongoing monitoring shows no mining‑related effects on shallow aquifers or the region’s sensitive peat swamps. The modification doesn’t involve any new land clearing or expansion of the mine footprint, meaning there’s no increased impact on threatened species or ecological communities.
For those of us who live and work here, Mod 11 is about protecting jobs, supporting our local economy, and ensuring energy reliability for NSW—all while staying within strict environmental limits. I fully support its approval.

Bathurst Community Climate Action Network (BCCAN) is a network of organisations and individuals working together to promote action on climate change and sustainable and equitable development. BCCAN has about 45 members and an additional mailing list of about 250. BCCAN is an active participant in public discussions about environmental policy in the Central West of NSW, addressing environmental issues both locally and in the wider area.
We are concerned about this application to extend the life of the Clarence Colliery for another 5 years to the end of 2031. This mine holds approval to extract coal from under the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area, an area in which damage from subsidence is irreparable. Waterways are also seriously affected by pollution from mining and burning coal.
Coal mining is associated with large releases of damaging Greenhouse Gases contributing to growth in instabilities and global warming in the climate, both in the region where it is extracted and worldwide. According to the NSW EPA, this mine is classed as a large GHG emitter¹. As the online information the proponent submitted notes: “around the Clarence Colliery, in the near future scenario, temperatures were projected to increase, annual rainfall was projected to decrease, and the FFDI (Forest Fire Danger Index) is projected to increase.” ²
We oppose the application, but if it goes ahead, we call for: -
* Continuation of the present approval (to lapse 31/12/2026) would lock in up to a further 200,000 tonnes of coal being moved by large trucks through the Bells Line of Road and/or the Great Western Highway³. We call for a condition of approval to be that all coal haulage goes to Lidsdale Siding for rail haulage.
Many BCCAN members have experienced sharing the road with B-double trucks, which may carry over 60 tonnes.
There are several sections along Chifley Road, above the old railway dam near Dargan, where the distance from the edge of the bitumen to an incised roadside rockface on one or both sides of the road is only a few metres – perhaps a road standard that is superseded and would not be constructed now. The effect to drivers can be that the road is too narrow, appearing claustrophobic and also leaving no place to go in case of an emergency. On some stretches of the road, passengers and drivers can feel intimidated by very large trucks coming towards them, occasionally going over the centre line and traveling within a metre or two of their vehicle at total differing speeds of 160 km/hr or more, as 100 km/hr is allowed to the west of Bell. As well, traveling east-wards, when trucks are laden and therefore slower, there are few overtaking lanes to allow passing. Although the crash details quoted in the application are few, this does not translate to driving on this road being easy and enjoyable.
Due also to the ongoing diesel pollution, noise, poor amenity and safety risks, we join the call for removal of the coal trucks from roads.
* We understand that most of the coal mined here is exported overseas. We call on the regulator to set a condition that this coal be directed to Mount Piper Power Station, and then Vales Point PS, in preference to the export market.
* The mine closure and rehabilitation plans were written some years ago. We call for any approval of this application to be on condition of the most up to date knowledge, methods and standards being set for this mine’s eventual closure.

References
¹ “For the planned operational throughput case, the scope 1 and scope 2 emissions for Mod 11 would peak at around 44.0 kt CO2-e/year in 2027-28. There were three financial years in which the NSW EPA Guide for Large Emitters’ threshold of 25,000 t CO2-e/year was exceeded...” https://majorprojects.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/prweb/PRRestService/mp/01/getContent?AttachRef=DA504-00-MOD-11%2120260202T000746.609%20GMT Page 4
² https://majorprojects.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/prweb/PRRestService/mp/01/getContent?AttachRef=DA504-00-MOD-11%2120260202T000248.875%20GMT, Page 77/115
³ https://majorprojects.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/prweb/PRRestService/mp/01/getContent?AttachRef=DA504-00-MOD-11%2120260202T000248.875%20GMT, Page 22/115

Clarence Coal Mine proposed Modification 11

I Submit:

That proposals to extend operations for this mining venture should be refused on the basis that:

1 fossil fuel emissions that exacerbate global warming to a level that threatens our future should be wound back, not increased. The consequences are dire: each and every extension of coal and gas mining is effectively a crime against humanity;

2 the adverse local and regional impacts of Clarence Coal’s operations should be wound back. The track record of poor mine waste management and water release impacts from coal mining has already resulted in actual damage to water sources including Sydney’s drinking water catchment and should be rectified not allowed to continue or increase;

3 no short term propping up of local economy or mitigating conditions – even if enforced - can offset the fact that each incremental extension to existing operations that contributes to increased climate warming leads down the slippery slide to irreversible harm.


Five more years of coal extraction is not a minor administrative change — it is a significant decision for our environment, our communities and the Gardens of Stone.
While I consider this proposal should be refused, if nevertheless approval is given, at the very least the following should be mandatory:

(i) Approval is linked to mandatory and timely upgrade of the Lidsdale coal unloader.
This critical infrastructure would reduce reliance on the polluting, wet Springvale mine .
(ii) Long distance transport of coal by truck replaced by Sydney Rail.
There is no justification for extending years of heavy truck movements through the Blue Mountains and Sydney. Rail is available and its use should be mandatory. The claim of “no or negligible” impacts does not reflect the experience of communities dealing with noise, traffic, diesel pollution and road safety risks from over 7000 truck trips every year.
(iii) Rehabilitation requirements upgraded and enforced.
Existing rehabilitation commitments are outdated and inadequate. Any extension approval must also impose modern, enforceable rehabilitation standards. The disused coal waste heaps of this mine must be rehabilitated immediately to prevent fine sediments washing into the Wollangambe River, a listed wild river.

Clarence Colliery Modification 11 should be approved because it represents a low-risk, high-value continuation of an already well-regulated operation with a proven enironmental and compllance record. The modification does not introduce new disturbance, after mining methods, increase production, or change the mine's existing footprint.
Comprehensive technical assessments-including traffic, noise, water, social, economic and greenhouse gas studies-confirm that extending operations for five years would result in no new or material impacts beyond those already assessed and approved.
Importantly, the mine sits within an established mining precinct, continues to operate under strict environmental licences, and has demonstrated its capability to manage water, noise, subsidence and emissions within regulatory limits. With ongoing improvements to water treatment, modern monitoring systems and transparent engegement with regulators and the community, the operation is positioned to maintain and enhance its environmental performance throughout the extension period.
Beyond maintaining compliance, Mod 11 directly supports the economic and social stability of the Lithgow region. Clarence Colliery sustains approximately 300 full-time equivalent jobs-with approval for up to 400-and underpins local businesses, contractors, suppliers and community services. Its continued operation ensures rellable coal supply to Mt Piper Power Station, supporting NSW energy security during the state's transition period while renewable generation and storage capability continues to scale.
The mine is a significant contributor to local and regional economies, and its staged retirement must be managed responsibly to minimise social disruption.
Approving Mod 11 ensures continuity of employment, maintains critical energy supply resilience, and provides time for the region to progress economic diversification without imposing unnecessary shock on workers, families and local communities. This is a practical, responsible and socially beneficial decision for NSW

Clarence is essential for coal production in the local area and plays a critical role in keeping the lights on. Hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs would be lost if this mine were to close. Lithgow is a mining town, and the closure would have severe ripple effects across the entire community. Money would stop flowing through the area, local businesses such as coffee shops and cafés would suffer, and families would feel the impact immediately. People would be forced to leave, property prices would plummet, and many residents could face unemployment and financial hardship. This would be devastating for the young families who rely on this operation and for the hard-working people who would bear the brunt of an economic downturn.

I am writing to strongly oppose Clarence Colliery's proposed Modification 11, which seeks to extend coal extraction operations for an additional five years.

Environmental Impact and Community Concerns
The extension of mining operations in its current form would continue to exacerbate the environmental damage already affecting our waterways, landforms, and climate. Coal extraction and combustion are major contributors to environmental degradation, and approving this extension will perpetuate the harm to our region for years to come. The Net Zero Commission clearly states that further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with the objectives of the NSW Climate Change Act 2023 and Australia’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. NSW is not currently on a credible pathway to achieve its 2030 and 2035 emissions reduction commitments

Proposed Conditions if Extension is Approved
If this proposal is approved despite substantial community opposition, it must be conditional upon the following six strict measures to mitigate its adverse impacts:
1. Link Approval to the Upgrade of the Lidsdale Coal Unloader
The approval of this extension must be contingent upon the upgrade of the Lidsdale coal unloader. This infrastructure is essential to reducing our reliance on the polluting, wet Springvale mine, which poses significant environmental risks.
2. Reject the Continued Approval for 300,000 Tonnes of Coal to be Transported by Truck
The proposed continuation of 300,000 tonnes of coal being transported by truck through the Blue Mountains and Sydney is unjustifiable. It would result in years of increased truck traffic, further damaging local communities and the environment. The use of rail transport is a viable and necessary alternative, and its use should be made mandatory.
3. Acknowledge the Real Impacts of Truck Transport
The claim that truck transport will have “no or negligible” impact is simply not reflective of the lived experience of communities who bear the brunt of this traffic. Over 7,000 truck trips each year contribute to severe noise, traffic congestion, diesel pollution, and road safety risks. These real and ongoing impacts must be acknowledged and addressed in the assessment process.
4. Prioritise Local Use Over Export
The majority of Clarence Colliery’s coal is currently exported. If extraction is allowed to continue, it should primarily supply the Mount Piper Power Station, which would reduce the pressure to open new and more environmentally damaging coal mines in the region.
5. Strengthen Rehabilitation Requirements
The current rehabilitation commitments for the mine are outdated and inadequate. Any extension must impose modern, enforceable rehabilitation standards that ensure effective restoration of the land, water, and surrounding ecosystem.
6. Link Approval to Immediate Rehabilitation of Old Waste Dumps
The disused coal waste heaps from this mine pose a serious risk to the environment, particularly to the Wollangambe River, which is a listed wild river. Rehabilitation of these old waste dumps must be prioritised and undertaken immediately to prevent harmful fine sediments from washing into the river and further impacting the ecosystem.

This proposal represents much more than a minor administrative change. It is a significant decision with lasting consequences for our environment, our communities and the Gardens of Stone. I urge the decision-makers to reject this extension or, if it is approved despite strong community opposition, to enforce the strict conditions outlined above to mitigate the environmental and social harm caused.

Submission: Objection to Clarence Colliery Modification 11

I am writing to formally object to Clarence Colliery’s proposed Modification 11, which seeks to extend coal mining operations for a further five years.

At a time when New South Wales and Australia more broadly must urgently reduce reliance on coal to meet climate, environmental and health objectives, approving an extension of coal extraction in the Gardens of Stone region represents a step in the wrong direction. This proposal is not a minor or administrative change; it is a significant decision with long-term implications for landforms, waterways, biodiversity, community wellbeing and climate outcomes.

The Gardens of Stone is a nationally significant landscape with high environmental and cultural values. Ongoing coal mining and combustion continue to contribute to cumulative environmental harm, including impacts on water systems, fragile sandstone formations and downstream ecosystems. Extending operations further entrenches these impacts at a time when policy direction should be focused on transition and restoration, not prolongation.

For these reasons, the proposed modification should not be approved in its current form.

However, if the extension is approved despite substantial community opposition, it must be subject to strict and enforceable conditions that reflect current environmental standards and community expectations:
1. Link approval to the upgrade of the Lidsdale coal unloader.
Any extension should be conditional on the timely upgrade of the Lidsdale coal unloader. This infrastructure improvement is essential to reduce reliance on the more polluting, wet Springvale mine and to mitigate broader environmental harm in the region.
2. Reject the continued approval of coal haulage by truck.
The continued approval of up to 300,000 tonnes of coal to be transported by road is unjustified. Rail infrastructure is available and should be mandatory. Extending years of heavy truck movements through the Blue Mountains and Sydney imposes unnecessary and avoidable impacts on communities.
3. Properly acknowledge the impacts of truck transport.
Claims of “no or negligible” impacts from coal trucking are inconsistent with lived community experience. More than 7,000 truck movements per year result in noise disturbance, increased traffic congestion, diesel emissions, and heightened road safety risks. These impacts must be accurately assessed and addressed.
4. Prioritise local use over export.
Most Clarence coal is currently exported. If mining continues, priority should be given to supplying Mount Piper Power Station in order to reduce pressure for new coal extraction from more environmentally damaging mines elsewhere in the region.
5. Strengthen rehabilitation requirements.
Existing rehabilitation commitments are outdated and inadequate. Any extension must require contemporary, enforceable rehabilitation standards, including clear timeframes, independent oversight and financial assurance to ensure effective restoration of mined areas.

Five additional years of coal extraction would have lasting consequences for the environment, climate and communities of the Gardens of Stone and beyond. This decision must reflect the seriousness of those impacts and the clear need to transition away from coal.

I urge the consent authority to reject Modification 11 in its current form, or at minimum, impose the strict conditions outlined above to protect the environment and affected communities.

Thank you for the opportunity to make this submission.

As per the Submission notes from the Nature Conservation Council of NSW, I OBJECT to Clarence Colliery's proposed Modification 11, which will extend the life of this coal mine for another 5 years!!

Approving more coal mining is INSANE in this time of a Global Climate Emergency! This must not happen. We have burned so much coal & other fossil fuels to make the planet unlivable in the near future. More floods, more droughts, more bushfires - no one wants this.

Locally in the Gardens of Stone, waterways are being polluted, and water is being used for coal mining operations instead of for the benefit of the environment - this is happening on the driest continent on Earth!

We really must start to halt the processes killing us all!

IF this extension is approved, despite opposition from local communities, environmental groups and generally people everywhere, it must have FIVE STRICT CONDITIONS:

1. Link approval to the upgrade of the Lidsdale coal unloader. This critical infrastructure would reduce reliance on the polluting, wet Springvale mine.

2. Reject the continued approval of 300,000 tonnes of coal by truck. There is no justification for extending years of heavy truck movements through the Blue Mountains and Sydney. Rail is available and should be mandatory.

3. Acknowledge the real impacts of truck transport. The claim of “no or negligible” impacts does not reflect the experience of communities dealing with noise, traffic, diesel pollution and road safety risks from over 7000 truck trips every year.

4. Prioritise local use over export. Most Clarence coal is exported!!! If extraction continues, it should supply Mount Piper Power Station to avoid pressure for new coal from more damaging mines in the region.

5. Strengthen rehabilitation requirements. Existing rehab commitments are outdated and inadequate. Any extension must impose modern, enforceable rehabilitation standards.

HOWEVER, I must reiterate in the strongest possible terms, that coal mining should cease, for the sake of the planet! There is No Planet "B". We should look after this one, and think of our children and grandchildren whom we love, and for whom we wish a better future without fossil fuels!
Please, DO NOT APPROVE Modification 11!!

Thank you for the opportunity to make a submission.
Yours sincerely

Claire Bettington
Maroubra NSW 2035