Modification 11 - Time Extension

The clarence coal mine proposal seeks to extend operations for another five years. At a time when we urgently need to reduce reliance on coal, approving extended coal extraction is the wrong direction for the Gardens of Stone region and for NSW.

I oppose the extension in its current form. Mining and burning coal prolongs the environmental damage already affecting our waterways. landforms and climate.
Still – this is a significant opportunity to demand change.

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 Existing rehab commitments are outdated and inadequate.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.

the extension will provide local jobs long into the future for local families and the business puts a lot of money back into the community

Given the current preference for the establishment of green energy initiatives, it must be questioned why the NSW Government will permit Clarence Colliery's proposed Modification 11.
Even more concerning is that the coal obtained from this expansion will be exported overseas.
One wonders why the State government would allow desecration of a vulnerable environment containing endangered flora and fauna for profit from foreign countries? The dollars obtained could not go close to replacing the previous environments that have been destroyed to obtain this money.
Despite these objections, should the project be approved, it must be mandated upon full implementation of 5 conditions:
1. This project must be linked to the upgrading of the Lidsdale coal unloader.
2. The produced coal must be transported by rail, not trucks.
3. 7000 coal-carrying trucks do not constitute "no or negligible" impact. They instead constitute significant noise and fuel pollution risk, as well as a potential hazard to other road users.
4. The produced coal should be used locally (i.e., Mt. Piper Power Station), not exported overseas.
5. Rehabilitation of the mine area must be completed to the highest international standards (e.g., full restoration of the areas mined to the same standards that existed prior to mining commencement; safe and secure removal of all waste water and mine tailings etc.)

As a local of Lithgow who is employed by Clarence colliery. I support this project and the future of coal in this district. Failure of Mod 11 will cripple this town and the future of so many families that depend on the mine.

Submission in support of Clarence Colliery Modification 11 – Time Extension (DA504-00-Mod-11)

Centennial Coal is one of the largest employment agencies for the local Lithgow area. They have 300 full time employees and make opportunities for over 580 other jobs (transport, contracting and much more).
Centennial helps with the growth and productivity of our local Lithgow area. This includes large donations to many aspects of our local community and so much more. The loss centennial will MAJORLY impact our community. Loss of employment, current and future, reduced income and the loss of community cohesion and productivity. The loss of centennial coal in our local area will ruin the progression and development of the Lithgow area.
This would impact our community MASSIVELY.
This would impact MY own family massively, my father works at Clarence and has for a long time. This is very disappointing and worrisome to see the potential instability of our future.
Centennial does so much for our community it would impact our community negatively at its loss.

This is a great company and values the community and its people

While NSW remains dependent on the state's coal fired power stations to provide a significant portion of the electricity grid's base load, I believe that would be incredibly detrimental to the average NSW resident for the state to shut down an underground coal mine that supports the domestic coal supply. Reducing the state's capacity to produce its own coal will only lead to an increase in demand, and thus, an increase in electricity prices across the state.

Furthermore, Clarence colliery is a major employer in the areas around the Blue Mountains and Lithgow. The mine directly employs 300 full-time employees, and indirectly supports an additional 580 jobs. If the state government were serious about creating renewable projects that could provide significant employment for regional areas that have historically relied on mining to support their local economies, the government would be investing in these projects years BEFORE shutting down mines so that there is a smooth transition period.

As it stands, rejecting Clarence colliery's Modification 11 submission would have immensely negative social and economic consequences for the Central West region. It would permanently alter towns like Lithgow, Wallerawang, Lidsdale, and Portland by hollowing out the economically productive population who support local businesses and schools, and pay council rates. The second order consequences of which would mean small businesses shutting down and councils struggling to maintain roads and infrastructure due to a reduction in the size of the rate-paying population.

I heavily support the NSW Department of Planning in approving this submission.

I am writing to support the proposed mine extension. This mine provides steady work for more than three hundred people, many of whom live locally, including myself and people I know. These jobs help families stay in the area and give our community security and stability. The mine also supports many other local businesses, contractors, shops, and services that rely on it.
Mining has always been a big part of our community. It’s part of who we are and has supported generations of local families. Keeping the mine going helps protect that history and ensures our town continues to grow and stay strong.
The mining methods used here are carefully managed and designed to have very little impact on the environment and the land on the surface. The company monitors this closely, and the community sees the benefits of mining done responsibly.
Most importantly, this is a local mine that employs local people. The extension means ongoing work, ongoing support for local families, and ongoing benefits for the whole region. Losing these jobs would hurt our community, but continuing the mine will help keep it thriving."

Please see the attachment.

I am writing to support the proposed mine extension. This mine provides steady work for more than three hundred people, many of whom live locally, including myself and people I know. These jobs help families stay in the area and give our community security and stability. The mine also supports many other local businesses, contractors, shops, and services that rely on it.

Mining has always been a big part of our community. It’s part of who we are and has supported generations of local families. Keeping the mine going helps protect that history and ensures our town continues to grow and stay strong.

The mining methods used here are carefully managed and designed to have very little impact on the environment and the land on the surface. The company monitors this closely, and the community sees the benefits of mining done responsibly.

Most importantly, this is a local mine that employs local people. The extension means ongoing work, ongoing support for local families, and ongoing benefits for the whole region. Losing these jobs would hurt our community, but continuing the mine will help keep it thriving

"I am writing to support the proposed mine extension. This mine provides steady work for more than three hundred people, many of whom live locally, including myself and people I know. These jobs help families stay in the area and give our community security and stability. The mine also supports many other local businesses, contractors, shops, and services that rely on it.
Mining has always been a big part of our community. It’s part of who we are and has supported generations of local families. Keeping the mine going helps protect that history and ensures our town continues to grow and stay strong.
The mining methods used here are carefully managed and designed to have very little impact on the environment and the land on the surface. The company monitors this closely, and the community sees the benefits of mining done responsibly.
Most importantly, this is a local mine that employs local people. The extension means ongoing work, ongoing support for local families, and ongoing benefits for the whole region. Losing these jobs would hurt our community, but continuing the mine will help keep it thriving."

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

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing as a local resident to express my support for the proposed extension of Clarence Mine near Lithgow, primarily due to the economic realities facing our community. Lithgow has experienced a steady decline in major industry and employment opportunities, with very little new investment to replace lost jobs. Without the continuation of existing operations such as Clarence, many families face financial uncertainty and the possibility of leaving the region to find work elsewhere.

The economic contribution of the mine extends well beyond direct employment. Local businesses, trades, community services, and sporting organisations all rely on the income generated by workers in the area. If the mine were not extended, the ripple effects would be felt across the entire community through reduced spending, declining business sustainability, and further economic contraction in an already vulnerable regional economy.

The operation has also contributed positively to the community through additional support and investment. This includes the provision of a new ambulance to assist Lithgow and surrounding areas with remote emergency response and recovery, demonstrating a commitment to community wellbeing. Furthermore, expanded environmental monitoring measures have been introduced to ensure impacts are carefully tracked and managed, providing reassurance that operations can continue responsibly while supporting local livelihoods.

It is also concerning that a significant portion of opposition appears to come from individuals who do not live within the Lithgow area and who will not experience the direct economic and social consequences of closure. Local residents are the ones most affected by these decisions, and our need for employment security and community sustainability should be strongly considered.

Given the lack of replacement industry, the importance of protecting existing jobs, and the demonstrated community contributions associated with the operation, I respectfully support approval of the Clarence Mine extension.

Yours sincerely,
Rhonda Trudgett

I am writing to support the proposed mine extension. This mine provides steady work for more than three hundred people, many of whom live locally, including myself and people I know. These jobs help families stay in the area and give our community security and stability. The mine also supports many other local businesses, contractors, shops, and services that rely on it.
Mining has always been a big part of our community. It’s part of who we are and has supported generations of local families. Keeping the mine going helps protect that history and ensures our town continues to grow and stay strong.
The mining methods used here are carefully managed and designed to have very little impact on the environment and the land on the surface. The company monitors this closely, and the community sees the benefits of mining done responsibly.
Most importantly, this is a local mine that employs local people. The extension means ongoing work, ongoing support for local families, and ongoing benefits for the whole region. Losing these jobs would hurt our community, but continuing the mine will help it keep thriving

"I am writing to support the proposed mine extension. This mine provides steady work for more than three hundred people, many of whom live locally, including myself and people I know. These jobs help families stay in the area and give our community security and stability. The mine also supports many other local businesses, contractors, shops, and services that rely on it.
Mining has always been a big part of our community. It’s part of who we are and has supported generations of local families. Keeping the mine going helps protect that history and ensures our town continues to grow and stay strong.
The mining methods used here are carefully managed and designed to have very little impact on the environment and the land on the surface. The company monitors this closely, and the community sees the benefits of mining done responsibly.
Most importantly, this is a local mine that employs local people. The extension means ongoing work, ongoing support for local families, and ongoing benefits for the whole region. Losing these jobs would hurt our community, but continuing the mine will help keep it thriving.”

I am writing to support the proposed mine extension. This mine provides steady work for more than three hundred people, many of whom live locally, including myself and people I know. These jobs help families stay in the area and give our community security and stability. The mine also supports many other local businesses, contractors, shops, and services that rely on it.
Mining has always been a big part of our community. It’s part of who we are and has supported generations of local families. Keeping the mine going helps protect that history and ensures our town continues to grow and stay strong.
The mining methods used here are carefully managed and designed to have very little impact on the environment and the land on the surface. The company monitors this closely, and the community sees the benefits of mining done responsibly.
Most importantly, this is a local mine that employs local people. The extension means ongoing work, ongoing support for local families, and ongoing benefits for the whole region. Losing these jobs would hurt our community, but continuing the mine will help keep it thriving.

"I am writing to support the proposed mine extension. This mine provides steady work for more than three hundred people, many of whom live locally, including myself and people I know. These jobs help families stay in the area and give our community security and stability. The mine also supports many other local businesses, contractors, shops, and services that rely on it.
Mining has always been a big part of our community. It’s part of who we are and has supported generations of local families. Keeping the mine going helps protect that history and ensures our town continues to grow and stay strong.
The mining methods used here are carefully managed and designed to have very little impact on the environment and the land on the surface. The company monitors this closely, and the community sees the benefits of mining done responsibly.
Most importantly, this is a local mine that employs local people. The extension means ongoing work, ongoing support for local families, and ongoing benefits for the whole region. Losing these jobs would hurt our community, but continuing the mine will help keep it thriving."

I support centennial coal in its future projects and it effects myself and my family

I am writing to support the proposed mine extension. This mine provides steady work for more than three hundred people, many of whom live locally, including myself and people I know. These jobs help families stay in the area and give our community security and stability. The mine also supports many other local businesses, contractors, shops, and services that rely on it.
Mining has always been a big part of our community. It’s part of who we are and has supported generations of local families. Keeping the mine going helps protect that history and ensures our town continues to grow and stay strong.
The mining methods used here are carefully managed and designed to have very little impact on the environment and the land on the surface. The company monitors this closely, and the community sees the benefits of mining done responsibly.
Most importantly, this is a local mine that employs local people. The extension means ongoing work, ongoing support for local families, and ongoing benefits for the whole region. Losing these jobs would hurt our community, but continuing the mine will help keep it thriving.