Modification 11 - Time Extension

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 coal modification should be approved to support the local, state and federal economies. It directly affects approximately 300 jobs in the Lithgow lga, not to mention the indirect flow on affect.

Hi,

I object to the Modification 11 project on the basis that the Gardens of Stone is an extraordinary beautiful natural area that has huge natural tourism potential. The proposed extension of this mine threatens this area as mining and burning of fossil fuels directly affects waterways and the climate with increased intense fire, drought and storm risk leading to biodiversity loss.

Australia, as an acknowledged wealthy developed country, should lead by example and immediately stop the expansion of the fossil fuel industry. The International Energy Agency has explicitly stated that for the world to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and limit global warming to 1.5 degrees, no new, long-lead time conventional oil and gas projects, or new coal mines/mine extensions are needed. Given Australia is also a signatory to the net zero by 2050 Paris Agreement, then this mine lease must not be extended.

I have been lucky enough to live in a relatively stable climate up till now. I think it only fair for future generations that we all do what we can, to ensure our children and their children, also get to live and prosper in a relatively stable climate. Should we really risk the future of our children on a 5 year mine extension that may well be the project that takes us into a climate tipping point of no easy return? Is it not our fundamental duty to humanity to leave the planet in a better condition than we found it for future generations especially when viable cost-effective renewable options already exist?

I object to the extension application on the basis of the substantial GHG emissions it will generate via scope 1 to 3 emissions, and the particulate including diesel pollution that will be generated.
The extension application asserts that 99% of Modification 11's GHG emissions will be scope 3 emissions, and that its scope 1 emissions will represent only 0.02% of NSW state-wide emissions. It is dangerous and misleading to ignore scope 3 emissions. The GHG emissions generated when the coal from the mine is burnt overseas are just as damaging and dangerous to the health of NSW residents, to its agriculture and the NSW environment, as if it were burnt in NSW. Approval of the extension is inconsistent with NSW meeting its GHG emission reduction targets, and contrary to the recent advice of the Net Zero Commission. Excluding the Scope 3 emissions, and approving the project, will on balance by damaging for the current and long term future of the local community and the residents of NSW.
If approval is granted, I submit that the approval should contain the following conditions:
1. That the coal from the mine is required to be transported by rail, and a prohibition on its transport by heavy trucks. This accounts for the higher GHG emissions, and particulate pollution including diesel pollution, as well as noise pollution, generated by trucks per tonne of coal as opposed to the transport by rail.
2. That the coal be burnt locally rather than exported, to reduce the alleged need for extensions of NSW coal mines and new NSW coal mines.
3. Require upgrading of the Lidsdale coal unloader.

See attached letter.

This 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.

If the extension is approved despite community opposition, it must come with these six 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 its use 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.
Link approval to rehabilitation of old waste dumps. 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.
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.
This project should not be approved.