Modification 5 Bloomfield Colliery Continuation Project

To whom it may concern,
I am writing to object to the Modification 5 Bloomfield Colliery Continuation Plant.

Firstly, scientists from the IPCC have given the world until 2030 to substantially reduce CO2 emissions to restrict global warming to 1.5oC - extending operations to 2035 are contrary to this advice.

Secondly, the biodiversity significance of the Buttai/Black Hill area is understated. The Hunter Regional Plan 2041 highlights the need for conserving high environmental value lands, and supporting biodiversity connections across the Four Mile creek (Bloomfield) site.
With that in mind it has come to my attention that there are flaws in the Biodiversity Development Assessment Report - the report states there are 3 known breeding grounds for the Regent Honey eater. This information is outdated and does not take into consideration local breeding in the Lower Hunter due to release of the Regent Honeyeater just 11 kms from the site courtesy of a breeding program by Taronga Zoo. Page 137 of the Biodiversity Development Assessment Report states falsely that "...no recent species sightings or important populations have been recorded within a 10 km radius of the subject land in the past 5 years".
In fact in Autumn 2023 several birds including 2 juveniles were spotted 6km from the Creek Cut Area. https://www.swifft.net.au/resources/2022%20NSW%20Regent%20Honeyeater%20Captive%20Release%20Community%20Update%206.pdf
It seems counterintuitive that NSW Local Land Services is working to increase the population of the Regent Honey Eater while consideration is being given to destroy their habitat. https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/hunter/projects-and-programs/NRM-biodiversity#Regent
Should this proposal be approved, it is critical that any biodiversity offsets be located on the existing untouched Bloomfield site or adjacent to the nearby Stockrington State Conservation area, to ensure the best protection and outcomes for endangered species impacted.
And finally, the lights from the 24-hour mining at Bloomfield are a significant feature of our view in the evening and I have been looking forward to that ceasing by 2030 - I have not complained about it before, but I think enough is enough.
Thank you for your consideration.

Please see attachment, this one is a PDF

Please see submission attached

Hi,

Broughton Hire wishes to express our full support for the Bloomfield Colliery Continuation Project currently on public exhibition.

As a locally owned plant and equipment hire business servicing the mining and civil sectors in the Hunter Valley, we rely on the continuation of mining projects like Bloomfield to maintain employment, invest in equipment, and operate with business confidence. The impact of this project extends far beyond the mine gate — supporting jobs and income across a wide network of suppliers, trades, and small businesses like ours.

What often gets overlooked in these discussions is the scale of indirect employment. For every one person working directly at the mine, there are easily ten others working off-site who depend on that job — mechanics, fuel suppliers, transport operators, parts distributors, cleaners, and equipment service providers. With electricity prices continuing to rise and the manufacturing industry in decline, there simply aren’t alternative industries in this region to absorb those jobs. The flow-on effect of halting this project would be felt across dozens of families and businesses.

The ability to plan for ongoing work allows us to support our team, retain skilled operators, and provide services that directly benefit the regional economy. If projects like this are not allowed to continue, the ripple effect on local businesses and livelihoods will be significant.

We respectfully ask that the Department approve the continuation of the Bloomfield Colliery so that businesses like Broughton Hire can continue to operate, employ locals, and contribute to the strength of the region.

Yours sincerely,
 
Callan Sheldon
Director
Broughton Hire Pty Ltd

To whom it may concern,

Quasar Electrical Pty Ltd writes to express our strong support for the Bloomfield Colliery Continuation Project (MOD 5) currently on public exhibition.

As a key supplier to the Bloomfield Group, we have worked closely with the organisation over many years and have seen firsthand the professionalism, environmental responsibility, and long-term community focus that underpins their operations. The continuation of this project is not only critical to the sustainability of ongoing mining operations, but also to the continued employment and economic stability of local businesses and workers who support this industry.

This project ensures:
• Ongoing employment for local people and contractors in the Hunter region
• Responsible environmental management, including progressive rehabilitation and reduction of final voids
• Continued investment in local communities through procurement, sponsorship, and support for regional programs
• Long-term planning that addresses historical mining areas and ensures final landform stability

The Bloomfield Group has demonstrated a clear commitment to operating with care for both people and the environment. This continuation project reflects that same approach and provides certainty for local suppliers like Quasar Electrical, whose operations rely on consistent, well-managed partnerships with major regional industries.

We urge the Department to approve this application and allow Bloomfield Colliery to continue its responsible and community-focused operations.

Yours sincerely,


Callan Sheldon
Managing Director
Quasar Electrical Pty Ltd
[email protected]
0403 470 452

Fully support the extension of a longstanding wealth creating mining operation. Bloomfield Colliery

To whom it may concern,

I write to express my personal support for the Bloomfield Colliery Continuation Project (Modification 5).

The continuation of mining operations at Bloomfield will directly and indirectly support hundreds of jobs in the Hunter region — including electricians, fitters, operators, suppliers, and local businesses like cafés, accommodation providers, and fuel suppliers. As someone actively engaged in the mining supply chain, I can confidently say that the flow-on effects of a project like this are significant and far-reaching.

Mining in New South Wales is not only a cornerstone of our regional economy, it's a responsible player with regard to land management and rehabilitation.

Beyond the direct workforce, this continuation will support countless families and ensure stability for businesses that have built long-term relationships with the industry. Cutting these operations short would undermine years of local employment and community investment.

I strongly support the approval of this continuation project.

Sincerely,
Callan James Sheldon

I support the Bloomfield Modification 5 because I believe that the benefits of the project for the community outweigh any negatives. The extension of the mining period will allow for the ongoing employment of those people associated with this mining company and will allow for a good final environmental outcome. This site is situated in an area of high population growth and should be considered for a final land-use that supports ongoing employment. The site is protected from local residents by the local topography and the Company has a good environmental and social record in the Maitland district. The future operation will not be at a changed production level so is unlikely to cause any new impacts and the existing operation is managing their impacts well with very few complaints. I thoroughly support the approval of this modification.

Benefits
Employment and economic benefits for the local community, the State of NSW, and Australia: Continued mining will mean ongoing employment for our employees, contractors and supply companies. There will be additional taxation payable to both the State and Commonwealth Governments from the additional years of mining. Royalties will also be paid to the State on the additional resource that will be mined. These royalties contribute to funding NSW hospitals, schools, essential services, and infrastructure projects.
Community investments: Continued mining will mean ongoing investment in the many community organisations Bloomfield supports in the local area through The Bloomfield Group Foundation.
Improved final landform: The proposed modification would result in beneficial changes to the currently approved post mining landform by reducing the size of the final void and reducing rehabilitated slope angles, which benefit the final land use (cattle grazing).
Opportunity to address legacy matters associated with the site: Mining has been carried out at the site since the late 1850s. The project provides the opportunity to mine an area of shallow historic underground workings, thereby removing the potential for subsidence and voids to occur at the surface and providing improved long term stability benefits for the final landform.
Results of key studies
As part of preparing the EIS, a series of specialist technical studies were completed, indicating that the continuation of operations can be undertaken and managed to meet the requirements for air quality, noise and blasting.
A biodiversity offset strategy will also address the ecological impacts associated with the disturbance of vegetation.

Benefits
Employment and economic benefits for the local community, the State of NSW, and Australia: Continued mining will mean ongoing employment for our employees, contractors and supply companies. There will be additional taxation payable to both the State and Commonwealth Governments from the additional years of mining. Royalties will also be paid to the State on the additional resource that will be mined. These royalties contribute to funding NSW hospitals, schools, essential services, and infrastructure projects.
Community investments: Continued mining will mean ongoing investment in the many community organisations Bloomfield supports in the local area through The Bloomfield Group Foundation.
Improved final landform: The proposed modification would result in beneficial changes to the currently approved post mining landform by reducing the size of the final void and reducing rehabilitated slope angles, which benefit the final land use (cattle grazing).
Opportunity to address legacy matters associated with the site: Mining has been carried out at the site since the late 1850s. The project provides the opportunity to mine an area of shallow historic underground workings, thereby removing the potential for subsidence and voids to occur at the surface and providing improved long term stability benefits for the final landform.
Results of key studies
As part of preparing the EIS, a series of specialist technical studies were completed, indicating that the continuation of operations can be undertaken and managed to meet the requirements for air quality, noise and blasting.
A biodiversity offset strategy will also address the ecological impacts associated with the disturbance of vegetation.

The proposed continuation of mining operations offers significant economic, social, and environmental benefits for the local community, the State of New South Wales, and Australia more broadly. These benefits are outlined below:

1. Employment and Economic Contribution

Continued mining operations will ensure ongoing employment for our workforce, including both direct employees and the many contractors and supply companies that support the mine. This economic activity underpins livelihoods across the region and contributes to the broader resilience of the local economy. In addition, the extension will generate substantial revenue for both the NSW and Commonwealth Governments through increased taxation and royalties. These royalties are reinvested into the community through funding for hospitals, schools, essential services, and vital infrastructure projects across New South Wales.

2. Community Investment

The Bloomfield Group is a long-standing supporter of community initiatives through The Bloomfield Group Foundation. Ongoing mining operations will enable continued investment in local community organisations, supporting a wide range of social, cultural, educational, and health-related initiatives that enhance community wellbeing.

3. Improved Final Landform and Land Use

The proposed modification to the mining project will result in a more favourable post-mining landform. By reducing the size of the final void and decreasing slope angles in rehabilitated areas, the final landform will better support future land use, particularly cattle grazing. This provides long-term agricultural productivity and contributes to the sustainable use of rehabilitated land.

4. Addressing Historical Legacy Issues

Mining at the site dates back to the late 1850s, and the project offers a unique opportunity to address legacy issues associated with early underground workings. Mining these areas will eliminate risks of future subsidence and surface voids, improving long-term ground stability and safety. This is a proactive step in ensuring that the land can be safely and effectively used for generations to come.

5. Environmental Management and Studies

A comprehensive range of technical studies was undertaken as part of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process. These studies have confirmed that the continued operations can be managed in compliance with relevant standards for air quality, noise, and blasting. In addition, a biodiversity offset strategy will be implemented to address ecological impacts and ensure that native vegetation disturbance is appropriately managed and offset.

I fully support this submission, The continuation of mining operations presents a balanced and well-considered proposal that delivers economic, environmental, and community benefits. It reflects responsible resource development, long-term planning, and a strong commitment to supporting regional NSW.

Local jobs for the future

This Local Australian family have been responsibly mining coal at this site and the Hunter for almost 90 years. They have provided for countless families by way of continuous employment and also to many charities and local organisations along the way. This to me is a no brainer, being Australian owned and operated it all stays here as do the associated benefits that go along with it.

I support the project to continue local peoples jobs in the area

Benefits to community through continued support from the Bloomfield Group Foundation. Support for local organisations is a huge benefit to all in our area; over the years many local families and their sporting organisations have been assisted by donations and support from Bloomfield.
The continuation of Bloomfield Colliery will mean the continuation of local jobs, support for many of our local businesses and economic benefits to NSW.
This approval has my full support.

Mining helps me and my family and the community we live in by keeping local jobs, supporting small businesses, and funding local groups and services that we use every day. It also makes the land safer and more useful after mining, and helps pay for things like hospitals, schools, and roads through government payments.

I have worked for the bloomfield group for 15 years. I believe this continuation project is important for our local community.
It will provide ongoing local employment. It will provide taxes to the state and federal governments.
Bloomfield is big supporter of our local community organizations.
This continuation will also give the company time to improve the landform, which will benefit the final land use for the area after mining finishes.

I support this project knowing it will be of great benefit to the local community both with local employment and ongoing employment to the current employees. This will also continue to benefit & support numerous companies within our region.

I support the project based on the employment and economic benefits it would bring to the local community. I am aware of a lot of families who work for The Bloomfield group and therefore support the continuation so that employment can continue and family situations are not impacted.

Ongoing operation will benefit the greater community