Modification 6 - underground mining extension

PLEASE REPLACE MY PREVIOUS SUBMISSION WITH THE ATTACHED

I have discovered the version of my submission I previously uploaded contained errors in the citing of specific elements of Legislation. I have also taken the opportunity to expand and clarify several points.

I remain opposed to the project in this submission.

Please replace what I have uploaded previously with this version.

I object to the amended Modification 6 (Mod 6) proposal for the Glencore Ulan Coal Mine.

Ulan Coal Mine is currently approved to extract up to 20 million tonnes of coal per year until 2033. Mod 6 seeks to extend mining to August 2035 and enables a much larger expansion, Modification 8 (Mod 8), which proposes mining until 2041. Together, Mod 6 and Mod 8 would disturb approximately 2,368 hectares of additional land and significantly increase impacts on climate, water, biodiversity and cultural heritage.

1. Mod 6 and Mod 8 must be assessed together

Mod 6 and Mod 8 are interdependent, yet are being assessed separately as modifications. This approach prevents a proper assessment of cumulative impacts and avoids scrutiny of the full scale and duration of the project. These proposals must be assessed together as a new project to comply with the intent of NSW planning law.

2. Greenhouse gas emissions are inadequately assessed

The amended proposal does not adequately assess greenhouse gas emissions, including Scope 3 emissions, or their environmental, social and economic impacts. Mod 6 would allow an additional 18.8 million tonnes of coal to be extracted, and when combined with Mod 8 (43 million tonnes), total emissions would increase by more than 45 per cent above current approved operations. These cumulative emissions have not been properly assessed.

3. Cumulative regional impacts are not addressed

There is no assessment of cumulative impacts from existing and proposed operations across the three Mudgee coal mines: Ulan, Moolarben and Wilpinjong. The combined effects on water resources, biodiversity, climate and community amenity are significant and must be considered.

4. Water impacts in the Murray–Darling Basin

Underground mining causes permanent damage to groundwater systems that provide baseflows to rivers and creeks. The proposal will place further pressure on already stressed surface and groundwater resources in the Murray–Darling Basin, including impacts on flows to the Talbragar and Macquarie rivers. Long-term and post-mining water impacts are not adequately assessed.

5. Conflict with regional transition

Ulan Coal Mine is located within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone. Further coal expansion will compete for a workforce urgently needed for renewable energy and construction industries and risks delaying the region’s economic transition.

Conclusion

The amended Mod 6 proposal does not address the deficiencies that led to the previous approval being overturned. It fails to assess cumulative impacts, underestimates greenhouse gas emissions, and places unacceptable pressure on water resources. Mod 6 should not be approved, and Mod 6 and Mod 8 must be assessed together as a new project.

This submission is provided in support of the continuation of coal mining in the Mudgee region of New South Wales. It reflects the lived experience of regional communities whose economic stability, social cohesion, and long-term sustainability are closely tied to the mining industry. Coal mining in and around Mudgee has underpinned employment, supported local businesses, funded community infrastructure, and enabled families to live, work, and remain in the region.

While acknowledging the importance of environmental protection and Australia’s long-term energy transition, this submission argues that coal mining continues to play a critical role in the regional economy and that any transition away from coal must be gradual, carefully managed, and grounded in the realities faced by regional communities. Abrupt or ideologically driven policy decisions risk causing significant economic harm, population decline, and social disruption in communities such as Mudgee.

1. Introduction and Context

Mudgee is a well-established regional centre in New South Wales with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, tourism, viticulture, health services, education, and mining. Coal mining has been a cornerstone of the region’s economic development for decades and remains one of the largest sources of employment and investment.

For many residents, coal mining is not an abstract policy issue but a lived reality. It supports households, mortgages, education for children, and long-term financial security. It enables people to remain in regional areas rather than relocating to metropolitan centres in search of work. Any discussion about the future of coal mining in Mudgee must therefore consider the human, social, and economic consequences for those who rely on the industry.

2. Economic Contribution of Coal Mining

Coal mining is a major driver of economic activity in the Mudgee region. Mining operations generate billions of dollars in economic output and contribute significantly to state revenue through royalties, taxes, and export earnings. These funds support essential public services across New South Wales, including health, education, and infrastructure.

At a regional level, mining wages circulate directly through the local economy. Employees spend their income locally on housing, groceries, fuel, childcare, education, and recreation. This flow-on effect supports a wide range of small and medium businesses, many of which would struggle to survive without the spending generated by the mining workforce.

The mining industry also supports a substantial contractor and supplier network. Local businesses provide services such as equipment maintenance, electrical work, plumbing, earthmoving, catering, cleaning, occupational health, and transport. The closure or downsizing of mining operations would place these businesses at risk and lead to job losses well beyond the mine gates.

3. Employment and Workforce Stability

Coal mining provides stable, long-term employment opportunities that are rare in many regional areas. These jobs are typically well-paid, highly regulated, and supported by strong safety systems and training frameworks. Mining employment allows workers to support families, purchase homes, and invest in their futures.

Importantly, mining provides employment for a diverse workforce, including tradespeople, engineers, health professionals, environmental scientists, administrative staff, and operational workers. Many employees are locally based and have strong ties to the Mudgee community.

The loss of mining jobs would not be easily offset by alternative industries. While sectors such as tourism and agriculture are important, they do not offer the same scale of employment, income security, or year-round stability. Seasonal work and lower wages cannot replace the economic certainty provided by mining roles.

4. Community Investment and Social Benefits

Mining companies operating in the Mudgee region make significant contributions to local communities beyond direct employment. This includes sponsorship of sporting clubs, funding for schools and educational programs, support for health services, and grants for community organisations.

These contributions enhance quality of life and help maintain strong, connected communities. Sporting clubs, for example, rely heavily on mining sponsorship to cover equipment, facilities, and travel costs. Schools benefit from funding for resources, scholarships, and infrastructure improvements.

Mining companies also contribute to major infrastructure projects, including roads, utilities, and emergency services. These investments benefit the entire community and help ensure regional areas remain liveable and attractive places to raise families.

5. Population Retention and Regional Sustainability

Coal mining plays a critical role in retaining population in regional areas such as Mudgee. Without access to stable employment, many residents—particularly younger people—would be forced to relocate to metropolitan areas. This population decline would place pressure on local services, schools, and health facilities, potentially leading to further closures and reduced service availability.

Maintaining a strong mining sector helps ensure that regional towns remain viable, with sufficient population to support essential services. This, in turn, benefits all residents, including those not directly employed by the mining industry.

6. Environmental Regulation and Responsible Mining

Coal mining in New South Wales operates under a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to protect the environment and community health. Mining approvals are subject to rigorous environmental assessments, ongoing monitoring, and strict compliance conditions.

Modern mining operations are required to manage impacts on air quality, water resources, noise, and biodiversity. Continuous improvements in technology and environmental management practices have significantly reduced the environmental footprint of mining compared to historical operations.

Rehabilitation and closure planning are now integral components of mining approvals. Companies are required to progressively rehabilitate land and provide financial assurance to ensure that rehabilitation is completed to an appropriate standard. This ensures that land can be returned to productive use following the life of the mine.

7. Coexistence with Agriculture and Other Land Uses

The Mudgee region has a long history of coexistence between mining, agriculture, and tourism. With appropriate planning and regulation, these industries can operate alongside one another. Many landholders benefit from mining through access agreements that provide additional income and infrastructure improvements.

Claims that mining is incompatible with other land uses often overlook the practical reality of regional economies, where multiple industries contribute to overall resilience. A balanced approach that recognises the value of all sectors is essential.

8. Health, Safety, and Worker Wellbeing

The coal mining industry in New South Wales has made significant advancements in health and safety standards. Strong regulatory oversight, robust safety systems, and ongoing training have resulted in improved safety outcomes over time.

Worker health programs, including regular medical assessments and wellbeing initiatives, are standard across the industry. These measures demonstrate a commitment to protecting workers and ensuring that mining remains a safe and sustainable employer.

9. Energy Security and Global Demand

Coal continues to play an important role in both domestic energy generation and international markets. Australia is a reliable supplier of high-quality coal to global trading partners, supporting energy security and economic stability.

While renewable energy sources are expanding, they currently cannot fully replace the reliability and scale of coal-based generation. Maintaining a strong coal sector during the transition period is essential to ensure energy affordability and security.

10. Managing the Energy Transition Responsibly

There is broad recognition that energy systems are evolving. However, transition policies must be realistic, evidence-based, and considerate of regional impacts. Abrupt withdrawal from coal mining without viable alternative industries in place would disproportionately harm communities like Mudgee.

A responsible transition requires investment in skills development, infrastructure, and new industries before existing jobs are removed. Coal mining should continue to provide economic stability while these alternatives are developed.

11. Social Equity and Regional Fairness

Policy decisions regarding coal mining often have unequal impacts. Metropolitan areas may experience minimal disruption, while regional communities bear the full economic and social cost. Fairness demands that the voices of regional residents be heard and respected.

Supporting coal mining in Mudgee is not about resisting change but about ensuring that regional communities are not left behind in the process of transition.

12. Conclusion

Coal mining remains a vital part of the Mudgee region’s economy, community, and identity. It provides employment, supports local businesses, funds community infrastructure, and enables families to build secure futures in a regional setting.

With strong regulation, responsible environmental management, and a realistic approach to energy transition, coal mining can continue to coexist with other industries and contribute positively to the region.

I respectfully urge the NSW Government to recognise the significant benefits that coal mining provides to Mudgee and to ensure that policy decisions are grounded in practical realities, community wellbeing, and long-term regional sustainability.

I strongly object to this expansion Mod 6 Ulan Coal mine.
I live 16 kms east of the Ulan/ Wollar Road and am greatly impacted by the cumulative effects of the 3 existing coal mines Ulan , Moolarben and Wilpinjong all of which are proposing expansions, pretending they are modifications.
The noise, the dust, the effect on habitat, biodiversity, threatened species, the degrading of the Goulbourn River, let alone the ongoing impact of climate change ... locally, nationally and globally. We had a massive, unprecedented flood from upstream in the Wollar valley in 2022, which washed away the causeway across the Wollar Creek , this is our only access to our property. A temporary rough causeway was put in and 3 plus years later we are still waiting for the replacement.
Given it is only 3 weeks into a new year, we have seen catastrophic fires in Victoria, which are still burning, massive destructive floods in Qld, cars being washed out to sea etc etc. The royalties that the NSW Govt gets in return for the coal, are a pittance compared to the cost of excessive Greenhouse emissions.
The NSW Land and Environment Court recently turned down the approval for the expansion of Ulan Mine Mod 6, the argument was that the approval failed to properly consider the impacts of climate change. Glencore's response was to amend the application. And here we are! in reading the amendments I see little has changed from the first application. "Deficiencies in information reporting aspects of the modelling process"
Last breeding season we had 2 pairs of Regent Honey Eaters breed successfully on our property, that is the second year in a row. There was once a large population in this area. Glencore claims there have been no sitings of the Regent in the areas marked for expansion.!). they are very elusive and any monitoring of possible sitings would have to be carried out extensively during the breeding season 2) given the huge area of displacement of habitat already in the mines boundaries, as well as the noise , dust and blasting why would they breed there.
Given that Wollar is the hub for the Central West REZ, it is the perfect time for coal miners to be transitioning to other jobs.
I do not want this expansion, the local communities that have been gutted by the coal mines do not want it, our nation does not need it, the world doesn't need it and my grandchildren certainly don't. and neither do all the native animals that are constantly ploughed down by miners travelling to and from work.

Submission in Support of Mod 6 – Ulan West Operations

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to express my support for the proposed Ulan West Operations – Modification 6.

Ulan West has operated successfully and responsibly for over a decade, and this modification represents a continuation of existing underground activities with no significant change to the environmental footprint. The benefits of approving Mod 6 are substantial and extend well beyond the immediate mine lease area.

1. Economic Benefits to the Local and Connected Regions

Ulan West is a major economic driver for the Central West and Hunter regions. The mine supports:
• Hundreds of direct local jobs
• Thousands of indirect jobs across suppliers, contractors, engineering firms, and transport
• Stable revenue streams for local businesses and service providers
• Flow-on economic activity throughout towns such as Mudgee, Gulgong, Dunedoo, Muswellbrook, and the wider region

The mine’s presence has underpinned long-term economic stability in these communities. Continued operations ensure that regional families, small businesses, and supporting industries can plan for the future with confidence.

2. Minimal Environmental Impact Due to Underground Operations

Ulan West is a modern, highly regulated underground operation with:
• No new surface development
• Minimal dust, noise, and visual impacts
• A small surface disturbance footprint
• A strong compliance record over many years
• Lower greenhouse and particulate impacts compared with open-cut operations

Mod 6 does not increase, expand, or intensify the environmental impacts already assessed and approved. It simply extends the life of current underground mining within an established and well-managed framework.

3. Proven History of Responsible and Successful Operation

The mine has demonstrated:
• Consistent compliance with environmental, safety, and community obligations
• Well-managed subsidence outcomes
• Effective water management and monitoring
• Minimal community amenity impacts
• Robust engagement with stakeholders

The continuation of an already well-run operation presents low risk and high certainty for both regulators and local communities.

4. Support for Growth and Stability of Local Towns

Ulan West’s workforce contributes significantly to:
• Population stability in regional centres
• Demand for schools, childcare, health services, and local retail
• Housing investment and property market health
• Community organisations, sporting clubs, and volunteer services

These industries and services rely on the presence of a vibrant workforce supported by mining operations. Mod 6 helps maintain this stability.

5. Impacts of Closure on Communities

Premature closure would have serious negative consequences, including:
• Loss of employment for hundreds of families
• Significant economic contraction in surrounding towns
• Loss of business for local suppliers and contractors
• Pressure on schools, services, and community groups
• Reduced regional investment and confidence

Mod 6 avoids unnecessary and disruptive socio-economic impacts by enabling a sensible continuation of an existing operation.

6. No Change to Impacts Compared With Current Operations

Importantly, Mod 6:
• Does not introduce new mining methods
• Does not expand surface infrastructure
• Does not increase environmental or amenity impacts
• Fits wholly within previously assessed and approved areas

It is essentially the continuation of what is already operating safely, sustainably, and successfully.

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Conclusion

Mod 6 represents a low-impact, high-benefit continuation of an existing underground mining operation that is vital to the economic and social wellbeing of the region. The proposal maintains environmental protections while safeguarding jobs, community stability, and regional development.

For these reasons, I fully support the approval of Ulan West Operations – Modification 6

Thank you for considering my submission.

The extension of life to the Ulan 3 mine will provide a notable positive impact on the local community, ensuring current jobs are ongoing as well as allowing an extension of time that the facility can onboard and train apprentices to address the current trade shortage faced by the local and far reaching community. With the modification extending a preexisting area of mine, the disturbance to local area will be minimal. For these reasons I am in favor of this proposal.

I am in support of this project for the economic benefits that it will bring to our local economy.

The Mudgee region relies heavily on coal mining, and this allows continued operation of an already established and productive operation.

As a Mudgee local of more than 25 years, and a member of the mining community for more than 15 years, this extension project allows ongoing continued employment in an established location. I fully support the project.

I see no reason for this submission to be rejected.

The flow of job is important for local community. It will increase local jobs, local economy which is most important for current and future generation.

I support this project. Myself and my family members are employed in the coal industry, we live locally, spend the majority of our money locally, our children attend school in the local area. The continuation of mining activities is crucial to the viability and longevity of the local community, businesses and families

I support the Ulan Complex expanding the mining operation into these new areas as the mine support 650 direct employees in the local community. This extension can be competed within the same footprint minimising impact to the environment

This submission is provided in support of the proposed Modification 6 (Mod 6) approval for the Ulan Underground Mine. I have been an employee of Ulan West, part of the Ulan Complex, for the past nine years. My entire family is either currently working in, or retired from, the local coal mining industry, giving me a long-standing personal and professional connection to mining in the region.

The proposed modification represents a logical and responsible continuation of existing approved mining operations and is consistent with the established purpose of the mine, existing infrastructure, and the long-term planning framework already assessed for the site.

Mod 6 seeks approval for the following components:
Extension of Ulan Underground longwall panels LWW9 to LWW11 to the west.
Widening of longwall panel LWW11 by approximately 30 metres.
Extension of Ulan West longwall panels LW10 to LW12 to the north.
Extension of the operational life of the mine, enabling the recovery of approximately 16 million tonnes of additional coal through to 2035.
Minor changes to surface infrastructure to support ongoing underground mining activities.

The proposed modifications are incremental in nature and build upon the existing approved underground mining footprint. Extending and widening the nominated longwall panels will allow for more efficient extraction of coal resources while maintaining continuity of operations and maximising the use of existing underground and surface infrastructure.

The extension of Ulan West longwall panels to the north aligns with the mine’s established geological understanding and operational strategy. These changes do not introduce a new mining method or fundamentally alter the nature of the approved development, but rather optimise the approved resource recovery within the current mining system.

The proposed extension of the mine life through to 2035, with the recovery of approximately 16 million tonnes of additional coal, represents a significant benefit. It supports the continued productive use of an existing operation, avoids the need for new greenfield developments, and ensures that approved coal resources are responsibly utilised.

Maintaining operations over this extended period will provide ongoing employment and economic stability for the local and regional community, while sustaining contributions to the NSW and Australian economies through royalties, taxes, and local procurement.

The minor changes proposed to surface infrastructure are directly related to supporting the underground mining activities and are proportionate to the scope of the modification. As these changes are limited in scale and linked to existing facilities, they are considered appropriate and necessary to enable safe, efficient, and compliant operations.

Overall, Mod 6 represents a well-considered and reasonable modification to the existing approvals for Ulan Underground. The proposal enhances operational efficiency, extends the productive life of the mine, and enables additional resource recovery, while remaining consistent with the established mining footprint and infrastructure.

For these reasons, this submission expresses strong support for the approval of Modification 6.

I wish to express my concerns about the Ulan Coal Mine extension.
The current mine is part of a complex of coal mines positioned in an area of appreciable aesthetic, cultural and ecological value. Expansions to the current mine will have significant biodiversity impacts. The clearing of a significant area of native vegetation that is planned will result in a significant habitat loss for vulnerable species of fauna. This loss of native vegetation cannot be replaced, repaired or effectively offset.
Many first nations cultural sites are also contained within the area for planned extension and the loss of such sites needs to be considered seriously.
The proposed extension reflects a planned increase in the life span of the Ulan Coal mine by two years and a further 25 million tonnes of coal production. The greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the burning of such coal are profound. It is clearly evident that we need to be moving away from the use of coal for energy generation. Global temperature increases are already nearing 1.5C and without significant changes to how we obtain energy will rise beyond 2 degrees, with resultant catastrophic changes to the climate and the livelihood of people around the world. Planning for extensions to current coal mines in the current climate crisis could reasonably be described as absurd.
As a Mudgee resident I readily acknowledge the contribution that coal mining makes to the economy of our region and the many jobs provided by coal mining and related services. However, the cost of expanding our mining of coal far outweighs the financial benefits brought to the region (and to the coal mine operators.) In considering the planned extension please be mindful of the impact that expanding the mining of coal will have both for our generation and the generations to come.

Background
Moolarben Coalmine is a very large operation near Mudgee on the headwaters of the Goulburn River, a major tributary in the Hunter River catchment. The mine is owned and operated by Yancoal, a Chinese owned multinational. It has current approval to produce 22 million tonnes of thermal coal per annum until 2038 from four open cut mines and three underground mines. The mining complex covers over 80 sq. kms of sensitive environments with significant cultural heritage values. The cumulative impact of current approvals has caused a major loss of threatened species habitat and First Nations culture, sandstone cliff removal and collapse, and permanent loss of irreplaceable water sources.
The proposed expansion on exhibition intrudes further into the upper Moolarben valley, an area rich in biodiversity, ringed by natural springs and bounded on three sides by the outstanding Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve that straddles the Great Dividing Range.

Key points for a submission of objection:

1. Climate Change impacts:
The proposal is to produce an additional 40 million tonnes of coal and increase greenhouse gas emissions by 86.59 Mt CO2-e
The consequences of scope 3 emissions ( i.e the emissions arising form the use of this coal overseas should be considered in the assessment of this project
2. First Nations heritage impacts:
A total of 130 first nations cultural heritage sites were identified within or overlapping the subject area including shelters with artefacts (one with possible burial), and axe grinding groove site
3. Water impacts:
• The permanent loss of potable, good quality (low salinity) groundwater from springs that provide fresh flows to creeks and the Goulburn River
• A predicted loss of baseflows to the Goulburn River between 180 – 225 million litres /year and 600 million litres in wet years. This will impact on river health and downstream water users, including Goulburn River National Park.
• A 200m buffer zone to Moolarben and Murdering Creeks (aimed at protecting them from mining) includes mine haul roads and other infrastructure impacting crucial riparian vegetation.
4. Biodiversity impacts:
• The extended mining operations will come within 100m of the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve threatening important conservation values especially native bird and Koala habitat.
• Noise, dust and lights from the 24 hour operations will disrupt the many identified threatened and endangered birds, mammals and bat species that live in and around the valley.
• The project would result in the clearing of 624.18 ha native vegetation including
477.75 ha of Box-Gum Woodland Critically Endangered Ecological Communities. This is irreplaceable and cannot be adequately offset.
• Ecosystem habitat loss for 22 threatened fauna species including: Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia), Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis), Large-eared Pied Bat (Chalinolobus dwyeri)
5. Agricultural impacts:
Loss of food production potential on large areas of prime agricultural land that previously supported many farming families. This land should be assessed as Biophysical Strategic Agricultural Land (BSAL) and assessed through the Gateway process.

Ulan coal mines have been one of this areas main employers and community supporters for generations, the longevity of the mine is critical to the areas prosperity, it is of utmost importance that the communities future is also considered when evaluating this proposal.
Having worked in the industry for many years, I have also seen first hand the benefits this industry provides to many associated contractors and small businesses through out the mid west, these rural communities can often be overlooked by decision makers. Rural communities have very limited career opportunities, families are often separated in search of income and often ending up working city jobs in order to provide for the family. We need people and jobs in the bush, please don't overlook us.

JUST DON'T !!!!!!

Please find submission attached

The project provides economic value to the community by extending LOM by ~2 years, with little adverse impact to environmental features by utilising existing infrastructure.

1. This proposal will continue to increase global emissions.
2. An additional area of 993.2 ha will be impacted by mine subsidence including cumulative impact on significant sandstone cliff lines.
3. An additional 48 sites with First Nations cultural values will be impacted. The cumulative loss of cultural heritage across the Ulan Mine is highly significant.
4. Loss of 24.7 ha of woodland vegetation including 9.5 ha of critically endangered White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum Woodland ecological community providing habitat for numerous threatened fauna and flora species
5. Removal and disturbance of habitat for critically endangered Regent Honeyeater, Swift Parrot; endangered Koala and Long-eared Pied Bat and numerous other threatened fauna species.
6. The iconic groundwater dependent ecosystem on the Goulburn River known as ‘The Drip’ is incorrectly described with no recognition of the connection to the regional groundwater system.
7. Cumulative groundwater drawdown will cause loss of additional base flows to both the Goulburn River to the east and the Talbragar River to the west for up to 3,000 years.
8. The proposed new workings will provide continuation access to a large area of coal to the north of current operations.
9. It is imperative that coal mining cease at the Ulan operation no later than 2033 to allow for the necessary global decarbonisation for the management of climate extremes.

I am writing to vehemently oppose the Ulan Coalmine Mod 6 (MP08_0184-Mod-6)

There is no longer any question that coal has no future. Any “benefits” will be short term. The destruction additional coal mining brings is much more costly and has long term impacts.


It is clear who will lose:

The world will lose
Coal exploration, mining, exporting and burning, creates more greenhouse gases, worse fires, the very real impacts of climate change we have had to face globally and locally. The modification aims to extend underground longwall panels to extract a further 25 million tonnes of thermal coal and extend the mine life by two years to 2035. Despite Glencore’s commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, this proposal will continue to increase global carbon emissions.

Aboriginal cultural heritage sites will be lost
An additional 48 sites with First Nations cultural values will be impacted. The cumulative loss of cultural heritage across the Ulan Mine is highly significant.

Critically endangered ecological communities will disappear
Loss of 24.7 ha of woodland vegetation including 9.5 ha of critically endangered White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum Woodland ecological community providing habitat for numerous threatened fauna and flora species.

Endangered species will lose their habitat
This proposal would lead to the removal and disturbance of habitat for critically endangered Regent Honeyeater, Swift Parrot; endangered Koala and Long-eared Pied Bat and numerous other threatened fauna species.

More stunning landscapes would be lost
There is already a huge impact from the Ulan Mine. This proposal would detrimentally impact an additional area of 993.2 ha by mine subsidence including cumulative impact on significant sandstone cliff lines.

Waterways will be negatively impacted and potentially destroyed
The iconic groundwater dependent ecosystem on the Goulburn River known as ‘The Drip’ is incorrectly described with no recognition of the connection to the regional groundwater system.

Cumulative groundwater drawdown will cause loss of additional base flows to both the Goulburn River to the east and the Talbragar River to the west for up to 3,000 years.

Water is one of our most precious resources that cannot be easily replaced… but proposals like this easily destroy. It’s short term thinking.

Please reject this proposal