Moolarben OC3 Extension Project

I am more than concerned about this proposal to expand Moolarben’s operations adjacent to Munghorn gap nature reserve ,I am alarmed.If this is allowed to go ahead it will mean a significant area of natural habitats ;hosting an emerging Koala colony ,an existing regent honey eater population and numerous other native animals some also on the endangered listing(gliders Gang Gang cockatoos) will be bordered on half their habitats by coal mining operations.These animals are not contained within the reserve by some invisible barrier and will be seriously impacted .The area will be affected by dust ,noise and light pollution.
The expansion area is planned on fertile once productive agricultural land in close proximity to the township of Mudgee ,this land is in short supply.
The area is the headwaters of the Goulburn River which already carries increased salt loads from a existing mining .Mines I might add that have far surpassed their planned and approved water discharge limits.The accumulative effect should be considered .This expansion should not be judged as a stand alone development.I have experienced first hand the effects of the increased salt load and changes to the flows of the Goulburn as I own a property on the river.
Their is insufficient buffer planned in this project from creeks and other water courses .
It is my view we have already enough approved extraction licences ,in fact more than we need considering that we need to transition away from the burning of fossil fuels (especially coal)to avert an existential crisis of global warming.
It would be reckless and damaging to approve this project ,not just endangering our environment but jeopardising the future for all so I ask that you consider closely and ask can we afford to take anymore risks with the environment and our future.

i am objecting to the project for the reasons below
we lived here before moolarben mine was established and enjoyed the peace and quiet of the area , which why we escaped the noise of the big smoke sydney
we had put up with the noice of machinery operating , noice of constant blasting , horrid smell of wet coal for years without being taken into consideration of our personal well being
the last couple of years were bareable , but if we have to go through all of the above again our mental health especially will take a beating for sure.
we will be puttin g up a fight this time about this project thats for sure
we will and can not live with the mines overruning us anymore

regards ralf and erika steines

As a member of the local community, I OBJECT to the project of the Moolarben Coalmine Extension to Open Cut 3. My reasons are as followed:
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. This is NOT supporting Australia to become a leading country to solve climate change issues, this is the complete opposite. I grew up in the town of Mudgee, luckily enough on the side where there are no coal mines. However, now I am bringing my own child up in the area and wanting to support a brighter, cleaner and better future for my child in regards to cleaner energy and clean water in the area, this proposal does not support the choice of young families in the area to build a better future for the next generations to come. I feel embarrassed to live in this area where coal mining is continuing and now wanting to expand when the whole world understands we must all change to renewable energy and stop burning coal so we can reverse the extinction of humankind and many flora and fauna species.
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. The region of Mudgee has significant sacred sites that have been either claimed by coal mines and not seen as of importance the First nations People and local people in the area. Once these sacred sites are destroyed they are gone forever. I work as a local teacher where I would take local students to sites such as The Drip and Hands on Rocks, only to know it is extremely close to the coal mines, blastings, destruction of land and not caring for the rivers and waterways. Wondering if future generations will be able to connect to these sacred places that should never have been taken away from the First Nations People.
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. This is a place where I swim in the beautiful Goulburn River but do not feel completely safe of what is actually in the water once it is released up stream from the coal mines. Again bringing children and families to this place to connect with the local environment helps keep the community spirit alive. But how can we trust that this water is truly safe to swim in. It should be safe to drink in flowing parts, just like it would have been for First Nations People before us.
• 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. This is a huge impact on such a drought significant landscape. We know that there will be droughts again and to know that this water will be used for the coal mines rather than life itself is sickening.
• 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. This is not going to help the natural vegetation grow healthy and strong and to help the land and wildlife recover.
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. We all know that the koala species is being threatened across the whole of Australia. We must be protecting these areas that we know is where they live. Koaas only eat a certain type of Eucalyptus Tree which is found in the area where the extension open cut is proposed. This means more koalas will be fighting for less food sources, less habitat to live in. We must be protecting these areas not destroying them.
• 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. These species will not be able to live in such a noise polluted area. Once again, if they are moved on, where will they go as this is where there food source is and need to survive here.
• 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. This will destroy so much habitat, wildlife, eco-systems that we as humans rely on to survive. IF we continue to disrupt these areas of woodlands in such a short term life span, these will destroy the endangered ecological communities that cannot be just moved on.
• 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) . These species must be protected in the area as this is their home, they cannot simple just be moved on.
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.
More and more we are seeing food shortages due to the flooding in the area of NSW, SA and VIctoria, Queensland. We must support more sustainable food farming land for families.
Thank you for your time in reading my submission.

Hello Gen,

I am writing in response to a Notice of Exhibition in relation to Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project (SSD-33083358).

We are located on Maiala Lane and are concerned with what we have read outlined in the exhibition.

Reviewing the maps provided it appears that the Mining Licence Boundary will be substantially closer which is a concern.

At the mines current location we can already see lights all night, have excessive in addition to the dust that blankets out property and the shocks from the mine blasting.

With the new boundary moving even closer to our property we are extremely concerned in regards to the heightened impact these activities are going to have.

Our family has existing medical conditions and it troubles us considerably that there is a significant risk of detrimental impacts on our health as this project advances.

We are aware that the properties directly behind us which are only located x away from us have been purchased already and we would appreciate knowing if there is scope to review an offer for our property. We believe this could be in our best interests due to the reasons outlined above. We purchased this property many years ago with an appreciation for the quiet, undisturbed location. Due to the upcoming changes we feel that we will be unable to enjoy our home life that has already been significantly disrupted.

Thank you for consideration,

Kerry & Lisa Death

Ms Gen Lucas
Senior Environmental Assessments Officer
NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment

Dear Ms Lucas,

Please find attached my objection to the application by Moolarben Coal Mine to extend their Open Cut mines (south of The Drip at Mudgee NSW) – Moolarben OC3 Extension Project SSD-33083358 EXH-50540708Moolarben OC3 Extension Project SSD-33083358 EXH-50540708.

Yours sincerely,

Michael Mangold

1/5 Cremorne Road
Cremorne Point NSW 2090

Phone: 0411 575009

I strongly protest this extension.
Climate change is a big factor to my opposition to this project as well as the desecration of First Nations sites in the area. This has happened at other mines and is unforgivable….. where is your inner moral compass , can’t you see the planet has to stop mining and selling coal.
Native habitat will be decimated if you allow the felling of the forests.
Renewable energy is the best way forward, why not put your focus on turning towards a renewable future.
stop this madness ….
and start considering the ramifications of what more mining will mean for the future of the planet.

I object to this project because 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.

1. 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.

2. 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)

3. 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.

As Attached

Here we go again, the fossil fuel industry continuing on its path of destruction. Yancoal proposes a new coal mine, not an extension, adjacent to Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve! This project has to be stopped in its track. I’ve recently left Mudgee after living there for 17 years. I know what the future holds there. We are already witnessing untold damage absolutely everywhere on the planet. To quote Mick O’Malley this week in the Sydney Morning Herald: “the clear threat to our way of life, as everyone in this incinerated and inundated state knows, is climate change”.
Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve is a beautiful spot in the Mudgee area and deserves to be protected. Already so many hectares of habitat have been destroyed. Biodiversity is collapsing everywhere, just check the news from Cop 15 in Montreal.
Despite all this, multinationals continue unpunished to trash our land, our First Nations cultural heritage, our flora and fauna. For years we had water restrictions in Mudgee for our sustainable garden, but these foreign companies are allowed to deplete ad nauseam our water reserves. This is criminality of the highest order.
We know we have alternatives.
The government should do what is right for our children, not what multinationals greedily propose. Stop mining, stop this new project.

Submission of objection attached

Submission objecting to project attached

I object to the Moolarben OC3 Extension because I have a property downstream on the Goulburn River and have been impacted by the large volumes of water being discharged from the mine.
The health of the river is deteriorating because of the three large mines on its headwaters. There must be no more expansion of coal mining in the catchment.
The enormous annual tonnage of coal extraction and transport from the three mines is adding to global warming at a time when extreme weather events are getting worse. There is no justification to dig up more coal until 2038.

Objection from Hunter Environment Lobby Inc

Submission : Moolarben Coalmine Extention to open Cut 3

I oppose this extension of this coal mine on several grounds:it has been clearly stated by environmental scientific experts that coal is the main contributor to the increase in carbon in our atmosphere which is increasing global warming;

Acid mine drainage (AMD) refers to the outflow of acidic water from coal mines or metal mines, often abandoned mines where ore- or coal mining activities have exposed rocks containing the sulphur-bearing mineral pyrite. Pyrite reacts with air and water to form sulphuric acid and dissolved iron, and as water washes through mines, this compound forms a dilute acid, which can wash into nearby rivers and streams.[3]


Coal dust stirred up during the mining process, as well as released during coal transport, which can cause severe and potentially deadly respiratory problems.[

Coal fires occur in both abandoned coal mines and coal waste piles. Internationally, thousands of underground coal fires are burning now. Global coal fire emissions are estimated to include 40 tons of mercury going into the atmosphere annually, and three percent of the world's annual carbon dioxide emissions

Coal combustion waste is the nation's second largest waste stream after municipal solid waste.[11] It is disposed of in landfills or "surface impoundments," which are lined with compacted clay soil, a plastic sheet, or both. As rain filters through the toxic ash pits year after year, the toxic metals are leached out into the local environment.

Coal sludge, also known as slurry, is the liquid coal waste generated by washing coal. It is typically disposed of at impoundments located near coal mines, but in some cases it is directly injected into abandoned underground mines. Since coal sludge contains toxins, leaks or spills can endanger underground and surface waters.

Loss or degradation of groundwater - Since coal seams are often serve as underground aquifers, removal of coal beds may result in drastic changes in hydrology after mining has been completed.

Heavy metals and coal - Coal contains many heavy metals, as it is created through compressed organic matter containing virtually every element in the periodic table - mainly carbon, but also heavy metals. The heavy metal content of coal varies by coal seam and geographic region. Small amounts of heavy metals can be necessary for health, but too much may cause acute or chronic toxicity (poisoning). Many of the heavy metals released in the mining and burning of coal are environmentally and biologically toxic elements, such as lead, mercury, nickel, tin, cadmium, antimony, and arsenic, as well as radio isotopes of thorium and strontium

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, in an average year, a typical coal plant (500 megawatts) generates the following amounts of air pollutants:[41]
3.7 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), an amount equivalent to chopping down 161 million trees. CO2 pollution is the principal human cause of global warming and climate change.
10,000 tons of sulfur dioxide (SO2), which causes acid rain and forms small airborne particles that can cause lung damage, heart disease, and other illnesses.
10,200 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx), equivalent to half a million late-model cars. NOx leads to formation of smog, which inflames lung tissue and increases susceptibility to respiratory illness.
500 tons of small airborne particles, which can cause bronchitis, reductions in lung function, increased hospital and emergency room admissions, and premature death.[42]
220 tons of hydrocarbons, which contribute to smog formation.
720 tons of carbon monoxide (CO), which causes headaches and places additional stress on people with heart disease.
170 pounds of mercury. 1/70th of a teaspoon of mercury deposited in a 25-acre lake can make the fish unsafe to eat. Mercury also causes learning disabilities, brain damage, and neurological disorders.[43]
225 pounds of arsenic, which leads to cancer in 1 out of 100 people who drink water containing 50 parts per billion.
114 pounds of lead, 4 pounds of cadmium, and other toxic heavy metals. These toxic metals can accumulate in human and animal tissue and cause serious health problems, including mental retardation, developmental disorders, and damage to the nervous system.[

COAL is KILLING THE PLANET. This extension must not go ahead!

I object to expanding the open cut mines into the Upper Moolarben Valley by the Moolarben Coal Complex. The area of concern is a particularly special area that needs to be preserved for our and future generations. It is unique. It is an area rich in biodiversity, ringed by natural springs and bounded by the outstanding Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve that straddles the Great Dividing Range. PLEASE protect the environment. Do NOT allow drilling near by which would deplete the water table. There are very few areas as precious as this area.

It is time to stop expanding coal mines in Australia.
This project will damage the environment by increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
Water losses from the Goulburn River system will be significant.
We need agriculture to continue to provide food for the nation, stop destroying farm land.
Reject this application for expansion.

I strongly object to the Moolarben Coalmine Extension to Open Cut 3.

This extension project will result in irreparable damage to the biodiversity of this area with over 600 hectares of native vegetation to be cleared as part of this project including over 400 hectares of Box Gum Woodland Critically Endangered Ecological Communities.

The extension project will result in ecosystem habitat loss as well as the loss of agricultural land. Losing quality food production land to open cut coal mining is a difficult choice to fathom and witness.

The project will also have a catastrophic impact on groundwater from springs that provide fresh flows to the Goulburn River and a number of creeks in this area.

Our use of and dependence on coal is largely a choice, our dependence on food and water is not.

This project already covers a very large area and has had a substantial impact on the local environment, flora and fauna and agricultural pursuits. Any extension of this project should be refused, or at the very least, examined closely by having the project subjected to further investigation . The following detrimental effects need to be carefully scrutinized by government as this is a long term project. There will be:
* substantial increased emissions
* loss of baseflows impacting river health and downstream water users including Goulburn River National Park
* only 100m from Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve - disturbance to native bird and koala habitat with 24-hour operations. Athletic and swimming races of 100m are a very short distance as a comparison
* Ecosystem habitat loss for Regent Honey Easter (endangered), Koala, Squirrel Glider and large eared Pied Bat
* 130 First Nation Cultural Heritage sites affected

This development is sited next to a critical wildlife reserve at Munghorn Gap. This development will hinder the movement of wildlife especially birds, as the area for movement will be an open cut pit. The dust will affect the reserve. The noise will devalue the reserve to visitors. And when they blast this Will seriously affect wildlife and bird life in the vicinity. It is totally irresponsible to approve this mine on environmental grounds.
Secondly, the world is supposed to be heading to a zero emissions future with no new coal and gas. This is in obvious contravention to global interests and the global position to approve no new mines. This is totally unwarranted and is a case first of greed over need, and secondly totally irresponsible mining activity with global environmental consequences.
I totally oppose this development in every way, and it is a total travesty that such a proposal has even made it this far. It is greed and madness. Not planning for the well-being and sustainability of the future

The Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and surrounding areas are special places that deserve to be protected . It is a place for the local community as well as the tourists to visit. Its proximity to Mudgee and other areas makes it accessible for everyone to enjoy. Extending a mine to encroach further on the area impacts on the experience of all who visit. Further to this there are real negative impacts not only to people through their connection with this land; though also to native animals - many of them threatened species. There is a negative impact to to the biodiversity of the area from the clearing of land with particular concern regarding the box gum woodland. There will also be a negative impact to First Nations heritage sites.
It is for these reasons that I strongly object to this project proceeding.