Narrabri Underground Mine Stage 3 Extension Project

DPI Fisheries note that subsidence impacts on waterways will be minor.

We support this proposal.
Please refer to our letter of support

I believe that NSW needs major mining projects like the Narrabri Extension to be approved to protect the jobs of the mining industry. The mining industry provides a huge cash injection into the economy. Without mining, NSW and Australia would be in a huge amount of trouble, without projects like the Narrabri Extension the mining industry is at risk of disappearing. To demonstrate the positive impact mining can have on regional communities, compare Moree which is progressively shrinking to Narrabri and Gunnedah. Regions need all industries, not just mining or agriculture but mining and agriculture. The nations money is made from the primary industries and our city partners would do well to remember that if they want to keep their city lifestyle, major primary industry projects such as the Narrabri Extension is crucial to keeping the economy going. We need to look at the actual impact to the communities (which is largely positive) where the project is, not the idealists who simply do not like coal mining.
Lastly, the people who work in the mining industry deserve to be able to make a choice where they work. We do not need a panel of experts to tell us that we can transfer our skills to renewable energy or factory work. If we wanted to work in a factory we would already be doing it. If we do not approve more mining projects those of us that work in the coal industry will become the modern day blacksmith with little opportunity to ply our trade. The only difference being that political correctness gone mad was the reason not a genuine lack of demand for the product that we can produce.

The coal mining industry in NSW and Australia as a whole has and is continuing to provide significant economic benefit to not just this country by the payment of royalties, taxes, and significant spending, but other countries by providing cheap and reliable electricity.
The extension of an existing coal mine means that we can continue to reap the benefits of the coal being extracted without the construction of additional infrastructure which could have potential affects on the local area.
The continued employment of 500 people %75 of which live locally is of extreme importance to the local areas. If the extension was to not go ahead the loss of these jobs in the future would have significant impacts on the local towns and would have large flow on effects through the community.
Coal will continue to be utilised around the world for years to come and it is a compelling argument that it should be extracted in Australia where there is a transparent and ethical framework in place to manage the mining process's.

I strongly support the extension of this mine.

The expansion of this mine is both a benefit to the company but also extended support to the local community in royalties, company support and financial benefit to employees and suppliers etc.

I support the extension. The Mine extending its life will enable the region to continue to thrive economically and socially. Being an extension to an already commenced mine means that there are not many negative impacts.

This project will continue to employ a local workforce for the next 24 years with no additional impacts.

Has the potential to sustain the local economy, with minimal local negative impacts.

Mine extension increases mine life continuing employment within local community, community spending and associated support businesses. Substantial contributions will be achieved through royalties and other incomes sources for state.

The Underground operates with minimal impacts in areas noise, dust and other environmental impact.

Post-covid, this project will provide at least some economic certainty to a rural area that will undoubtedly be severely impacted by the covid recession. The mine is an existing mine that will require no additional surface infrastructure and will have very limited impact on the surrounding landscape. In my opinion the economic benefits to the local community are critical in the current economic crisis, a crisis that has already seen some of the largest shifts in unemployment since the 1920's and will impact upon the country for many years. In these times, why would this project not be approved? and why would anyone allow for 500+ workers to loose their jobs and be added to the growing list of unemployed. Any arguments against this project in terms of climate impact do simply not stack up and why Australia should bow down to powerful environmental lobbyists and idealists is simply beyond me. The economic benefits will simply pass to countries like Mongolia, Columbia and Russia as those markets simply fill the gap that Australia creates as it continues to close more and more coaL mines and put more Australians out of work. I am an immigrant to this country of 20 years and I continually question the viability of the country moving forwards, I see no future in manufacturing in Australia or renewable energy development (a short lived endeavor, which i have experienced in the UK and have only seen provide short term, intermittent work to a few individuals). If the government continues to put at risk Australian jobs, I will have no choice but to move my family back to the UK. As I coal miner I have little hope for my future, but I hope for my families sake the NSW Government puts people first in this decision.

This project will provide opportunity to the local community for a generation. I fully support this extension project.

Whitehaven coal are a great company that supports the local indigenous community.

As a resident of the community of Narrabri the mine has breathed new life into the town. The extension of this mine would ensure the life of our town would continue on into the future. It has expanded our town and has provided many of our residents with jobs. I would love to see this continue into the future.

Approximately 5 years ago, I moved to the local region to live and work. During this time, I have seen Whitehaven coal both underground and opencuts significantly support the local community in many ways. They have shown commitment to local employment and significate investment in local community events.

I would like to see there involvement in the community into the future.

Chris Bentham

the current operating project/ mine is fantastic for the community, both Narrabri and Gunnedah shire's. The mine is a large supporter of locally based businesses and programs. The business is the largest employer in the region and develop many local students and helps them through both university degrees and apprenticeships on to long term employment. Whitehaven Coal as a company and a group have always continued to be open and diligent in environmental and social issues. When required they will initiate measures to then prevent or remediate any issues.
Stage 3 project is a great project for the local and state government

Great for the local area with job creations and good for the economy

Narrabri mine and Whitehaven's other mines bring significant prosperity to the North West NSW region. Their local employment, expenditure on local suppliers and royalties paid to the government is great for the region and the Stage 3 extension will allow the local communities to continue to benefit from Narrabri coal mine for an additional 13 years until 2044.

I believe that the stage 3 extension project for Narrabri will be a great benefit to Narrabri and Gunnedah and the surrounding areas by increasing jobs and population in the area. This will also increase the towns economy which will benefit everyone involved working at Narrabri underground and all of the retail sector and local industry.

it will continue to provide employment for hundreds of people.

I'm writing to support Narrabri Mine being extended into stage 3.
I moved from QLD to Narrabri in 2013 to take up an engineering position with Whitehaven at the underground mine. In this time I've seen first hand the numerous benefits that an operation like this can offer small local communities like Narrabri and Gunnedah. Employment for locals, significant spending with numerous local businesses, community funding, the list goes on.