Port Waratah Coal Services - Terminal 4

I object to this proposal. The last expansion of a coal loader has given me no end of distress with the fallout of coal dust upon my home. I face endless washing down of my home and paving areas.There are no monitors for minute particles which are the ones that damage health. This one is actually on the residential side of the river. Nowhere in the world would this be approved. We are supposed to be a first world country. (a very greedy country more like it). Our state government and commonwealth government will eventually pay for this madness with increased health bills and potential court action re damages. Another coal loader will also rape the hunter valley of farmlands ie produce for all Australians to eat and to export. We also need diversity of businesses in this community. One more coal loader won't do that.

The proposed fourth coal terminal project has to be rejected. The greatest concern would be the encouragement of further large coal mines, contributing significantly to health issues and loss of agriculturally valuable lands in the Hunter Valley. Federal and state governments need to divert attention and funds to other areas of the economy adversely affected by the current obsession with coal. Emerging social and political opposition to coal-fired power stations in both China and India suggest that developments such as this fourth coal terminal project will see environmental destruction in Australia on a scale that we have not previously seen but of only short-term benefit.

Facilitate the expansion of coal mining in the Hunter and Liverpool Plains and nearly double the export capacity of Newcastle.
Double the dust and the noise for communities already affected by the coal trains in Newcastle and beyond.
Destroy rare migratory bird habitat, endangered ecological communities and habitat for nationally threatened species.
Double the greenhouse pollution impact of the coal exported from NSW.

Facilitate the expansion of coal mining in the Hunter and Liverpool Plains and nearly double the export capacity of Newcastle.
Double the dust and the noise for communities already affected by the coal trains in Newcastle and beyond.
Destroy rare migratory bird habitat, endangered ecological communities and habitat for nationally threatened species.
Double the greenhouse pollution impact of the coal exported from NSW.

The fourth coal terminal will:

Facilitate the expansion of coal mining in the Hunter and Liverpool Plains and nearly double the export capacity of Newcastle.
Double the dust and the noise for communities already affected by the coal trains in Newcastle and beyond.
Destroy rare migratory bird habitat, endangered ecological communities and habitat for nationally threatened species.
Double the greenhouse pollution impact of the coal exported from NSW.

Given the recent comments from the Executive Director of the IEA, that "Our addiction to fossil fuels grows stronger each year. Many clean energy technologies are available but they are not being deployed quickly enough to avert potentially disastrous consequences.", and the IEA's chief economist warning last year that we have five years to make a substantial shift away from fossil fuel based infrastructure if we are to avoid catastrophic climate change, the idea of expanding what is already the world's biggest coal export coal port amounts to knowinly inflicting massive environmental andclimate damage on communities across the world.

As an interested Hunter Valley, NSW and Australian resident I have read the PWCS T4 EA and submission and I must say I thought it was very comprehensive and well put together. I beleive that the subimission addresses all of the regulatory and issues of concern to residents. I am very supportive of the submission and the projcet proceeding as it will greatly contribute to the Hunter, NSW and Australian communities. The land proposed for the developmnet is currently a waste land and the project presents the opportunity to turn the land into a valuable and productive assets which will lead to greater economic opportunity for the community and residents. I also think the currnet coal precinct on Koooragang Island is well located to not detract from the community whilst proviidng significnat ecomonic advantge both directly and indirectly for all residents. As a mother, local shop manager and resident I overwhelming support thes project due to the benefits in employmnet and wealth it will deliver to the area.

As a local resident and someone who works in the mining industry and has an active interest in rhe Newcsatle, NSW and Australian community I have read the PWCS T4 EA and submission.
I am supportive of the content and the projcet as I believe it will deliver long term employment, economic and growth opportunities for the loacl area, state and Australian economies.

I also believe the site is ideally loacted and the project will enhance a parcle of land that has not been productive for an extended period of time.

More coal dust provides more health problems especially asthma and Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease. With the introduction of the 3rd Coal Loader, the houses have become dirtier. This is in spite of reassurances that the coal stacks would be wetted down to prevent coal dust flying around. So a 4th will make it even worse. Newcastle is becoming a dirty, industrial city again which will hold back its development as a good tourist destination and a healthy place to live.

People who live & work around Kooragang are already choking on badly managed coal dust as well as other health risks from the Island's industries e.g. Orica; the Hunter's environment & agriculture are already suffering from too many mines that another terminal will exacerbate; & that is to say nothing of the threats to international treaties re migratory birds & agreements re carbon pollution reduction that another loader will affect very negatively. Mining greed is well on the way to destroying what's important to Australia.

* Locally, the fourth coal terminal project would see 41 more coal trains
through Newcastle and Maitland /every day,/ increasing dust related health
problems such as asthma and other respiratory ailments.
* Pollution from coal affects all major body organ systems and contributes
to the leading causes of morbidity and mortality.
* The Fourth Coal Terminal would facilitate many more large coal mines (the
equivalent of at least 15 'mega-pits') in the Hunter and Liverpool Plains
which threaten food and water security by destroying prime agricultural
land, irreversibly damaging ground water systems and polluting waterways.
* The proposal also carries the risk of mobilising toxic contaminants on
Kooragang Island, the former BHP Steelworks site, and in the South Arm of
the Hunter River, and too little is known about the risks to ensure the
communities of Newcastle will be protected from toxic accidents, seepage
and accidents. There is no plan to fully remediate the sites.
* The coal exported would provide the capacity to feed at least 15 more
large power stations around the world emitting 288 million tonnes of
carbon pollution each year and fuelling global climate change.
* This project would damage internationally important wetlands on Kooragang
Island that provide critical habitat for protected migratory bird species
and nationally threatened species including the Green and Golden Bell Frog
and the Australasian Bittern.
* An area within the site is currently owned by National Parks, and provides
irreplaceable habitat for migratory shore birds. The proposal will mean
loss of habitat and disruption to an ecologically significant proportion
of a population of four migratory shorebird species listed under
international conservation conventions.
* At least 11 species of migratory birds recognised by international
treaties rely on the habitat at "Deep Pond" and its proximity to the
Hunter estuary Ramsar site. Most of Deep Pond, the only freshwater refuge
in the Hunter estuary, would be lost to this project.
* The Environmental Assessment fails to meet the requirements set out by
both the State and Federal agencies, and the proposal represents an
unacceptable risk to the Australasian Bittern.
* After construction, the coal terminal will provide /no additional
employment/. Rather, it is likely to result in the loss of other economic
activities in the port, such as tourism, fishing and other shipping

I wish to express my concern about the proposed new coal loader. I have children and grandchildren living close by to the proposed loader and am concerned at the health implications both from coal dust and from perpetual noise. During my many overnight stays I am very conscious of the current levels of coal dust and noise. Substantially adding this new capacity (an additional 41 trains a day) to it will only further exacerbate these problems.

The recent report by a group of public health specialists from The University of Newcastle's School of Medicine and Public Health confirmed the practical experience I had undergone. Further there are I understand, potential issues relating to contaminated sites at and around Kooragang Island and the south arm of the Hunter river.

The current environmental controls are clearly not working. The recent experiences involving Orica only add to alarm that companies will pay attention to such controls or, on the contrary, just do a cost benefit analysis - if it is cheaper to pay the fine than implement the controls then that will be our choice. From my experience as a full time ACCC Commissioner for four years with Allan Fels confirmed to me that that is the path chosen by many companies - hence the introduction of jail sentences for cartel conduct - people and companies do not mind paying fines but they certainly object to going to jail.

I have not addressed the broader concerns regarding the impact on the long term prospects for the Newcastle and Hunter Valley region as a source of tourism, fishing and other shipping

May I respectfully request that permission is refused until such time as the health issues are identified and that stringent penalties are imposed on all businesses and senior management with responsibility for the management of all environmental controls.

Sincerely,

David Lieberman

I object- there is enough.

I object to the building of this fourth coal loading terminal. I am concerned about the local, national and global environmental impacts of increasing the export capacity of coal as it is a non-renewable resource adversely contributing to anthropogenic climate change. We should be investing in renewable energy rather than continuing to rely on coal.
I am concerned about the impact the building of this facility will have on rare and endangered migratory birds and other wildlife such as the Green and Golden Bell Frog and the Australasian Bittern that occupy the nearby Kooragang Island.
I am concerned about the impact this additional coal loader (and existing coal infrastructure) will have on nearby residents of inner Newcastle and Mayfield. I am particularly concerned about the impacts of increases in noise and dust. Increasing the number of coal carrying trains by 41 per day is problematic and harmful for the health of the community.

Locally, the fourth coal terminal project would see 41 more coal trains through Newcastle and Maitland every day, increasing dust related health problems such as asthma and other respiratory ailments.
- Pollution from coal affects all major body organ systems and contributes to the leading causes of morbidity and mortality.
- The Fourth Coal Terminal would facilitate many more large coal mines (the equivalent of at least 15 'mega-pits') in the Hunter and Liverpool Plains which threaten food and water security by destroying prime agricultural land, irreversibly damaging ground water systems and polluting waterways.
- The proposal also carries the risk of mobilising toxic contaminants on Kooragang Island, the former BHP Steelworks site, and in the South Arm of the Hunter River, and too little is known about the risks to ensure the communities of Newcastle will be protected from toxic accidents, seepage and accidents. There is no plan to fully remediate the sites.
The coal exported would provide the capacity to feed at least 15 more large power stations around the world emitting 288 million tonnes of carbon pollution each year and fuelling global climate change.
- This project would damage internationally important wetlands on Kooragang Island that provide critical habitat for protected migratory bird species and nationally threatened species including the Green and Golden Bell Frog and the Australasian Bittern.
- An area within the site is currently owned by National Parks, and provides irreplaceable habitat for migratory shore birds. The proposal will mean loss of habitat and disruption to an ecologically significant proportion of a population of four migratory shorebird species listed under international conservation conventions.
-At least 11 species of migratory birds recognised by international treaties rely on the habitat at "Deep Pond" and its proximity to the Hunter estuary Ramsar site. Most of Deep Pond, the only freshwater refuge in the Hunter estuary, would be lost to this project.
- The Environmental Assessment fails to meet the requirements set out by both the State and Federal agencies, and the proposal represents an unacceptable risk to the Australasian Bittern.
- After construction, the coal terminal will provide no additional employment. Rather, it is likely to result in the loss of other economic activities in the port, such as tourism, fishing and other shipping

I disagree with the intent to build another coal loader because:
* there will be more coal trains in the area, increasing dust related health problems such as asthma and other respiratory ailments.
* Pollution from coal is damaging to humans and contributes to the leading causes of morbidity and mortality.
* It would facilitate many more large coal mines (the equivalent of at least 15 'mega-pits') in the Hunter, which threaten food and water security by destroying prime agricultural land, irreversibly damaging ground water systems and polluting waterways.
* There is no plan to fully remediate the sites.
* The coal exported would provide the capacity to feed at least 15 more large power stations around the world emitting 288 million tonnes of carbon pollution each year and fuelling global climate change.
* This project would damage internationally important wetlands on Kooragang Island that provide critical habitat for protected migratory bird species and nationally threatened species including the Green and Golden Bell Frog and the Australasian Bittern.
* An area within the site is currently owned by National Parks, and provides irreplaceable habitat for migratory shore birds.
* At least 11 species of migratory birds recognised by international treaties rely on the habitat at "Deep Pond" and its proximity to the Hunter estuary Ramsar site. Most of Deep Pond, the only freshwater refuge in the Hunter estuary, would be lost to this project.
* The Environmental Assessment fails to meet the requirements set out by both the State and Federal agencies, and the proposal represents an unacceptable risk to the Australasian Bittern.
* After construction, the coal terminal will provide no additional employment. Rather, it is likely to result in the loss of other economic activities in the port, such as tourism, fishing and other shipping.

totally unecessary! as the three terminals there currently, are not fully utilised.

I am concerned about the impact the terminal will have on the wetlands and the increased amount of coal dust and other airborne pollutants. My house in Maryville is already routinely covered in a film of coal dust due to the existing port operations. This new development will surely only increase the amount of dust in the surrounding area.

I deny my consent to the proposed fourth coal terminal project for the following reasons.

- Locally, the fourth coal terminal project would see 41 more coal trains through Newcastle and Maitland every day, increasing dust related health problems such as asthma and other respiratory ailments.
- Pollution from coal affects all major body organ systems and contributes to the leading causes of morbidity and mortality.
- The Fourth Coal Terminal would facilitate many more large coal mines (the equivalent of at least 15 'mega-pits') in the Hunter and Liverpool Plains which threaten food and water security by destroying prime agricultural land, irreversibly damaging ground water systems and polluting waterways.
- The proposal also carries the risk of mobilising toxic contaminants on Kooragang Island, the former BHP Steelworks site, and in the South Arm of the Hunter River, and too little is known about the risks to ensure the communities of Newcastle will be protected from toxic accidents, seepage and accidents. There is no plan to fully remediate the sites.
The coal exported would provide the capacity to feed at least 15 more large power stations around the world emitting 288 million tonnes of carbon pollution each year and fuelling global climate change.
- This project would damage internationally important wetlands on Kooragang Island that provide critical habitat for protected migratory bird species and nationally threatened species including the Green and Golden Bell Frog and the Australasian Bittern.
- An area within the site is currently owned by National Parks, and provides irreplaceable habitat for migratory shore birds. The proposal will mean loss of habitat and disruption to an ecologically significant proportion of a population of four migratory shorebird species listed under international conservation conventions.
-At least 11 species of migratory birds recognised by international treaties rely on the habitat at "Deep Pond" and its proximity to the Hunter estuary Ramsar site. Most of Deep Pond, the only freshwater refuge in the Hunter estuary, would be lost to this project.
- The Environmental Assessment fails to meet the requirements set out by both the State and Federal agencies, and the proposal represents an unacceptable risk to the Australasian Bittern.
- After construction, the coal terminal will provide no additional employment. Rather, it is likely to result in the loss of other economic activities in the port, such as tourism, fishing and other shipping.

I am not only considering the environmental impact, but also the impact on my health, my children's health and my grandchildren's health.

Given that climate change is unquestionably happening and that coal is the single largest contribution to climate change (and responsible for one third of all global carbon emmissions) and that there are viable renewable energy alternatives (base load in fact) it makes no sense to be digging up more coal. The health, economic and environmental damage that coal (as an energy source) causes is astronomical and building a terminal 4 is not in the interest of 99% of the world population, but only those who are making short term financial gain from the coal industry. The economic, health and environmental costs do (and will) far outweigh the short term financial gain of the multinational billion dollar corporations that run the industry (such as Rio Tinto and Xstrata).
The impact of existing dust, and the increased dust that the 4th coal terminal would bring on the health of Newcastle and Hunter residents is also unacceptable.
I strongly reject the 4th coal terminal being built. I also strongly reject any increase in coal mining, burning and exporting in and from Australia and demand a reduction in the use of coal as a fuel source. I demand investment in renewable energy and reduction in tax subsidies given to the coal industry.

I oppose this plan for the reasons stated below;

- Locally, the fourth coal terminal project would see 41 more coal trains through Newcastle and Maitland every day, increasing dust related health problems such as asthma and other respiratory ailments.
- climate change due to fossil fuel use is accelerating. To boost coal exports by 84% from what is
already the world's largest coal exporting port under these circumstances is irresponsible;
- Pollution from coal affects all major body organ systems and contributes to the leading causes of morbidity and mortality.
- The Fourth Coal Terminal would facilitate many more large coal mines (the equivalent of at least 15 'mega-pits') in the Hunter and Liverpool Plains which threaten food and water security by destroying prime agricultural land, irreversibly damaging ground water systems and polluting waterways.
- The proposal also carries the risk of mobilising toxic contaminants on Kooragang Island, the former BHP Steelworks site, and in the South Arm of the Hunter River, and too little is known about the risks to ensure the communities of Newcastle will be protected from toxic accidents, seepage and accidents. There is no plan to fully remediate the sites.
The coal exported would provide the capacity to feed at least 15 more large power stations around the world emitting 288 million tonnes of carbon pollution each year and fuelling global climate change.
- This project would damage internationally important wetlands on Kooragang Island that provide critical habitat for protected migratory bird species and nationally threatened species including the Green and Golden Bell Frog and the Australasian Bittern.
- An area within the site is currently owned by National Parks, and provides irreplaceable habitat for migratory shore birds. The proposal will mean loss of habitat and disruption to an ecologically significant proportion of a population of four migratory shorebird species listed under international conservation conventions.
-At least 11 species of migratory birds recognised by international treaties rely on the habitat at "Deep Pond" and its proximity to the Hunter estuary Ramsar site. Most of Deep Pond, the only freshwater refuge in the Hunter estuary, would be lost to this project.
- The Environmental Assessment fails to meet the requirements set out by both the State and Federal agencies, and the proposal represents an unacceptable risk to the Australasian Bittern.
- After construction, the coal terminal will provide no additional employment. Rather, it is likely to result in the loss of other economic activities in the port, such as tourism, fishing and other shipping.

Sincerely,

Liam York