Port Waratah Coal Services - Terminal 4

I object to the fourth coal loader 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 object to the fourth coal loader 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 object strongly to the nsw Govt T4 plan,
Newcastle people have had to put up with dust and pollution for too many years. Enough is enough!
A huge increase in traffic and noise pollution as well.
Forty extra coal trains per day!!!
It is a short term gain for long term pain

-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

PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW THIS!!!

-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

PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW THIS!!!

When assessed within the context of social, environmental and economic benefits, the proposed development is not justified.
With the current knowledge about the impact of coal mining on human health, on agricultural productivity, therefore on community, on social well-being, on the global climate in regards to carbon emissions - the development poses too great a risk, and it would be totally irresponsible for a development of this nature to be passed by the Australian government.
On economic grounds - this development will not be employment generating - when considering the loss of employment opportunities to other industries in the area including tourism, fishing, and other shipping.
WILL THERE COME A TIME WHEN THERE IS NO MORE COAL IN THE GROUND AND ALSO DEVaSTATED COMMUNITIES LEFT IN THEIR WAKE? or will the Government be expedient in taking on board current scientific consensus on climate change, on resource management, on biodiveristy value and protection?
This development is purely an exercise in removing the coal out of the ground as fast as possible, for profit to a minority of individuals with far reaching consequences on the community as a whole.
The Australian community also has International obligations to protect wetlands of international significance, and species of International significance that use this area for habitat i.e.
Biodiversity values are of value to the Australian community.
Do not allow this development that undermines Australian values and hope for healthy communities into the future, and scientific consensus on Climate Change.

I strongly object to the proposed T4 terminal expansion project proposed for Kooragang Island & possibly Mayfield west on the banks of the hunter river if the project is expanded.

As a long time resident of Tighes Hill with a young family, I am concerned about the negative environmental , social , community & health impacts on suburbs surrounding the footprint of the proposed T4 terminal including Mayfield , Warabrook , Sandgate , Tighes Hill & Stockton.

We live about as close as you can get to the existing Port Waratah Coal Services train line into the Carrington loading area & experience high levels of noise , earthquake like shunting at all hours of the day , diesel fumes , strong vibrations from idling trains , dust from uncovered coal wagons & uncovered stockpiles & very poor levels of maintenance on the nature strip alongside the safety fencing which is always strewn with rubbish , rarely mowed & covered in graffiti .

Recently, while renovating our house & installing ceiling insulation to try to make our house as energy efficient as possible,I removed 40 kg of coal dust & soot from the roof cavity of our house accumulated over the last 90+ years. Quite an ironic situation I'm sure you'll agree.

Port Waratah Coal Services , although willing to sponsor the occasional sporting event in a feeble attempt at community conscience , isn't interested in addressing any of these concerns or the impacts of their business on the health & well being of Hunter residents . If they were, they would have made some attempt to do this in the past.

The current world lust for coal , minerals , energy & ca$h is set to turn many areas of our beautiful country into wastelands , reducing our ability to sustain clean water , healthy food , arable land & biodiversity for our children & all the generations that will come after us.

To the politicians & planners who have the responsibility for approving , rejecting or influencing the outcome of this proposal , I urge you to have some courage & represent the best interests of your community by rejecting this proposal.

We want a diverse port with sustainable industries that will carry us into a healthy & prosperous future. We don't want to be smothered in dust & toxins for the sake of short term economic gain .

Thanks for taking the time to read what I have taken the time to write.

Following are some additional points in support of rejecting the T4 proposal.

- 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.

- 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

My concerns are summerised by the following points:

- 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 strongly object to the building of another coal loading terminal at the port of Newcastle. The additional mining of coal to warrant such a terminal runs directly contrary to all efforts to reduce CO2 emissions in this country. Global warming is a reality that must be acted upon.

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

- 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 object to the building of T4

Sounds like a disaster for wildlife.

I object to he proposed coal loader on the following grounds:
This new coal terminal will:
- Facilitate the expansion of coal mining in the Hunter and Liverpool Plains, by nearly doubling the export capacity of Newcastle. 15 new super-pits will be needed to supply coal for the terminal
- 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 on Kooragang Island
- Double the greenhouse pollution impact of the coal exported from NSW.
- After construction, the terminal will NOT provide any additional employment. This is stated in the EA. Rather, it is likely to result in the loss of other economic activities in the port, such as tourism, fishing and other shipping.
- As such it is the project of one individual's ambition rather than an evolution of genuine community and economic needs.
- Furthermore, I am informed that the existing three coal terminals currently do not run anywhere near capacity and that there is therefore no need for a fourth coal terminal.

Felicity Royds
Resident, Islington NSW

I strongly object to the proposed Port Waratah Coal Services Terminal 4 development (10_0215) due to the numerous negative impacts it will have on social, ecological and environmental aspects of the surrounding areas. Furthermore, in light of the overwhelming evidence supporting the impact of coal on climate change, the facilitation of more coal mining and exportation is a significant hazard. Australia has a moral obligation to take leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions; a failure to act accordingly by inhibiting the expansion of coal mining is irreprehensible to the moral conscience of any citizen with an understanding of the impacts of climate change, particularly for developing countries.

Local ecological impacts include the irreplaceable loss of habitat for 23 already endangered species of fauna. The populations of four species of migratory birds would be severely impacted due to their ecological habitat in the immediate area of the proposed terminal. Saltmarsh, Mangrove and freshwater wetland sites will be substantially negatively impacted by the proposed development, and significant areas of endangered ecological communities suffering as a result.

At a cost of $2.6 billion across Australian, the health impacts of the coal industry are of serious concern to local communities who are affected by air quality and contamination, and should provide a fiscal incentive for a transition to less polluting forms of energy production. Terminal 4 would facilitate an extra 41 coal trains through Newcastle each day. The health impacts of increased blood pressure at the frustration of being held up by congestion from these trains (for other trains, motorists, pedestrians and cyclists) should be taken into consideration, alongside the high rates of asthma from the dust, and disrupted sleep for residents in the vicinity of train lines.

The increase in coal mining (estimated at least 15 new `mega mines') would lead to the decimation of significant Aboriginal (and non-Aboriginal) sites of cultural heritage. There is strong community opposition from many areas in the hunter valley to the expansion of existing coal mines. As basic human rights, health, access to water, and cultural retention should take precedence over expanding an industry that is inevitably doomed to fail anyway, due to the finite existence of natural resources.

The aggregate social and environmental impacts should be taken into account when considering the construction of the 4th coal terminal. In doing so, the immediate effects of increased mining and infrastructure on the local communities should be accounted for, as well as the larger scale impacts of climate change on generations to come. Disturbing valuable and delicate ecosystems will happen as a direct result of this proposal, and I implore anybody with the capacity to stop its construction to do so as a matter of urgency.

Sincerely yours
Felicity Royds

I would like to express my complete opposition to the expansion of the coal port. Newcastle is one of the biggest exporters of coal in the world adding unimaginable amounts of carbon to the air. The coal port is a direct contributor of carbon to the atmosphere and is exacerbating climate change. The coal extraction industry has already devastated vast areas of delicate ecosystems and must not be expanded. The exploitation and devastation to natural ecosystems for short term monetary gain is unsustainable and disgusting.
I demand that the expansion of the coal port does not go ahead. I say with great confidence that the newcastle community will not allow this to happen.

The points I am concerned about:
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 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.

1. coal pollution damages major organs of the human body
2. coal dust contributes to asthma, therefore another terminal will increase coal dust, which will increase the rate of asthma, which will increase the cost to the public health system
3. our wetlands will be contaminated, leading to migratory birds not flocking and breeding in their ancient grounds
4. addtional employment after construction will not eventuate, existing teams will be rostered on for differing periods to cover all terminal use

I object to the proposal on the grounds that it is inimical to the Mayfield and Tighes Hill communities.

I have lived in Mayfield since 1969. Though I have lived in other cities and have been a Sydney homeowner.

I have chosen to live in Mayfield and feel that since the closure of BHP in 1999, the area has enjoyed growth and an increased diversity.

The absolute concentration of such huge amounts of coal in a relatively small area really worries me.

Already I endure dirty window sills and deck flooring. At 5am recently a visitor from Yass mentioned that he heard 'the ocean waves' all night . Sadly it was the coal loader sound.

An augmentation of the coal loader capacity will only worsen the multitudinous factors which I have not mentioned here but are well known to the Newcastle interest groups.

The Mayfield and Tighes Hill areas are desirable residential areas offering affordable housing.

I think it is an untenable argument that anyone choosing to live here has to endure the negatives of a formerly industrialised area.

In law, this argument was rejected in the 1960s when the tort of nuisance was utilised successfully by a resident of Fulham London when he suffered due to a dirty oil depot. Halsey V Esso Petroleum 1961

Yours sincerely

Michael Debono

I object to this Coal Terminal. Locally, the fourth coal terminal for many reasons, as resident of Newcastle City, as an Australian, and as a bird-lover.

The pollution that has been created by the Third Coal Loader is already impacting greatly on the city, I now notice fumes wafting from the north-east through my once fume-free yoga class. Clearly evidenced from a world-wide history of coal-mining, coal-dust causes major health problems, especially respiratory illnesses, and even death.

World-wide, as well as in Australia, we should be looking to renewable energy sources, this is a backward step for Australia and Newcastle, which has a great natural beauty and culture to offer.

The Fourth Coal Terminal will fast-track the opening of many more large coal mines (the equivalent of at least 15 'mega-pits') in the region, taking the place of prime agricultural land - we can't eat money, or electricity...

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.

Please do not support this project.

Yours faithfully
Tracy Dundon