Rocky Hill Coal Mine

It seems to me that I'm spending a lot of time in my sixties voicing my objections to plans pushed ahead in the face of strong opposition, both from an environmental viewpoint and from the totally understandable concerns of local people. From August,30th news bulletin
"A large section of Sugarloaf State Conservation Area in the lower Hunter has been destroyed by massive subsidence from Glencore's West Wallsend Colliery."
Now before the obvious is stated....that this is not the same type of mining envisaged, I also read on the same day, Collier's stated attitude to "accidents"....Ah....I swear that the document which I read from yesterday has "disappeared" from the source....interesting......let me see....it said that (non verbatim) they (Collier) would take care so that accidents would be minimized...mmmm... I am not reassured....and neither should any person who cares about this fragile planet, if we wish it to continue sustaining our bodies as well as our souls. Their (the mining industry's) attitude I believe to be irresponsible and self-serving. The consequences of this mind-set are not only the resulting degradation, but their minimal planning of operations will continue whilst no reasonable monetary punishment is in place. I also noticed yesterday that there have sprung up innumerable "Mining Insurance" companies. Ponder on that for a while....why? I would also like an assurance from government that our personal insurance policies will not be increased as a result of the mining industry covering its back. These companies should be fined an amount which will deter their adventurism in the future...and fines that are not covered by their insurance. The letter is written by me, not a member of any organization and (thank god) I am not immediately affected, at the moment, by any mining operations. I feel for everyone, for us as a species and I wish our efforts in our position at the top of the food chain, reflected the huge responsibility we have to our home, this planet.
Yours sincerely
Helen Badger

Stop the coal-seam gas and coal-mining criminals - including the imbeciles who have prepared the mining lease application - and who want to destroy our water sources and our farmland.

I think the approval of this project wil be positive for the Gloucester community.With the constant decline in the timber & dairy industry , mining is the biggest & most stable emloyment for the area.The very detailed environmental assessment certainly shows GRL' s commitment to doing things right & keeping the comunity well informed.

Please listen to the people of Gloucester Shire and recognise there is no "social licence" for further extractive industry in this precious agricultural and tourism area.

People all over Australia stand with the people of Gloucester and nearby villages against the despoiling of our land and the associated harms to our children, our health, our mental and social well-being. Coal and gas extraction and burning have caused climate change to begin and are causing it to accelerate. These are now outdated fuel sources and we are moving to a 100% Renewable Energy future.

We expect our Governments to facilitate our transition to a cleaner, healthier and fairer future.

I trust you will reject this destructive application for expansion and step away from murky governance and planning processes prevalent in the recent past.

I object to the Rocky Hill mine being developed in a river valley and close to housing estates.

Dear Sir
ROCKY HILL COAL PROJECT - DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION SSD-5156
I am writing to oppose Gloucester Resources Ltd's development application for an open cut coal mine within 6kms of the Gloucester township. My reasons follow:
Noise and Health. This mine is far too close to Gloucester and the Forbesdale Estate. Noise and coal dust from coal train movements and loading - potentially at night - is a great concern. Very fine coal dust is a critical issue that GRL has not attended to - and which appears to be outside of the NSW government's interest. No one seems to be dealing with the sub 2.5 to 1 micron particles - yet these are the ones that travel furthest in the air and are able to enter the bloodstream through the lungs.
Further Expansion. I do not believe that the mine will stay at its proposed size. GRL will expand towards town and will seek to mine coal on its other two exploration licence areas along the Bucketts Way.
Economics. Already GRL has acquired 29 properties and the owners have left their land and farming businesses. I do not accept that GRL's economic assertions, nor its 'compensation' to Gloucester, nor its royalties to NSW are sufficient reason to ruin the environment and water systems of this valley. I do not accept that it is reasonable to inflict harm and suffering on people and communities simply for the profit of a company - or for royalties.
Rehabilitation is clearly outside GRL's interest and capability. They will permanently damage geology and its water systems. They will bring to the surface and discard waste coal. Potentially 30% of what is mined becomes a legacy contaminant for someone other than GRL to worry about.
GRL's interest is to do the cosmetics and hand back the legacy.
No explanation has been given as to how a coal-dependent Gloucester will be restarted after the mines close - and at what cost.
Treatment of this Community. GRL has not been honest with Gloucester. It secretly bought land under a number of names. Its EIS fails to tell the truth about community opposition and fails to tell the truth about the methods used to get `willing sellers' of properties. I hope the Assessment Committee will detect these. GRL refuses to state clearly its intentions regarding projected expansion towards Gloucester and along the valley. However we do know that GRL does aspire to exploit the coal resource to the maximum extent. We were fobbed off by Minister MacDonald stating that GRL `was only exploring'. We pin-pointed where GRL would start mining. MacDonald said `Hose the community down'. We need your help.
There is no state reason to mine this coal and there is no sane reason to damage this valley and community.
Please use the full extent of the Precautionary Principle. Please defend the notion of fairness and humanity for people over profit.
Please refuse GRL's application.
I have made no political donations.

Director, Mining Projects
Development Assessment Systems & Approvals
Department of Planning & Infrastructure
GPO Box 39
SYDNEY NSW 2001

Dear Sir

ROCKY HILL COAL PROJECT - DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION SSD-5156

I am writing to oppose the Gloucester Resources Ltd's development application for an open cut mine near the Gloucester township. I am concerned about coal mining so close to the town, about the inevitable expansion of the mine in Stage 2 towards the town, and about the clear prospect that approval of this mine will be the precedent for intended coal mines along this narrow valley and the scenic Bucketts Way.
I wish to express my sadness and disappointment that such a beautiful agricultural area should be converted into a coal mining wasteland.
The Rocky HIll application demonstrates that this industry will not self-regulate and there is no NSW government policy to effectively protect Gloucester. GRL has retained licence areas even closer to Gloucester township and in closely settled areas along the valley. It is clear that GRL aspires to turn this beautiful peaceful valley into a coal mining valley. GRL will not deny that it will advance towards Gloucester and along the valley.
It is disgraceful that mining companies are allowed to change the environmental and economic balance of a thriving town like Gloucester, which has the potential to grow naturally and provide enduring jobs in clean industries well beyond the relatively short lifetime of multiple destructive resources industry projects.
Are Gloucester's children and its community's health and well-being simply to be viewed as collateral damage for a dirty, unnecessary and damaging development?
The `significance' of this SSD project is the unnecessary damage it will inflict on a community and beauty - not its inflated value. Its significance lies in Ministerial and Assessment Committee readiness to restrain this company and its clear excesses of greed. This is a significant precedent setting project - where government finally steps in as a true regulator for the people.
With Minister MacDonald's support, GRL has already imposed a change of life for residents who have been bought out (eg the Fairbairns Lane community). On Forbesdale Estate and surrounding areas, within 2Km of the proposed mine, families enjoy a healthy and peaceful life. This will be lost. Instead, their nights will consist of strong lights reflecting off airborne coal dust, the noises of various vehicles, coal being loaded on coal trains for 90 minutes per train and the noise of the coal conveyor as it fills the coal loader. All this will happen in a small valley every night of their lives. GRL has no answer for this.
There is no rational reason why Gloucester Vale should be permanently damaged for the comparatively small coal resource being sought - and the highly questionable economic benefit touted as flowing to the state and local economies.
Please:
ÿ Refuse GRL's Rocky HIll coal mine proposal.
ÿ Permanently protect Gloucester and closely settled areas.

I have made no reportable political donations.

Yours Faithfully,

Kerry Bowden

I am concerned that Gloucester is going to lose its charm and its tourist attractiveness, and become an ugly valley, like the Hunter Valley already is.
Also, Gloucester's food producing value is threatened by pollution (dust, coal dust and water pollution). No longer will people wish to buy "organic" produce from the local farmers.
This is short term profiteering to the detriment of the community which otherwise could expect to produce in perpetuity.
Economically, this is madness, as the costs to the community and the State of NSW do not outweigh the supposed benefits. Rather. it is redistribution of benefits from the poor to the wealthy, but not to Australians.

Another new mine close to Gloucester will severely impact the existing environment and natural beauty of this region, and destroy the principle reason for our living here.
I am also concerned about the increased traffic along Bucketts Way which is already inadequate, narrow and generally in poor condition.
Further concerns include noise and dust from a mine proposal so close to Gloiucester.
I do not support the Rocky Hill mine proposal.

As a frequent visitor to the Gloucester area over the past 30 years, I have observed the opportunties for employment diminish as agricultural and rural industries contract. This has resulted in many people leaving the area to seek employment closer to the major centres. I believe this has had a detrimental effect on the fabric of the community.

I believe this project offeres tangible employment and economic opportunites which will benefit existing Gloucester residents and business.

The community grants program, providing up to $8 million to the community over the life of mine is another benefit which will support many community initiatives.

Upon review, I believe the Rocky Hill Project should be approved upon its merits.

I support this project, given it is a responsible mining development, which the region and NSW as a whole needs. This importance is increased given the current status of the mining industry in the region/NSW and the positive impact it will bring.

After reviewing the EIS, I feel that this regional development is sustainable over the longer term, in which the short term environmental impacts are offset, in my view, by the substantial social and economic benefits that will be delivered over the longer term (ie proposed project life and potential for further extensions).

The risk of short term environmental impact is mitigated by the proposed controls and operational plan, which is effective at similar operations in NSW and beyond.

Flow-on benefits to existing business and long life of the project, enables further industry diversification in the Gloucester region, for the benefit of all.

I am writting to you today concerned about public and wildlife safety.
As a student studying natural resource management its become increasingly clear that coal companies no little or no knowledge at all on how to effectively rehabilitate natural bushland after mining. The effects of which i have seen in person, and as an experience bush regenerater find very disturbing.
The chemicals used, as well as positioning such infrastructures shows little known knowledge of past and future resource management, the words flood come to mind.
When compiling a business plan there are certain steps we must take, as we do when updating legislation, and i am afraid that perhaps maybe a few too many steps where missed in the process of allowing coal companies to drill within 10-15 metres of communities or within areas WELL known for flooding.

I ask you as a future natural resource manager to stop and think of the threats and the effects it would have on ecological communities.
I am going to leave a few startling examples of natural gas gone wrong thats happening CURRENTLY overseas.
http://www.texassharon.com/2013/09/16/shocking-photos-and-an-update-from-the-colorado-fracking-flood-zone/

and a video visualising gas well in flood waters:
http://youtu.be/y_wNkPYGiRo


Sincerely Amy Walton

ROCKY HILL COAL PROJECT - DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION SSD-5156
I oppose the Gloucester Resources Ltd's development application for an open cut coal mine
near the Gloucester township. My reasons follow:
Noise and Health.
This mine is far too close to Gloucester and the Forbesdale Estate. Disturbing levels of noise
and coal dust from coal train movements and loading - potentially at night - is a great concern.
Very fine coal dust is a critical issue that GRL has not attended to - and which appears to be
outside of the NSW government's interest. No one seems to be dealing with the sub 2.5 to 1
micron particles - yet these are the ones that travel furthest in the air and are able to enter the bloodstream through the lungs.
Children's Health.
The overwhelming medical evidence indicates that coal dust WILL elevate the number of children suffering long term effects of asthma. A radius of more than 5km is now well recognised and supported by medical practitioner statistics that show the clear
relationship between asthma cases and distance from coal mines in Singleton. Gloucester
township, schools and hospital are all in the direct path of coal dust borne on southerly winds. Anxiety related health issues will also cost the government millions in health care for years to come.
Further Expansion.
I do not believe that the mine will stay at its proposed size. GRL will expand towards town and will seek to mine coal on its other two exploration licence areas along the Bucketts Way.
Economics.
I do not accept that GRL's economic assertions that their forced entry into Gloucester will be good for Gloucester's economy which currently relies on agriculture, tourism
and retiree `tree-changers', new light industry and community support services. Tourists and tree-changers are attracted to Gloucester because of its natural and agricultural beauty and
peace. These industries will be damaged and jobs will be lost.
Mining workers, brought in will rarely contribute to the long term future of the town,while local families who have lived in Gloucester for generations will be pushed off their land. There is much more money for the state in tourism in this most beautiful area of NSW, forget the mine, everyone comes here for the beauty and peace, not the coal, noone goes to Singleton for the scenery, its been destroyed and the town reflects it.
Rehabilitation cannot be achieved. The geology cannot be `put back'. GRL will permanently damage geology and its water systems. They will bring to the surface and discard waste coal.
Potentially 30% of what is mined becomes a legacy contaminant for someone other than GRL to worry about. I believe that continuing to support coal & gas mining and not investing in future technologies is extremely short sighted. To damage our ecology on such a scale means we will eventually be importing our food and water. We will become the refugees of the future, unable to eat or drink our contaminated meat and water. Please protect Australias future,there is no state reason to mine this coal and there is no sane reason to damage this valley and community. Please refuse GRL's application. Think Local and support people who support themselves. Stop sacrificing peoples lives & livelihoods for short term overseas income.

I Support the Rocky Hill Mine, It will continue to provide much need employment in the Glouchester region.

Development Assessment Systems & Approvals
Department of Planning & Infrastructure
GPO Box 39
SYDNEY NSW 2001


Dear Sir

ROCKY HILL COAL PROJECT - DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION SSD-5156

I oppose the Gloucester Resources Ltd's development application for an open cut coal mine near the Gloucester township. My reasons follow:

Noise and Health. This mine is far too close to Gloucester, the Forbesdale Estate and surrounding areas of farms and lifestyle properties. Noise and coal dust from coal train movements and loading - potentially at night - is a great concern. Very fine coal dust is a critical issue that GRL has not attended to - and which appears to be outside of the NSW government's interest. No one seems to be dealing with the sub 2.5 to 1 micron particles - yet these are the ones that travel furthest in the air and are able to enter the bloodstream through the lungs.

Children's Health. The overwhelming medical evidence indicates that coal dust WILL elevate the number of children suffering long term effects of asthma. A radius of more than 5km is now well recognised and supported by medical practitioner statistics that show the clear relationship between asthma cases and distance from coal mines in Singleton. Gloucester township, schools and hospital are all in the direct path of coal dust borne on southerly winds.

Further Expansion. I do not believe that the mine will stay at its proposed size. GRL will expand towards town and will seek to mine coal on its other two exploration licence areas along the Bucketts Way.

Economics. I do not accept that GRL's economic assertions that their forced entry into Gloucester will be good for Gloucester's economy which currently relies on agriculture, tourism and retiree `tree-changers', new light industry and community support services. Tourists and tree-changers are attracted to Gloucester because of its natural and agricultural beauty and peace. These industries will be damaged and jobs will be lost.

Rehabilitation cannot be achieved. The geology cannot be `put back'. GRL will permanently damage geology and its water systems. They will bring to the surface and discard waste coal. Potentially 30% of what is mined becomes a legacy contaminant for someone other than GRL to worry about.

There is no state reason to mine this coal and there is no sane reason to damage this valley and community. Please refuse GRL's application.

I have made no political donations.

Yours Faithfully


Meg Bray.

I wish to make this submission in support of the Rocky Hill Coal Project. The coal mining sector makes a valuable contribution to the regional NSW economy and the state budget. Regional communities continue to decline as a consequence of limited employment opportunities, and the township of Gloucester is no different. The potential injection of up to 150 full time permanent jobs to the Gloucester economy, and the associated flow on benefits to local business and suppliers would be a massive injection to the area. The direct injection of between $7-$8 Million via the proposed Community Grants Program, to directly benefit programs for the area as identified by the community will have only positive outcomes that otherwise would never be achieved given the financial constraints of Council.

The proposed mine layout and safeguards incorporated into the design demonstrate Gloucester Resources takes the potential impacts of the project seriously, and has identified several mechansims whereby these impacts are minimised, including the establishment of visual barriers as part of the mine design, to minimise visual impacts and provide acoustic mitigation. At the completion of mining , the final landform design is consistent with the surrounding topography, and the commitment to no final void in the final landform should be commended.

On balance, the projected benefits of this project by far outweigh the predicted environmental impacts, which can be appropriately mitigated and managed to generate net benefits, particularly to the local and regional community.

I am currently employed by R&D Technology PTY LTD in Gloucester as an Electrical Workshop Technician.

I completed my Electrical trade with R&D as well as local Electrical contractors who carry out work for GRL.

I am currently studding two nights per week at Hunter TAFE towards my Advance diploma in Electrical Engineering.

I see the Rocky Hill Coal project as great opportunity to gain industrial experience through either direct or sub contracting types of work during planning, construction and operation.

Regards

Ben Stokes

I believe this state needs to create more jobs. Farming does not provide those jobs.

Coming from the country myself I know how little opportunity there is in farming. As expenses gradually rise in farming which they have - more people walk. Very few jobs.

I dont think Coal is as bad as anything else - the things I have seen on farms in the past (DDT better known as agent Orange just one example) makes me realise that any industry has negative impacts in different ways.

I support the Rocky Hill Project.

Regarding the recent public exhibition of the Rocky Hill Coal Project:

As a worker in the mining industry, I look forward to the potential opportunity to work and live in Gloucester. As someone who has worked in the area, and regularly travels through the town driving to other work commitments in the north of the state I believe that the actual noticeable impact on the community will be small. Although located close to town, the actual site of the proposed mine is located off the Buckets' Way and away from the main tourist drives.

I believe the largest impacts on the community would be the provision of temporary accommodation during the construction phase, and the increase of people wearing high visibility shirts walking down the main street.

I see Gloucester as being and continuing to be a desirable place to live. The construction of a small mine will bring new people to the town and provide opportunities for young people to stay in the area. There a few opportunities in the mining industry at present that avoid the FIFO lifestyle, and a project like this will attract many mining families to move to the area.

The main issues for the mine will be ensuring that compliance targets are monitored and effectively met, and that emphasis is placed on ensuring remedial activities on disturbed land are completed as soon as possible to reduce negative impacts.

As a final note, the mine is expected to produce a high quality coking coal product over the extent of its life. Regardless of how people feel about the mining of coal for power generation, this coal will not be used for that purpose. Coking coal is an essential input in the manufacture of steel and therefore is a much more important commodity.

I have previously been involved with another project run by the same management team. Their operations have always been of the highest standard. The Environment & Community relations have always been held as a high priority. Secure employment and family orientated management have been a standout. Local communities have made a come back from virtual ghost towns, pre-mining, to thriving centres securing greatly improved health and educational services, let alone the improved business community. A great many employment opportunities have evolved for locals since the mining developments have become established. The city is now, not the only direction for the young people of the local area.