Rocky Hill Coal Mine

AS PER ATTACHED DOCUMENT

see attached

see attached

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Submission from Angela Bennet relating to the Rocky Hill Coal Project (Application No SSD-5156) and
Stratford Coal Extension Project (Application No SSD-4966 MOD1).

I am opposed to the Rocky Hill Coal Project (Application No SSD-5156) and also the Stratford Coal Extension Project (Application No SSD-4966 MOD1).

My opposition is based on many factors, including but not limited to:

1. Dust and Air Pollution - I am very concerned at the dust that will be caused from many sources - the blasting, the open cut mine itself, proposed transport of unwashed coal to Duralie for treatment, etc. etc. I am not connected to the town water supply, and never likely to be given the location of my home, and our water source is rain water tanks; which I fear will be contaminated by coal dust. The coal dust also causes concerns for those people suffering from asthma and other respiratory issues. I have several friends who have indicated that they would have to seriously consider whether they would be able to continue to visit us if the mine goes ahead. The allied health cost posed by coal dust far outweighs any economic benefit from the mine.

2. Water Issues - The River Avon forms part of the water catchment for the Great Taree area, providing drinking water for over 80,000 people,. The proposed location of the mine is on the flood plain, and places the catchment at risk when there are major rain events. I understand that the Rocky Hill mine have indicated that they wish to discharge run-off from disturbed areas into local waterways. They have also indicated that they will discharge water to areas outside the mine site, and in some circumstances into the Avon River itselff. Without doubt waste from the overburden will leach into the catchment. BTEX chemicals were released by AGL's CSG activities, and a similar risk will apply from this mining. Any water from the mine will contain salts and heavy metals.

It is well known that the geology of the area is very complex and fractured, and any mining risks affecting the aquifers and the water table.

Water is our most precious commodity, and as such should be protected at all costs - any potential risk is too great.

3. Salt - Rocky Hill/GRL have acknowledged that around 7 tonnes of solidified salt, mixed with heavy metals and other chemicals, will have to be disposed of daily from their water treatment plant. When their representatives were recently asked how they planned to dispose of this, they responded one method would be to send it to the local tip. This is not an acceptable solution..

4. Health Issues - The health issues associated with mining are well documented, and most at risk are the elderly and the very young, who form a large proportion of the local population. Workers from open cut mines in Queensland have recently been found to be suffering from "Black Lung" or pneumoconiosis In addition to the problems caused by coal dust, there are noise related problems from blasting, and from low level noise pollution, and issues with light pollution, plus the pollution from diesel emissions from the trucks hauling the coal to Statford for washing. Etc.

5. Proximity - At approximately 900 metres from a rural residential estate, and less than 5 kms from the hospital, schools and pre-schools, this proposed mine is demonstrably too close to the town. Approximately 300 people live within 3 kms, 2,000 people within 5 kms and 3,500 within 7 kms of the proposed site.

6 Tourism - Tourism is currently worth over $51 million dollars to the town. It is unlikely that tourists will continue to come to Gloucester and stay in the town if it is that close to an open cut mine. GRL have completely failed to address tourism concerns in their EIS, and at no time have they consulted the local tourism groups, despite having said they did. The cost benefits from the mine will not compensate for the loss of capital to the town generated by tourism, and many jobs will be lost.

7. Local Jobs - The local jobs lost to tourism will not be offset by those created by the mine. When I asked GRL for their definition of "local" recently they were unable to tell me what it was. We do know that anyone who moves to reside in the "area" to take up a job with the mine will be classified as local, but that is not a job for someone already living here.

In surveys conducted in the area, including one conducted by our former Gloucester Shire Council, 80% of residents have indicated the opposition to this mine. I ask that the take the wishes of the local people into consideration - GRL/Rocky Hill Mine do not have a social licence in Gloucester.

Please note that I would like to claim Submitter's Rights in the event that I wish to add more to my submission.

Objection letter as attached

Please refer to attached submission

I do not support the mine. See my attachment

I oppose the rocky hill mine. See attached statement

Submission from The Gloucester Knitting Nannas relating to the
Rocky Hill Coal Project (Application No SSD-5156) and
Stratford Coal Extension Project (Application No SSD-4966 MOD1)

The Gloucester Knitting Nannas are opposed to both of the above Applications.

As an organization whose declared aim is to protect the land, air and water for future generations we have many concerns relating to this proposed Coal Mine.

The health issues associated with mining are well documented, and the the very young are most at risk. At less than 5 kms from the hospital, schools and pre-schools, and 900 metres from a rural residential estate, this proposed mine is too close, and poses a major threat, particularly from dust pollution.

The proposed operating hours after several years of up to 10pm will cause problems for families with young children, who in addition to dust and air pollution, will be affected by noise, vibration and light pollution. Even if limitations are placed on them, it is well known how easy it is for mining companies to obtain variations to operating conditions.

Climate change must also be considered. We must transition to renewable energy as a matter of urgency if we are to avoid the most extreme climatic weather conditions caused by global warming. People, plants and animals simply cannot survive the predicted changes to the earth's environment. We are already seeing very early warning signs of what is to come with month after month toppling heat records and with the violence of the storms. One after another 'the worst/biggest storm ever seen in this region'. NO NEW COAL. We simply cannot continue to dig new coal mines. It is wrong and immoral to continue to do this with the overwhelming scientific proof of climate change.

We ask you not to approve these applications.

Please see attachment

Please see attached.

Please find this submission on the proposed Rocky Hill mine from from Climate Change Balmain-Rozelle uploaded in PDF file format.

I support the Amended Rocky Hill Coal Mine Project for reasons that include the following
Â* The Amended Rocky Hill Mine will create both direct and indirect job opportunities for people in Gloucester, an area where minimal employment prospects typically exist. Without further progression and continued development, families and youth with continue to leave the area in search of job opportunities further perpetuating the existing issue of an ageing community. Data also shows new families of working age with children are not relocating the area and the lack of opportunities is a key reason for this.

Â* The Amended Rocky Hill Project has considered the issues raised throughout the previous project submission and has modified plans so as to prevent undertaking
mining operations at night, and to further minimise impacts through the use facilities at the Stratford Mining Complex including the CHPP, conveyor or train loader, rather than constructing and operating their own. This is a significant improvement that demonstrates GRLÂ's commitment to both the community and project.

Â* The local mining activity contributes greatly to the survival of the town, particularly following the demise of other locals industries such as timber. Without industry the local businesses will have nothing or no one to support and the community is will become unsustainable. Existing services such as schools will inevitably be affected as a result of reduced demand and subsequently the town will have even less retention or attraction for young families. Rocky Hill development will help Gloucester have a long-term future.

Â* In addition to providing direct employment, the expansion of industry will provide a greater need for service industries and suppliers that will also provide for the existing populationÂ's needs.

Â* Council should support the development as it will assist in improve their poor economic position. The mine will also lead to improved roads in the local area at no cost to the rate payers.

Â* Tourism, although an important aspect of the community is only part of the solution for Gloucester. Businesses are closing, local motels only source a small amount of their revenue from the tourist trade, and the number of B&Bs has decreased despite claims that tourism is booming. Tourism will continue to be an important part of the Gloucester region, but will likely benefit indirectly from the planned development. Investment in the town will mean more and improved services and facilities that tourists will also use. It is proven that mining and tourism can co-exist in places like the Hunter Valley, with positive outcomes and growth for the community.

Â* The geology of the Gloucester Basin dictates that the region will never become dominated by mining. Accessible and economic open cut coal mining can only occur along the basin periphery, and this provides a limited opportunity for small scale operations only. This separates Gloucester from the likes of Singleton or Muswellbrook in the Hunter Valley.

Â* There is a low risk of adverse environmental outcomes but clearly defined positive economic and social benefits for the local and regional communities as well as the State in general.

Â* The NSW economy relies on continued growth of industry and government needs to ensure that NSW remains an attractive place for investment. Projects such as Rocky Hill that are scientifically, economically and socially robust and need to be supported by government and not adversely influenced by a vocal minority with a certain agenda.

Please refer to submission attachment

see attachment

Please see attached PDF

I have uploaded a file

People are stressed with 80% within Gloucester and neighboring localities opposing this project on health and environmental reasons. Australian citizens should not be forced to sacrifice to overseas mining industries whatsoever. The NSW Government should NOT allow this project to continue enough is enough! I declare I have not made an reportable political donations. I will allow my name but no further personal information to be published.

People are stressed with 80% within Gloucester and neighboring localities opposing this project on health, economic and environmental reasons. Australian citizens should not be forced to sacrifice to overseas mining industries whatsoever. The NSW Government should NOT allow this project to continue .