Rocky Hill Coal Mine

The proposed mine is way too close to residential areas. ◦The proposed pits are only 900m from the Forbesdale residential estate, and barely 3km from Gloucester township. The impacts from noise and air pollution, blasting, loss of amenity and lifestyle on surrounding residents are simply unacceptable, and in no way justified by the dubious economic arguments put forward by mine proponents.

* The health impacts are far too great ◦Gloucester's hospital, its schools, and almost all of its residents are within 5km from the proposed coal pits. Particulate pollution from open-cut mining is known to lead to reduced respiratory health and increased death rates in surrounding communities. It is completely unfair and unjustified to expose the population of Gloucester to these health impacts.

* The mine threatens Gloucester's $50 million tourism industry. ◦Gloucester is a unique and beautiful town on the edge of the Barrington wilderness, and it has a thriving nature-based tourism industry. Open cut coal mining is completely incompatible with this important local industry, which must be protected.

* So-called 'commitments' to reduce mining impacts are not trusted. ◦The community has no reason to trust either commitments from the mining company made during its application, nor conditions imposed by the Planning Department if approval is given. We have seen elsewhere in Gloucester and the Hunter Valley that these conditions can be changed later, and usually are. Conditions regarding mine rehabilitation, night-time work hours, noise, blasting, and dust, and even the footprint of the mine are untrusted. It is known, for example, that there are plans for a "Stage 2" of the coal mine. The only acceptable outcome for the Rocky Hill application is to reject it outright.

I stayed in Gloucester this year and I can't bear to think of such a beautiful area being polluted by coal mining.

I strongly onject to the proposed Rocky Hill coal mine.
The Gloucester community will experience unacceptable noise levels, excessive dust and loss of serenity if this mine goes ahead.

The proposed mine is way too close to residential areas.
The proposed pits are only 900m from the Forbesdale residential estate, and barely 3km from Gloucester township. The impacts from noise and air pollution, blasting, loss of amenity and lifestyle on surrounding residents are simply unacceptable, and in no way justified by the dubious economic arguments put forward by mine proponents.
The health impacts are far too great
Gloucester's hospital, its schools, and almost all of its residents are within 5km from the proposed coal pits. Particulate pollution from open-cut mining is known to lead to reduced respiratory health and increased death rates in surrounding communities. It is completely unfair and unjustified to expose the population of Gloucester to these health impacts.
The mine threatens Gloucester's $50 million tourism industry.
Gloucester is a unique and beautiful town on the edge of the Barrington wilderness, and it has a thriving nature-based tourism industry. Open cut coal mining is completely incompatible with this important local industry, which must be protected.
So-called 'commitments' to reduce mining impacts are not trusted.
The community has no reason to trust either commitments from the mining company made during its application, nor conditions imposed by the Planning Department if approval is given. We have seen elsewhere in Gloucester and the Hunter Valley that these conditions can be changed later, and usually are. Conditions regarding mine rehabilitation, night-time work hours, noise, blasting, and dust, and even the footprint of the mine are untrusted. It is known, for example, that there are plans for a "Stage 2" of the coal mine. The only acceptable outcome for the Rocky Hill application is to reject it outright.

I generally favour mining which is not envoronmentally threatening. This open-cut coal mining project is however far too close to the township of Gloucester. It defies reasonable logic that Government envoronmental approval is given - something is seriously wrong. This project should not be allowed on very understandable health grounds.

Having experienced first hand the damaging effect of the coal industry has had on the environment, as well as depleting the respiratory health of members of my family and other residents in the Hunter Valley, I am alarmed to hear of the proposed Rocky Hill coal mine, as well as plans for Stage 2. The mines pits will be only 900m from the Forbesdale housing estate and barely 3km from Gloucester township. The coal industry in the Hunter Valley has a poor track record re rehabilitation. I value the clean air, water and natural amenity of this valley, its contribution to health and well being, that includes our local economy, resulting in a vibrant $50 million tourism industry plus agriculture. The Hunter Valley has one of the highest death rates in the world due to respiratory illness relating to coal mining pollution. Through encouraging residential solar power and energy efficient appliances, our area reduced its energy consumption by 10%. Also if China is reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and progressing with renewables, along with other significant economies relevant to our region and its economy, we need to pay serious attention.

It's is entirely unethical and inconscionable to tear apart the beautiful landscape of such an historic community.
This proposed pit will not only be a tremendous eyesore and detract from tourist attracting aspects of the region but is also so inexcusably close to housing. The health impacts alone should be enough for this plan to be scrapped and all future proposals for any form of mining barred. Everywhere that these land-raping "developments" go, sickness of the community residents and the land follow. The aquifer is affected. Springs dry up. Rivers are poisoned and the air fills with filth that makes everyone want to shut themselves indoors. This would be an absolute travesty for a place as serenely beautiful as Gloucester. It is known for its green beauty, why not instead make it a foreground for green renewable energy?
The failed experiment that is evident in every other mining site in the Hunter should be enough to prove that no "efforts to minimise the impacts" of mining sites are EVER good enough.
Sitting on the doorstep of the natural wonder of the Barrington which is completely reliant on its isolation from industrialised areas, is a perfect reason to reject this mine. It's home to endangered species and a Tasmanian Devil repopulation program. Gloucester doesn't want coal, Gloucester doesn't need coal. You can't eat it, you can't drink, no one wants to come see it; Rocky Hill will be the death of any healthy future for Gloucester. It is a horror show waiting in the wings.
I plan to one day make Gloucester my home and have a beautiful rural future free of pollution for my children to grow up in, so I oppose this proposal VEHEMENTLY! And if you purport to act in the best interest of not only this community but this state and country, then you will reject it as well.

Ethical happy local sustainable jobs and energy please. Stop urban sprawl and long commuting jobs, higher density cities and leave nature alone
The proposed mine is way too close to residential areas. ◦The proposed pits are only 900m from the Forbesdale residential estate, and barely 3km from Gloucester township. The impacts from noise and air pollution, blasting, loss of amenity and lifestyle on surrounding residents are simply unacceptable, and in no way justified by the dubious economic arguments put forward by mine proponents.

* The health impacts are far too great ◦Gloucester's hospital, its schools, and almost all of its residents are within 5km from the proposed coal pits. Particulate pollution from open-cut mining is known to lead to reduced respiratory health and increased death rates in surrounding communities. It is completely unfair and unjustified to expose the population of Gloucester to these health impacts.

* The mine threatens Gloucester's $50 million tourism industry. ◦Gloucester is a unique and beautiful town on the edge of the Barrington wilderness, and it has a thriving nature-based tourism industry. Open cut coal mining is completely incompatible with this important local industry, which must be protected.

I object to the proposed Rocky Creek Coal mine. With global carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere recently crossing the 400ppm threshold heralding a new era of devastating climate change we should absolutely not be approving new coal mines. We need to be focussing on the development of renewable energy and a just transition to a zero carbon economy as soon as possible.

Glouster and surrounds is a beautiful area that we enjoy visiting for camping holidays. This proposed development would destroy the amenity of the area for recreation and tourism and cause irreversible environmental damage.

I appeal to the Department of Planning & Environment to reject this application outright.

It is way too close to the town!!~!

The impacts on the health of the people are too risky.

Gloucester is an amazingly unique part of the country with a strong community. This is why people from all over come to visit. Tourism is such a major part of this community and to even consider this project would ruin the town...

I wish to object to the coal mine expansion. It will destroy more environment and beautiful land. I object to this land being used by a coal mine. Coal is a thing of the past, stop destroying our land!

I oppose the Rocky Hill Coal Project on the following grounds:

1. Proximity to residential areas.
The mine is proposed only 900 metres from the residential area of Forbesdale. These residents will carry an unacceptable burden and will be impacted by dust, noise and loss of amenity, resulting in risks to their health and loss of property value.

2. Impacts on Health
Health impacts from open-cut coal mines are well documented. With most of Gloucester township, including the hospital and schools, falling within the 5km health impact zone of the Rocky Hill mine, this places a large percentage of the population at risk. Those most affected by the health impacts are the very young, the elderly and the sick.

3. Impact on Tourism, worth $51M per annum to the Gloucester economy
An open-cut coal mine within 5km of Gloucester and within sight of the Bucketts Way will have an impact on the visual amenity of the area. The mine will risk the jobs of hundreds employed in the tourism industry.

4. Environment
The proposed mine is on the Avon River floodplain and in the catchment area of the Manning River, which supplies drinking water to over 80,000 people. The Avon River has flooded 5 times in 4 years, with 2 floods occurring in 2013. There is definite potential for contamination of the
water in the catchment.

This mine should not be approved.

Fossil fuels are on their way out and the best thing we can do now for communities and the environment is make a permanent and immediate switch to renewables.

Director-Resource Assessments
Planning Services
Department of Planning & Environment


Rocky Hill Coal Project-Application NO SSD 4966 MOD 1


Dear Sir/Madam


I oppose the above project.

As a resident of the Manning Valley also Mother,
Grandmother of 11 , I am extremely concerned about this proposal. The Manning River is the livelihood of the Manning Valley communities .

The proposed mine site is in the Avon River catchment, which is a tributary of the Manning River . The Rocky Hill Impact statement suggests the livelihood of discharge and pollution of the Avon Valley tributaries to the Manning River is possible with medium consequences. What would be the ramifications for the thousands of Manning Valley residents should this happen? Many downstream farmers, water uses, and thousands of residents rely on this water for domestic and livestock use.

In addition NO mining should be allowed near any community , 30 homes are 900 meters from the proposed mine. Are these people not important ? What about the health of these people? Are there children or elderly living in these homes? What about there mental health why are these people considered collateral damage? Where is your duty of care?
The health risks for every one are proven ,children and the elderly are most at risk. The health of people should be the first priority of the government. Gloucester valley is at risk of coal dust hanging in the air day and night 2500 people should not be put at risk for the sake of 50 jobs net. The residents will have this 24 hours a day ,every day.
Gloucester is a multi - billion dollar self sustaining community investment. Don't jeopardise it for a 20 year damaging project for a few opportunities.

If this mine goes ahead the scenic beauty of this valley would be irreparably damaged. This will lead to a dramatic drop in tourism , financial benefit would be lost by the decrease of visitors and also the loss of jobs in tourism .

I would just also ask you would you like your grandchildren elderly parents living this close to a mine would you come for holidays knowing the health risks? Do you think people that live in Gloucester or the Manning Valley are not important ?



The government has a duty of care - before the problem. After the coal mine is operating is to late. The scientific evidence of harm and risk is clear. Do the right thing and reject this mine.



The application for the Rocky Hill mine should be refused


Yours faithfully


Kathy Barbour



I have not made a reportable political donation

This mine must not go ahead. People and their lives and health need to be put before mining. Why are we still mining anyway when we all know that sustainable green energy is the future. Australia will just keep falling behind all other countries when it comes to green energy because of our governments love affair with the stuff they can dig up. The tourism industry at Gloucester is in danger of being stopped/harmed because of this mine also. The government needs to protect our people and their health - and stop pandering to the needs of mostly foreign owed companies that want our resources.

The proposed mine is way too close to residential areas.
The proposed pits are only 900m from the Forbesdale residential estate, and barely 3km from Gloucester township. The impacts from noise and air pollution, blasting, loss of amenity and lifestyle on surrounding residents are simply unacceptable, and in no way justified by the dubious economic arguments put forward by mine proponents.
The health impacts are far too great
Gloucester's hospital, its schools, and almost all of its residents are within 5km from the proposed coal pits. Particulate pollution from open-cut mining is known to lead to reduced respiratory health and increased death rates in surrounding communities. It is completely unfair and unjustified to expose the population of Gloucester to these health impacts.
The mine threatens Gloucester's $50 million tourism industry.
Gloucester is a unique and beautiful town on the edge of the Barrington wilderness, and it has a thriving nature-based tourism industry. Open cut coal mining is completely incompatible with this important local industry, which must be protected.
So-called 'commitments' to reduce mining impacts are not trusted.
The community has no reason to trust either commitments from the mining company made during its application, nor conditions imposed by the Planning Department if approval is given. We have seen elsewhere in Gloucester and the Hunter Valley that these conditions can be changed later, and usually are. Conditions regarding mine rehabilitation, night-time work hours, noise, blasting, and dust, and even the footprint of the mine are untrusted. It is known, for example, that there are plans for a "Stage 2" of the coal mine. The only acceptable outcome for the Rocky Hill application is to reject it outright.

The proposed mine is way too close to residential areas.
The proposed pits are only 900m from the Forbesdale residential estate, and barely 3km from Gloucester township. The impacts from noise and air pollution, blasting, loss of amenity and lifestyle on surrounding residents are simply unacceptable, and in no way justified by the dubious economic arguments put forward by mine proponents.
The health impacts are far too great
Gloucester's hospital, its schools, and almost all of its residents are within 5km from the proposed coal pits. Particulate pollution from open-cut mining is known to lead to reduced respiratory health and increased death rates in surrounding communities. It is completely unfair and unjustified to expose the population of Gloucester to these health impacts.
The mine threatens Gloucester's $50 million tourism industry.
Gloucester is a unique and beautiful town on the edge of the Barrington wilderness, and it has a thriving nature-based tourism industry. Open cut coal mining is completely incompatible with this important local industry, which must be protected.
So-called 'commitments' to reduce mining impacts are not trusted.
The community has no reason to trust either commitments from the mining company made during its application, nor conditions imposed by the Planning Department if approval is given. We have seen elsewhere in Gloucester and the Hunter Valley that these conditions can be changed later, and usually are. Conditions regarding mine rehabilitation, night-time work hours, noise, blasting, and dust, and even the footprint of the mine are untrusted. It is known, for example, that there are plans for a "Stage 2" of the coal mine. The only acceptable outcome for the Rocky Hill application is to reject it outright.

Far too close to residential areas.
The proposed pits are less than 3km from Gloucester township. Issues will be noise and air pollution, blasting, loss of amenity and lifestyle on surrounding residents which is simply unacceptable,
The health impacts are far too great
Gloucester's hospital, its schools, and almost all of its residents are within 5km from the proposed coal pits. Particulate pollution from open-cut mining is known to lead to reduced respiratory health and increased death rates in surrounding communities. It is completely unfair and unjustified to expose the population of Gloucester to these health impacts.
The mine threatens Gloucester's $50 million tourism industry.
Gloucester is a unique and beautiful town on the edge of the Barrington wilderness, and it has a thriving nature-based tourism industry. Open cut coal mining is completely incompatible with this important local industry, which must be protected.
So-called 'commitments' to reduce mining impacts are not trusted.
The community has no reason to trust either commitments from the mining company made during its application, nor conditions imposed by the Planning Department if approval is given. We have seen elsewhere in Gloucester and the Hunter Valley that these conditions can be changed later, and usually are. Conditions regarding mine rehabilitation, night-time work hours, noise, blasting, and dust, and even the footprint of the mine are untrusted. It is known, for example, that there are plans for a "Stage 2" of the coal mine. The only acceptable outcome for the Rocky Hill application is to reject it outright.

The proposed mine is way too close to residential areas.
The proposed pits are only 900m from the Forbesdale residential estate, and barely 3km from Gloucester township. The impacts from noise and air pollution, blasting, loss of amenity and lifestyle on surrounding residents are simply unacceptable, and in no way justified by the dubious economic arguments put forward by mine proponents.
The health impacts are far too great
Gloucester's hospital, its schools, and almost all of its residents are within 5km from the proposed coal pits. Particulate pollution from open-cut mining is known to lead to reduced respiratory health and increased death rates in surrounding communities. It is completely unfair and unjustified to expose the population of Gloucester to these health impacts.
The mine threatens Gloucester's $50 million tourism industry.
Gloucester is a unique and beautiful town on the edge of the Barrington wilderness, and it has a thriving nature-based tourism industry. Open cut coal mining is completely incompatible with this important local industry, which must be protected.
So-called 'commitments' to reduce mining impacts are not trusted.
The community has no reason to trust either commitments from the mining company made during its application, nor conditions imposed by the Planning Department if approval is given. We have seen elsewhere in Gloucester and the Hunter Valley that these conditions can be changed later, and usually are. Conditions regarding mine rehabilitation, night-time work hours, noise, blasting, and dust, and even the footprint of the mine are untrusted. It is known, for example, that there are plans for a "Stage 2" of the coal mine. The only acceptable outcome for the Rocky Hill application is to reject it outright.

I object strongly to all forms of coal mining in the Gloucester region. Gloucester is an area of significant environmental value, it is a pristine, clean part of Australia and important habitat for native flora and fauna. Mining poses significant risks to the environment as well as negatively affects the local communities in terms of pollution and damage to water air and land.

I object to this mine proposal. The mine is too close to residents, schools and hospitals. The pollution and airborne particles will cause health problems and distress for all who reside in the area. The blasting and noise pollution will also cause distress and health problems.
A $50 million tourism industry will be destroyed, the township will be destroyed, the farm land will be destroyed and the people will be devastated.
The commitments by the industry to reduce the impacts of mining can not be trusted.

The risks associated with GSC mining are just to great to be ignored. The location of the proposed mine just a few kilometres away from the school and residential areas is unacceptable. The Gloucester Valley is a beautiful place and it should not be compromised. Mining companies do not care at all about the interests of the community or the environment. This has been demonstrated time and time again. They should have no right to destroy this beautiful area and put the health and wellbeing of the community at risk.