Springvale Coal Mine Extension

Dear Sir/Madam,

State Significant Project - Springvale Mine Extension (SSD 12_5594)
There are many reasons to make a submission that requests this development to NOT go ahead. Below are a few salient, site specific points but I also want to make a broad statement about Climate Change. I feel quite flabbergasted (if not enraged) by what appears to be a huge growth in coal and other fossil fuel-related industries in this State and Nation at a time when we should be doing everything under the sun possible to WIND BACK these industries that are killing our planet and hence our children's future. This is generational injustice that is being perpetrated here - as has been recognised by the UN all that time ago in Rio in 1992, and again in 2012 and with ever-increasing urgency in all meetings since. We need to SLOW and then STOP all fossil fuel development across the planet ASAP.

Important swamps, pagodas, and stream environments in this significant part of the Gardens of Stone region must not be damaged by longwall coal mining but instead protected in a state conservation area.
The Springvale and the adjoining Angus Place mine extension proposals must be subject to a Planning Assessment Commission review with concurrent Public Hearings.
Centennial Coal must not be allowed to simply replicate the damage it has already caused to nationally threatened upland swamps on the Newnes Plateau for which it was required by the Commonwealth Government to pay $1.45 million in reparations.
The sandstone rock supporting the 41 nationally endangered swamps, including the 11 shrub swamps affected by the proposal must not be fractured.
The proposed discharge of up to 43.8megalitres/day eco-toxic mine effluent must be treated by reverse osmosis technology to remove all metals and salts before discharge to the Coxs River.
The scenic western edge of the Newnes Plateau must be protected from further scarring by new roads, pipeline and electricity easements.
Carne Creek is currently in a pristine state, and its waters that flow through the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area are of the highest standard. This creek must not run bright orange or suffer reduced flows, just like the Wolgan River after Centennial Coal wrecked it.
Please require Centennial to revise this proposal to improve environmental outcomes. Carne and Bungleboori Creeks, pagodas, cliffs and the many nationally endangered swamps must not be damaged.

Yours sincerely,
Sally Newham

We cannot be short sighted in our need to get ahead.
Important swamps, pagodas, and stream environments in this significant part of the Gardens of Stone region must not be damaged by longwall coal mining but instead protected in a state conservation area. The Springvale and the adjoining Angus Place mine extension proposals must be subject to a Planning Assessment Commission review with concurrent Public Hearings. Centennial Coal must not be allowed to simply replicate the damage it has already caused to nationally threatened upland swamps on the Newnes Plateau for which it was required by the Commonwealth Government to pay $1.45 million in reparations. The sandstone rock supporting the 41 nationally endangered swamps, including the 11 shrub swamps affected by the proposal must not be fractured. The proposed discharge of up to 43.8megalitres/day eco-toxic mine effluent must be treated by reverse osmosis technology to remove all metals and salts before discharge to the Coxs River. The scenic western edge of the Newnes Plateau must be protected from further scarring by new roads, pipeline and electricity easements. Carne Creek is currently in a pristine state, and its waters that flow through the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area are of the highest standard. This creek must not run bright orange or suffer reduced flows, just like the Wolgan River after Centennial Coal wrecked it. Please require Centennial to revise this proposal to improve environmental outcomes. Carne and Bungleboori Creeks, pagodas, cliffs and the many nationally endangered swamps must not be damaged. - See more at: http://www.colongwilderness.org.au/stop-centennial-coal-wrecking-gardens-stone-region#sthash.szjcquDk.dpuf

Mining and Industry Projects
NSW Department of Planning & Infrastructure
GPO Box 39
Sydney NSW 2001

Dear Sir/Madam,

State Significant Project - Springvale Mine Extension (SSD 12_5594)

Important swamps, pagodas, and stream environments in this significant part of the Gardens of Stone region must not be damaged by longwall coal mining but instead protected in a state conservation area.
The Springvale and the adjoining Angus Place mine extension proposals must be subject to a Planning Assessment Commission review with concurrent Public Hearings.
Centennial Coal must not be allowed to simply replicate the damage it has already caused to nationally threatened upland swamps on the Newnes Plateau for which it was required by the Commonwealth Government to pay $1.45 million in reparations.
The sandstone rock supporting the 41 nationally endangered swamps, including the 11 shrub swamps affected by the proposal must not be fractured.
The proposed discharge of up to 43.8megalitres/day eco-toxic mine effluent must be treated by reverse osmosis technology to remove all metals and salts before discharge to the Coxs River.
The scenic western edge of the Newnes Plateau must be protected from further scarring by new roads, pipeline and electricity easements.
Carne Creek is currently in a pristine state, and its waters that flow through the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area are of the highest standard. This creek must not run bright orange or suffer reduced flows, just like the Wolgan River after Centennial Coal wrecked it.
Please require Centennial to revise this proposal to improve environmental outcomes. Carne and Bungleboori Creeks, pagodas, cliffs and the many nationally endangered swamps must not be damaged.
Yours sincerely,

*Important swamps, pagodas, and stream environments in this significant part of the Gardens of Stone region must not be damaged by longwall coal mining but instead protected in a state conservation area.
*The Springvale and the adjoining Angus Place mine extension proposals must be subject to a Planning Assessment Commission review with concurrent Public Hearings.
*Centennial Coal must not be allowed to simply replicate the damage it has already caused to nationally threatened upland swamps on the Newnes Plateau for which it was required by the Commonwealth Government to pay $1.45 million in reparations.
*The sandstone rock supporting the 41 nationally endangered swamps, including the 11 shrub swamps affected by the proposal must not be fractured.
*The proposed discharge of up to 43.8megalitres/day eco-toxic mine effluent must be treated by reverse osmosis technology to remove all metals and salts before discharge to the Coxs River.
*The scenic western edge of the Newnes Plateau must be protected from further scarring by new roads, pipeline and electricity easements.
*Carne Creek is currently in a pristine state, and its waters that flow through the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area are of the highest standard. This creek must not run bright orange or suffer reduced flows, just like the Wolgan River after Centennial Coal wrecked it.
*Please require Centennial to revise this proposal to improve environmental outcomes. Carne and Bungleboori Creeks, pagodas, cliffs and the many nationally endangered swamps must not be damaged.

Mining and Industry Projects
NSW Department of Planning & Infrastructure
GPO Box 39
Sydney NSW 2001

Dear Sir/Madam,

State Significant Project - Springvale Mine Extension (SSD 12_5594)

Important swamps, pagodas, and stream environments in this significant part of the Gardens of Stone region must not be damaged by longwall coal mining but instead protected in a state conservation area.
The Springvale and the adjoining Angus Place mine extension proposals must be subject to a Planning Assessment Commission review with concurrent Public Hearings.
Centennial Coal must not be allowed to simply replicate the damage it has already caused to nationally threatened upland swamps on the Newnes Plateau for which it was required by the Commonwealth Government to pay $1.45 million in reparations.
The sandstone rock supporting the 41 nationally endangered swamps, including the 11 shrub swamps affected by the proposal must not be fractured.
The proposed discharge of up to 43.8megalitres/day eco-toxic mine effluent must be treated by reverse osmosis technology to remove all metals and salts before discharge to the Coxs River.
The scenic western edge of the Newnes Plateau must be protected from further scarring by new roads, pipeline and electricity easements.
Carne Creek is currently in a pristine state, and its waters that flow through the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area are of the highest standard. This creek must not run bright orange or suffer reduced flows, just like the Wolgan River after Centennial Coal wrecked it.
Please require Centennial to revise this proposal to improve environmental outcomes. Carne and Bungleboori Creeks, pagodas, cliffs and the many nationally endangered swamps must not be damaged.

I have many times visited these areas that are now under threat, and I object to the reasoning where short term gain wins out against the protection for future generations of such magnificent landscapes and the wildlife therein. Already when visiting such areas, there are 'keep out' signs and 'danger of subsidence' signs, yet many international visitors also come here and admire our landscapes. Please protect our country!

yours sincerely,

Vicki Powys

I am in favour of this submission. Centennial Coal through both their Springvale and Angus place mines provides employment opportunities for our local area. They also provide community support in the areas in which they operate.

Important swamps, pagodas, and stream environments in this significant part of the Gardens of Stone region are most likely to be damaged by longwall coal mining and as a result, must be protected within a state conservation area. The Springvale and the adjoining Angus Place mine extension proposals need to be subject to a Planning Assessment Commission review with concurrent Public Hearings. Centennial Coal must not be allowed to simply replicate the damage it has already caused to nationally threatened upland swamps on the Newnes Plateau for which it was required by the Commonwealth Government to pay $1.45 million in reparations. The sandstone rock supporting the 41 nationally endangered swamps, including the 11 shrub swamps affected by the proposal are most likely to be fractured, and this must not happen. The proposed discharge of up to 43.8megalitres/day eco-toxic mine effluent must be treated by reverse osmosis technology to remove all metals and salts before discharge to the Coxs River. The scenic western edge of the Newnes Plateau must be protected from further scarring by new roads, pipeline and electricity easements. Carne Creek is currently in a pristine state, and its waters that flow through the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area are of the highest standard. This creek must not run bright orange or suffer reduced flows, just like the Wolgan River after Centennial Coal wrecked it. Please require Centennial to revise this proposal to improve environmental outcomes. Carne and Bungleboori Creeks, pagodas, cliffs and the many nationally endangered swamps must not be damaged. Coal mining is an activity of a past era. New more sustainable forms of energy production are replacing coal. More importantly, the markets for coal sales are continuing to disappear and it is in no ones interest for us to be left with the potential of an unproductive mine, abandoned by a bankrupt mining company that has no finances or interest in cleaning up an environmental mess of its own making.

To whom it may concern,

- Submission regarding the Springvale longwall mine extension proposal

I am concerned about any development that may affect the Gardens of Stone National Park or any impact on water catchments that directly or indirectly risk affecting the Blue Mountains National Park. These are world heritage areas and should not be tampered with.

In the years to come when our descendants visit these areas they will either thank us for protecting our national parks and world heritage areas or ridicule our generation for damaging these pristine areas for short financial gain. What will our legacy be?

I also add these comments from the Coolong Foundation for Wilderness which aptly describe the impact of the Springvale longwall mine extension proposal.

* Important swamps, pagodas, and stream environments in this significant part of the Gardens of Stone region must not be damaged by longwall coal mining but instead protected in a state conservation area.
* The Springvale and the adjoining Angus Place mine extension proposals must be subject to a Planning Assessment Commission review with concurrent Public Hearings.
* Centennial Coal must not be allowed to simply replicate the damage it has already caused to nationally threatened upland swamps on the Newnes Plateau for which it was required by the Commonwealth Government to pay $1.45 million in reparations.
* The sandstone rock supporting the 41 nationally endangered swamps, including the 11 shrub swamps affected by the proposal must not be fractured.
* The proposed discharge of up to 43.8megalitres/day eco-toxic mine effluent must be treated by reverse osmosis technology to remove all metals and salts before discharge to the Coxs River.
* The scenic western edge of the Newnes Plateau must be protected from further scarring by new roads, pipeline and electricity easements.
* Carne Creek is currently in a pristine state, and its waters that flow through the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area are of the highest standard. This creek must not run bright orange or suffer reduced flows, just like the Wolgan River after Centennial Coal wrecked it.

Thank you for the opportunity to make this submission.

Your faithfully

Noel Rath

The area is too beautiful, unique and vulnerable to allow any mining activities. It would be a travesty.

Springvale plays a very large role in supplying coal for local electricity generation. The mine also supports a local and district workforce of over 300 people and has maintained an excellent record of minimal environmental impact to the people that live in the surrounds. The economy has thrived in large part to the coal mining here and community groups, including sporting groups have benefited largely from the mining in this area. Spending a large part of our salary locally, thus benefitting all in our community. The prospect of losing the mine would utterly shatter the community.

The Gardens of Stone National Park is a unique area with many features that support a fragile ecosystem including swamps, pagodas, and stream environments. These must not be damaged by longwall coal mining but instead protected in a state conservation area.
The Springvale and the adjoining Angus Place mine extension proposals must be subject to a Planning Assessment Commission review with concurrent Public Hearings.
Centennial Coal must not be allowed to simply replicate the damage it has already caused to nationally threatened upland swamps on the Newnes Plateau for which it was required by the Commonwealth Government to pay $1.45 million in reparations.
The sandstone rock supporting the 41 nationally endangered swamps, including the 11 shrub swamps affected by the proposal must not be fractured.
The proposed discharge of up to 43.8megalitres/day eco-toxic mine effluent must be treated by reverse osmosis technology to remove all metals and salts before discharge to the Coxs River.
The scenic western edge of the Newnes Plateau must be protected from further scarring by new roads, pipeline and electricity easements.
Carne Creek is currently in a pristine state, and its waters that flow through the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area are of the highest standard. This creek must not run bright orange or suffer reduced flows, just like the Wolgan River after Centennial Coal wrecked it.
Please require Centennial to revise this proposal to improve environmental outcomes. Carne and Bungleboori Creeks, pagodas, cliffs and the many nationally endangered swamps must not be damaged.
I hope that you can see the bigger picture of this, and not the short term dollar. Our childrens' futures are in your hands.

All the best

K Bloomfield

Mining and Industry Projects
NSW Department of Planning & Infrastructure
GPO Box 39
Sydney NSW 2001

Dear Sir/Madam,
I have enjoyed many hours of enthralled enjoyment wandering through this pagoda wonderland and I want my grandchildren to be able to get the same pleasure.

State Significant Project - Springvale Mine Extension (SSD 12_5594)
*Important swamps, pagodas, and stream environments in this significant part of the Gardens of Stone region must not be damaged by longwall coal mining but instead protected in a state conservation area.
*The Springvale and the adjoining Angus Place mine extension proposals must be subject to a Planning Assessment Commission review with concurrent Public Hearings.
*Centennial Coal must not be allowed to simply replicate the damage it has already caused to nationally threatened upland swamps on the Newnes Plateau for which it was required by the Commonwealth Government to pay $1.45 million in reparations.
*The sandstone rock supporting the 41 nationally endangered swamps, including the 11 shrub swamps affected by the proposal must not be fractured.
*The proposed discharge of up to 43.8megalitres/day eco-toxic mine effluent must be treated by reverse osmosis technology to remove all metals and salts before discharge to the Coxs River.
*The scenic western edge of the Newnes Plateau must be protected from further scarring by new roads, pipeline and electricity easements.
*Carne Creek is currently in a pristine state, and its waters that flow through the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area are of the highest standard. This creek must not run bright orange or suffer reduced flows, just like the Wolgan River after Centennial Coal wrecked it.
*Please require Centennial to revise this proposal to improve environmental outcomes. Carne and Bungleboori Creeks, pagodas, cliffs and the many nationally endangered swamps must not be damaged.

Yours sincerely,
Yvonne Lollback

springvale supports the community by employing nearly 300 people. it support s local events. if this pit shutdown the effects would be bad, people would move, businesses would close, it wouldn't just effect workers but also teachers, local business owners the community would suffer very bad

I had a great life growing up with my father working in the coal mines providing for us. He was the only income earner in our family, he is now retired after 16yrs of employment at Springvale. I have been working at Springvale for 6yrs, I am the main income provider for my wife and two daughters. If Springvale was to close this would be devastating to our girls, my wife and myself as we would have to move away from family, friends and our life here that we created through employment of Springvale colliery. We are a hockey family, with both girls playing in the district and Springvale also provides great funding support for not only our children but for lots of families in the area, without this support it wouldn't be possible for us as families to give our children the get out and get fit lifestyle we try to provide...... So thank you Springvale for everything you provide for our family.....

Mining and Industry Projects
NSW Department of Planning & Infrastructure
GPO Box 39
Sydney NSW 2001

Dear Sir/Madam,

State Significant Project - Springvale Mine Extension (SSD 12_5594)

Important swamps, pagodas, and stream environments in this significant part of the Gardens of Stone region must not be damaged by longwall coal mining but instead protected in a state conservation area.
The Springvale and the adjoining Angus Place mine extension proposals must be subject to a Planning Assessment Commission review with concurrent Public Hearings.
Centennial Coal must not be allowed to simply replicate the damage it has already caused to nationally threatened upland swamps on the Newnes Plateau for which it was required by the Commonwealth Government to pay $1.45 million in reparations.
The sandstone rock supporting the 41 nationally endangered swamps, including the 11 shrub swamps affected by the proposal must not be fractured.
The proposed discharge of up to 43.8megalitres/day eco-toxic mine effluent must be treated by reverse osmosis technology to remove all metals and salts before discharge to the Coxs River.
The scenic western edge of the Newnes Plateau must be protected from further scarring by new roads, pipeline and electricity easements.
Carne Creek is currently in a pristine state, and its waters that flow through the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area are of the highest standard. This creek must not run bright orange or suffer reduced flows, just like the Wolgan River after Centennial Coal wrecked it.
Please require Centennial to revise this proposal to improve environmental outcomes. Carne and Bungleboori Creeks, pagodas, cliffs and the many nationally endangered swamps must not be damaged.
Yours sincerely,
Bill Harvey

Dear Sir/Madam,

State Significant Project - Springvale Mine Extension (SSD 12_5594)

Important swamps, pagodas, and stream environments in this significant part of the Gardens of Stone region must not be damaged by longwall coal mining but instead protected in a state conservation area.
The Springvale and the adjoining Angus Place mine extension proposals must be subject to a Planning Assessment Commission review with concurrent Public Hearings.
Centennial Coal must not be allowed to simply replicate the damage it has already caused to nationally threatened upland swamps on the Newnes Plateau for which it was required by the Commonwealth Government to pay $1.45 million in reparations.
The sandstone rock supporting the 41 nationally endangered swamps, including the 11 shrub swamps affected by the proposal must not be fractured.
The proposed discharge of up to 43.8megalitres/day eco-toxic mine effluent must be treated by reverse osmosis technology to remove all metals and salts before discharge to the Coxs River.
The scenic western edge of the Newnes Plateau must be protected from further scarring by new roads, pipeline and electricity easements.
Carne Creek is currently in a pristine state, and its waters that flow through the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area are of the highest standard. This creek must not run bright orange or suffer reduced flows, just like the Wolgan River after Centennial Coal wrecked it.
Please require Centennial to revise this proposal to improve environmental outcomes. Carne and Bungleboori Creeks, pagodas, cliffs and the many nationally endangered swamps must not be damaged.

Yours sincerely,

The proposed Angus Place and Springvale longwall mining extensions are located under the centre of Newnes Plateau in the Gardens of Stone region. The mining will impact mainly on Carne Creek, but also the Wolgan River, Marangaroo and Bunglebouri Creek headwaters.The proposed Angus Place extension covers 2,638 hectares of the Plateau and will cause the land surface to subside up to 1.9 metres. The proposed Springvale extension covers 1,860 hectares of the Plateau and will cause the land surface to subside up to 1.65 metres. As a result of these movements, the surface sandstone rock will be cracked to a depth of 15 to 20 metres over the entire area mined. Popular Birds Rock, in the Flora Reserve, will be fractured. This cracking will cause surface groundwater aquifers to drop by up to 10 metres.

In total, all 73 nationally endangered swamps will be damaged by cracking of the underlying sandstone rock due to the proposed mining.The lower groundwater levels in turn will cause these nationally endangered swamps to dry out. The peat soils that support these swamps will then decompose and over a period of years eucalypts and banksias will migrate into the dying swamps as they evolve into dry land communities. This damage would also kill the many threatened plants and animals supported by these swamps, including the giant dragonfly. In fact, these swamps are so often destroyed by longwall coal mining that scientists have described such mining as a 'key threatening process'.

The combined effluent discharge from both mines will be 43.8ML/day in 2023. This eco-toxic effluent will discharge 30.8 tonnes/day (or 11,247 tonnes/year) of metal-rich salts to the Coxs River that supplies Sydney with drinking water.

I am therefore demanding that:
Important swamps, pagodas, and stream environments in this significant part of the Gardens of Stone region must not be damaged by longwall coal mining but instead protected in a state conservation area.

The Springvale and the adjoining Angus Place mine extension proposals must be subject to a Planning Assessment Commission review with concurrent Public Hearings.

Centennial Coal must not be allowed to simply replicate the damage it has already caused to nationally threatened upland swamps on the Newnes Plateau for which it was required by the Commonwealth Government to pay $1.45 million in reparations.

The sandstone rock supporting the 41 nationally endangered swamps, including the 11 shrub swamps affected by the proposal must not be fractured. The proposed discharge of up to 43.8megalitres/day eco-toxic mine effluent must be treated by reverse osmosis technology to remove all metals and salts before discharge to the Coxs River. T

he scenic western edge of the Newnes Plateau must be protected from further scarring by new roads, pipeline and electricity easements. Carne Creek is currently in a pristine state, and its waters that flow through the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area are of the highest standard.

This creek must not run bright orange or suffer reduced flows, just like the Wolgan River after Centennial Coal wrecked it. Please require Centennial to revise this proposal to improve environmental outcomes. Carne and Bungleboori Creeks, pagodas, cliffs and the many nationally endangered swamps must not be damaged

Dear Sir/Madam,

State Significant Project - Springvale Mine Extension (SSD 12_5594)

The Gardens of Stone region is a special place! Not only is it scenically beautiful but it has significant swamps and streams that must not be damaged by longwall coal mining. Instead, it should be cherished and protected in a state conservation area.

The Springvale and the adjoining Angus Place mine extension proposals must be subject to a Planning Assessment Commission review with concurrent Public Hearings.

Centennial Coal has a poor track record in terms of damaging the environment. It must not be allowed to simply replicate the harm it has already caused to nationally threatened upland swamps on the Newnes Plateau for which it was required by the Commonwealth Government to pay $1.45 million in reparations.

The sandstone rock supporting the 41 nationally endangered swamps, including the 11 shrub swamps affected by the proposal must not be fractured.

The proposed discharge of up to 43.8megalitres/day eco-toxic mine effluent must be treated by reverse osmosis technology to remove all metals and salts before discharge to the Coxs River.

The scenic western edge of the Newnes Plateau must be protected from further scarring by new roads, pipeline and electricity easements.

Carne Creek is currently in a pristine state, and its waters that flow through the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area are of the highest standard. This creek must not run bright orange or suffer reduced flows, just like the Wolgan River after Centennial Coal wrecked it.

Please require Centennial to revise this proposal to improve environmental outcomes. Carne and Bungleboori Creeks, pagodas, cliffs and the many nationally endangered swamps must not be damaged.

Yours sincerely,
Bettina leGras

I object to the impact this proposal will have on Carne Creek. This creek is currently pristine as shown by water testing. The private-interest proposal made does not justify the permanent damage which would occur to this public asset and part of our local heritage. The impact downstream on the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area is not acceptable.

I similarly object to the damage to wetlands, hanging swamps and pagodas which would be damaged by this proposal.

I similarly object to the impact of mine effluent on the Cox river, it's environment, and to local recreational fishing. These public impacts are not justified. If the mine does go ahead there must be strict requirements for treatment of effluent (e.g. reverse osmosis).

This proposal and the adjoining Angus Place mine extension proposal should be subject to a PAC review process. This area is of renowned geological, cultural and environmental heritage. It is public land - not private. A balance assessment of its values shows beyond any debate that this area should be protected in a state conservation area, not abandoned to private commercial interests.

The coal mining industry has been part of the Lithgow area for about a century. It has been a cornerstone of the Lithgow economy for that time providing both direct employment to thousands of people over that time as well as supporting many other local businesses in that time.
The Springvale Mine has been in operation for more than 2 decades. During that time the contribution to the local economy has been immeasurable. The annual wage bill is more than $30 million from this mine and with the multiplier effect of more than $100 million being spent mostly in our local economy each year.
The local economy would be devastated without this mine continuing. Keeping in mind, that the Wallerawang power station has now closed with 300 jobs about to disappear forever as that is the amount of redundancies offered only last week there.
The non-continuance of Springvale would quickly make Wallerawang a ghost town as well as having a disastrous effect on the whole local area.
The Springvale mine has operated with virtually no problems as far as environmental issues are concerned. As Mayor of Lithgow for 13 years I was made aware of all environmental issues in our area and Springvale was hardly ever mentioned as a possible problem. When any major events or issues occurred or were about to occur, the council was always kept fully informed. I would expect that this close co-operation would continue into the future.
The location of the mine is such that the general public are not able to see anything of the mine's existence until one is at the mine gate and then only the buildings are visible because of the underground nature of the mine.
Having been a member of the Association of Mine Related Councils for 13 years I am very aware of the problems that can be caused by large scale open cut mining such as in the Hunter. However having visited Springvale on a number of occasions I am aware of the many environmental safe guards that occur there and have seen no visible damage to the local environment as a result of the mine.
Any potential environmental threats would easily be able to be incorporated into conditions of approval which Springvale have been able to meet in general over the past couple of decades.
Springvale mine have also contributed greatly to the local community through the sponsorship of major events as well as a wide range of local community and sporting groups being sponsored by the workers union movement which would all be at risk if the extension was not granted.

Emeritus Mayor Neville Castle. BA Dip Ed.