Vickery Mine Extension

I support the approval and development of the Vickery Coal Project.

I have seen at first hand the benefits of ongoing investment in both
mining and agricultural activities have for the Gunnedah Basin, its
towns and general population. I believe both industries work well
together and in fact compliment each other as they draw
service/support industries and indeed investment in necessary
infrastructure to the area, that also benefits all in the community.
The Vickery Expansion project appears to be a very measured and
thoroughly considered proposal that will further build upon the
investments that have gone before it. It will provide benefits to the
local communities through further employment and potential additional
investment in local services and infrastructure. This can only be a
good thing. Whitehaven Coal have demonstrated by past actions that
they are responsible partner who works with all in the community to
deliver shared benefit.

Whitehaven Coal has been able to support Smith EMS through the most
significant industry down turn this century. This has meant that all
Smith EMS employees have been retained during this period.

The continual operation and expansion of Whitehaven in all ventures
will help ensure security and prosperity for my company, along with
many other small companies like it.

These companies employ honest, dedicated, hard working and highly
qualified workers, who all contribute significantly to the NSW economy
both now and into the future.

I support Whitehaven Coal's Vickery project.

I support vickery to boost local economy and provide jobs for the locals

I support this project as it will promote ongoing employment in the
Gunnedah region. It will also offset the closure of smaller open cut
mines in that region and continue to support the local economy and
community as being a major employer and contributing to community
events.

New projects are vital for the growth of the area I now call home. As a
resident and home owner in Gunnedah I support the project and the
development of jobs, new residents, local employment opportunities as
well as the opportunities for supporting businesses in the area to
grow.

I support the Vickery Extension Project.

THE Vickery project has the potential to maintain jobs and support growth
in the north western NSW region. It is good to see that people are
able to live in a remote area and earn a reasonable wage. Jobs growth
will encourage people to move to the area and away from metropolitan
areas. This is in oppositon to trends rural and remote areas are
facing all over Australia. It takes a lot of courage to make these
significant investments in these areas and the proposal should be
supported by the department.

As a Narrabri local that has been exposed to the drought conditions we
have experienced over the last few years, I welcome and support the
diversification of industry in the Narrabri area.
A mix of agriculture and mining in the Narrabri region will allow the
region to stay economically strong when their is a downturn in either
industry.
The additional employment brought to the region will allow subsequent
generations to have gainful employment locally which will further grow
the local area both culturally and economically.

Generates jobs and income in the local community which will help all the
communities and towns in the area. Would be a shame to see such a
valuable asset go to waste.

The area including Quirindi needs employment. Farming and mining can
Coexist and has done for years. The minority's are against mining and
make the most noise, unfortunately they don't speak for the majority.
We need jobs. Let's also have another look at BHP's Caroona Coal
Project!! Our small towns are dying. Mines = Growth and sustainability

The project is a good initiative for an already mining disturbed area.
Employment benefit and multiplier effect to the local community of
Gunnedah and surrounds will be very beneficial.
I fully support the project and consider the benefits to far out weigh
any short term impacts.

The approval of the Vickery project will provide strong diversification
of industry in the area. It will provide jobs and opportunities to
support the region and accompany the rural sector in providing a
strong backbone for the Gunnedah area to continue to grow. As
Whitehaven has increased its activities in the Gunnedah Basin over the
last few years, it appears that the hospitality and retail sectors
have also boosted in the area.
I grew up in the area and would like to see opportunities for my
children to be able to remain local and gain skills and trades in
either the mining sector or other sectors that this project will help
support.

I believe the Vickery Project will have a positive impact the district
comunity. I feel WHC will work with all parties and to ensure this
project sets new standards in minimising enviromental impacts.

Please consider the long term effects of mining before making a decision
on this application. These include
Social impacts
Impacts on air soil & water resources
Impact on our wildlife
Impact on our historical sites Both indigenous & unique &
irreplaceable examples of early settlement
Mining companies & their political minions must not be allowed to
destroy our local community & environment

I support the Vickery Extension Project.

I would like the Vickery extension to go through as the coal industry in
this country has only 30 odd years left and our community needs to
make the most out of this natural resource.It would be a shame to
waste this opportunity.

The project delivers significant benefits to NSW and the Gunnedah Basin
community, in particular opportunities for the young people who would
potentially have to leave the area for work and particularly for
indigenous people and thereby combat decline in rural populations.

The proposed extension to an existing approved mine on a historical
mining footprint creates on the whole limited incremental impacts
which can be mitigated by sound mining practice.

I would like to see the operation commence