Warkworth Coal Mine Continuation

This is a submission against both the Warkworth (SSD 6464) and Mt Thorley (SSD 6465) Continuation Projects.

The NSW Land and Environment Court ruled in April 2013 that expanding the Warkworth coal mine would do the NSW public more harm than good. Judge Preston found that the information used by Rio Tinto and NSW Planning in support of the project was wrong, and he overturned the approval.

When Rio Tinto and the NSW Government appealed that decision to the NSW Supreme Court (Court of Appeal), they lost. Two superior NSW courts have now ruled that Rio's plan to expand the Warkworth coal mine fails on merit.

The Bulga people and their many supporters justly assumed that this would be the end of the project. Instead, Rio Tinto have simply resubmitted their mining application. It has been split in two, and the name updated, but these two projects (SSD 6464 and SSD 6465) are effectively the same project that has been rejected by two NSW courts (MP 09_0202).

That the Planning Department has even accepted Rio Tinto's application is a failure of procedural fairness, and makes a farce of the very process you are now asking us, the public, to participate in. We are being asked to make submissions on a project that has already been through this very same assessment process and failed - only to be resubmitted. We are being asked to submit to a process overseen by a Department that is clearly working closely with the proponent to get the project approved, and which got the decision wrong the first time around. There can be no faith in this process.

The Department must respect the decisions of the NSW Land and Environment Court, and the NSW Supreme Court (Court of Appeal), and reject these applications.

Continuation of MTW provides a substantial net benefit to NSW and helps protect the jobs of its employees and others. Best practise systems and processes are implemented to minimise impacts. MTW has a proud history in the valley and approval will allow the mine to continue this for many years to come.

The Hunter needs this, currently we're seeing mines closing and many people are out of work. Mt Thorley Warkworth employees 1300 people who live in the Hunter. That's 1300 people leaving the area looking elsewhere for work. It's not only the mine that suffers too, many sub contractors / businesses rely on this mine's approval. Local townships ie. singleton, muswellbrook, branxton, greta etc will feel the impact. This needs to happen.

I support the continuation of MTW.

I think the community will suffer a lot if this mine isn't allowed to continue. It will cost a lot of jobs and have a devastating impact on the Hunter Valley.

This is a submission against both the Warkworth (SSD 6464) and Mt Thorley (SSD 6465) Continuation Projects.

The NSW Land and Environment Court ruled in April 2013 that expanding the Warkworth coal mine would do the NSW public more harm than good. Judge Preston found that the information used by Rio Tinto and NSW Planning in support of the project was wrong, and he overturned the approval.

When Rio Tinto and the NSW Government appealed that decision to the NSW Supreme Court (Court of Appeal), they lost. Two superior NSW courts have now ruled that Rio's plan to expand the Warkworth coal mine fails on merit.

The Bulga people and their many supporters justly assumed that this would be the end of the project. Instead, Rio Tinto have simply resubmitted their mining application. It has been split in two, and the name updated, but these two projects (SSD 6464 and SSD 6465) are effectively the same project that has been rejected by two NSW courts (MP 09_0202).

That the Planning Department has even accepted Rio Tinto's application is a failure of procedural fairness, and makes a farce of the very process you are now asking us, the public, to participate in. We are being asked to make submissions on a project that has already been through this very same assessment process and failed - only to be resubmitted. We are being asked to submit to a process overseen by a Department that is clearly working closely with the proponent to get the project approved, and which got the decision wrong the first time around. There can be no faith in this process.

The Department must respect the decisions of the NSW Land and Environment Court, and the NSW Supreme Court (Court of Appeal), and reject these applications. The Department should also realise that the Australian public will no longer sit idly by while our beautiful country is torn apart by an ongoing corporate cash grab that will only serve to to damage the country's (and in the case of coal) the world's future prosperity.

I support the continuation of MTW not only for the 1200 - 1500 jobs it provides, but also the flow on jobs and money and support it injects into the community.

As a current employee at a hunter valley coal mine, I give 100% support towards the continuation of the mount thorley warkworth continuation project as I have seen the benefits of the coal industry provides both internally and externally, both to their employees and the surrounding community and the impact that it has on surrounding businesses families and economic sustainability in the Hunter Valley. Is it a vital part in keping a sustainable future for current employees but also paving a strong foundation for future employees and surrounding businesses.

I support Warkworth continuation project for reasons of community support through funding, employment and education of young members in the value and importance of mining in the local area.

This is a submission against both the Warkworth (SSD 6464) and Mt Thorley (SSD 6465) Continuation Projects.

The NSW Land and Environment Court ruled in April 2013 that expanding the Warkworth coal mine would do the NSW public more harm than good. Judge Preston found that the information used by Rio Tinto and NSW Planning in support of the project was wrong, and he overturned the approval.

When Rio Tinto and the NSW Government appealed that decision to the NSW Supreme Court (Court of Appeal), they lost. Two superior NSW courts have now ruled that Rio's plan to expand the Warkworth coal mine fails on merit.

The Bulga people and their many supporters justly assumed that this would be the end of the project. Instead, Rio Tinto have simply resubmitted their mining application. It has been split in two, and the name updated, but these two projects (SSD 6464 and SSD 6465) are effectively the same project that has been rejected by two NSW courts (MP 09_0202).

That the Planning Department has even accepted Rio Tinto's application is a failure of procedural fairness, and makes a farce of the very process you are now asking us, the public, to participate in. We are being asked to make submissions on a project that has already been through this very same assessment process and failed - only to be resubmitted. We are being asked to submit to a process overseen by a Department that is clearly working closely with the proponent to get the project approved, and which got the decision wrong the first time around. There can be no faith in this process.

The Department must respect the decisions of the NSW Land and Environment Court, and the NSW Supreme Court (Court of Appeal), and reject these applications.

I am writing in support of the Warkworth continuation project. I live in Singleton and am aware of multiple community events, projects and funding, directly related to Warkworth mine. I think the mine generates many jobs for the community, public spending at retail and business levels as well as keeping the community full of hard working, contributing people making living in Singleton and surrounding areas a much better place to live. As an employee of Rio Tinto in another mine, I see the company itself as proactive for community support, and extremely proactive towards environmental issues and trying to work harmoniously with other industries such as the farming industry.

I support the warkworth continuation with the jobs and support to the community it creates.

I give my support to MTW expansion as it provides employment to the local people in the Hunter region. Unemployment is growing in Australia and we are seeing it more in our community as well as the downturn in many business sectors throughout the Hunter. I also believe the project will add financial benefits to community projects that the area may need attention.

I would like to support the warkworth project. I believe the mine brings revenue for the town, and supports many community events. The mine also employs many people and therefore keeps the community thriving as people will buy properties and live in the area. Thanks again I do support this 100%. Regards.

I support the extension of the MTW mine.
It will ensure the employment of those on site as well as surrounding industries.

I have been working at MTW for past few years as we moved to singleton from WA in late 2011. I moved here With my wife and two children. We have settled in to the singleton community witch to us it's great. We have bought a house and are currently renovating. My two children go to Local school in the area. To have MTW extension not approved would be devastating not only to my self and family, singleton it self.

I support the expansion of MTW.
The continuation of MTW will provide not only employment for those currently there, but the businesses that rely on MTW as suppliers.

Mt Thorley / Warkworth is needed for the future of all communities and the general economy as a whole.

I support the warkworth continuation.

I support the MTW continuation.