Warkworth Coal Mine Continuation

This is detrimental to the martial environment as well as to the communities of broke. It should not go ahead!

The plans have already been rejected by two NSW courts, but Rio Tinto has resubmitted its application and the assessment process has started again. This is a case of 'if at first you don't succeed, try, try again'. Rio Tinto needs to accept the courts decision of no mine extension, which would create significantly increased levels of dust particulates and industrial noise. A large area of endangered eco-systems previously set aside to compensate for earlier mine work would also face destruction by the expansion despite promises by Rio Tinto and the government that it would never be mined. Stop the mine expansion.

I am writing to register my objection to the approval of both the Warkworth (SSD 6464) and Mt Thorley (SSD 6465) Continuation Projects.

The proposed projects will have significant environmental and social impacts, including but not limited to: biodiversity loss, air quality issues arising from coal dust, impacts on Aboriginal cultural heritage, impacts upon surface and ground water resources, and increase greenhouse gas emissions. The projects will significantly impact upon the ecology of the Warkworth Sands Woodland Endangered Ecological Community.

The Warkworth Continuation Project proposes to mine the same area of land as the previous 2010 Warkworth Extension application. That 2010 application was dismissed by both the Land and Environment Court and Supreme Court of NSW due to significant and unacceptable impacts on biological diversity, including on endangered ecological communities, noise impacts and social impacts. Although there are some differences in this new application, the broad scale impacts of the proposal remain the same.

These proposals have the potential to create long-term damage to threatened species, water and human health in the region and should be rejected.

To Whom it May Concern,

I am writing to register my objection to the approval of both the Warkworth (SSD 6464) and Mt Thorley (SSD 6565)
Continuation Projects.
The proposed projects will have significant environmental and social impacts, including but not limited to:
 Biodiversity loss
 Air quality issues arising from coal dust
 Impacts on Aboriginal cultural heritage
 Impacts upon surface and ground water resources
 Increased greenhouse gas emissions
The projects will significantly impact upon the ecology of the Warkworth Sands Woodland Endangered Ecological
Community.
The Warkworth Continuation Project proposes to mine the same area of land as the previous 2010 Warkworth
Extension application. That 2010 application was dismissed by both the Land and Environment Court and the
Supreme Court of NSW due to significant and unacceptable impacts on biological diversity, including on endangered
ecological communities, noise impacts and social impacts. Although there are some differences in this new
application, the broad scale impacts of the proposal remain the same.
These proposals have the potential to create long‐term damage to threatened species, water and human health in
the region and should be rejected.

Yours sincerely

Mrs Jill Thio
5 Power Street
BAIRNSDALE, VIC, 3875

6/08/2014

Patricia Kahler
4 The Wool Road
Basin View 2540
Email; [email protected]


To whom it may concern,

I am writing to register my objection to the approval of the Warkworth proposal (SSD 6464) and Mt Thorley (SSD 6465) Continuation Projects.

I object to both of these projects , and I submit that it should be refused on the following grounds.

Both of these proposed projects will create even more negative environmental and social impacts placed upon local communities and the local environment, including biodiversity loss and air pollution issues, arising from coal dust and the associated fugitive emissions.

These proposals may have negative impacts upon Aboriginal culture and heritage in the region, ruined permanently and lost forever, due to possible unforseen problems occurring with such proposals, due to a lack of Due Care, Diligence and Monitoring.

These proposals will also have increased negative impacts on surface and ground water resources and will greatly increase greenhouse gas emissions. The projects will significantly impact upon the ecology of the Warkworth Sands Woodland which is an Endangered Ecological Community and could lead to a big loss of Biodiversity for Australia

The Warkworth Continuation Project proposes to mine the same area of land as the previous 2010 Warkworth Extension application.

That 2010 application was dismissed by both the Land and Environment Court and Supreme Court of NSW.

This was due to significant and unacceptable impacts on biological diversity, including endangered ecological communities that form part of the connected ecosystems in our country

The negative, impacts of this proposal could have devastating effects on our health, air quality, water and land, let alone the negative social impacts it will more than likely cause.

When there is not enough evidence to prove that human health and environmental health are protected and safe then surely the precautionary principal should apply?

I feel disgraced by our government's lack in their duty of care and non empathy for our country and our societies as a whole, to take such risks, with our Most Vital Resources including OUR Water Catchments and Arable land to even consider such a proposal.

Although there are some differences in this new application, the broad scale impacts of the proposal remain the same.

These proposals have the potential to create real long-term irreparable damage to our Land, Water and our very futures, our threatened species, our air quality, our safe clean water and human health in this region and beyond. This proposal should be rejected.


Yours Sincerely
Patricia Kahler

I support the application for Warkworth to continue mining as proposed.

This industry is important to Newcastle and the Hunter. As mining businesses we have a duty to the community mine coal in the most efficient and environmentaly conscious way. We, the miners of the hunter are some of the best in the world for efficiency of equipment and processing. We want to continue to support the community and this nation to grow sustainably.

There are many challenges in the industry, we would appreciate some support from the wider community.

Regards

Adam Lane

My Job and1300 others directly depend on Mount Thorley Warkworth. As a Maintenance Scheduler employed at MTW part of my job is to organise contract labour to supplement our own maintenance workforce These contracting firms and their employee's rely on this work. Without the approval all our ongoing employment is placed in jeopardy

I am a single mum of a 14 year old boy - if Warkworth doesn't get this extension, I along with 1300 other people will be looking for work. This will have a devastating effect on the local community, possibly causing local businesses to close their doors. This extension needs to be approved to enable the community to stay strong and healthy.

This application by Rio Tinto to expand the Mt Thorley Warkworth coal mining operations is in direct contravention of the judgement handed down by the land and environment court.

Extension should not be granted.
The impact of this mine is too great on our homes and our lives; No amount of Noise suppression will change the impact; It is too close to our homes now; noise limits are too high;
Refer attached for further information.

We object to the project as per attached file

Please see attached letter

My submission is in the PDF document below

Refer to Attachment 1

See attached PDF

Submission opposing Mount Thorley Warkworth Continuation Project 2014
My name is Mildi Palmer and I oppose the proposed extension for the following reasons:
-Proposals to mine the area have been denied previously by two courts. Continuing to apply to mine this area is contempt of the court system and an abuse of process. It also shows rampant disregard for Bulga residents and the ecology of the Warkworth Sands Woodland.
-Information in the EIS is incorrect. Rio states 23.8% of privately owned properties in Bulga are unoccupied (37) houses. In fact, it is only 3 houses.
-Residents of Warkworth, Long Point, Gouldsville, Broke, Fordwich and Milbrodale would be subjected to additional dust, noise and blast effects. The damaging effects of particulate matter are well known, and must not be ignored in considering this proposal, please see the below links http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/189051/Health-effects-of-particulate-matter-final-Eng.pdf
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/air/Pages/particulate-matter.aspx
-Living in this kind of environment is not very appealing therefore the approval of this project should see property values decline.
-A comprehensive social impact management plan is required in the EIS.
-Warkworth Sands Woodland is a unique environment only occurring in this area and no offsets can replace it. The woodlands support a wide range of endangered species of flora and fauna including including squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis), speckled warbler (Pyrrholaemus saggitata), brown treecreeper (Climacteris picumnis subsp.victoriae) and grey-crowned babbler (Pomatosomus temporalis subsp.temporalis). Only approximately 800 hectares of these woodlands remain, with no conservation reserve. There is no way expanding mining activities would not further threaten the unique ecology of the area. This is against the principle of ESD, in particular the principle of biodiversity and the precautionary principle. All levels of government are supposed to consider the ESD principles in decision-making.
-The proposed offsets are not like for like. And if coal is found in the offset area these areas can be again offset. The offset system is beyond a joke.
-There are significant indigenous heritage sites in the woodlands that should not be disturbed.
-An open cut coal mine would contribute poorly to the amenity of the area, thus poorly affecting residents' wellbeing.
Thank you

Mildi Palmer

My submission is attached in PDF format.

see attached

Letter of Support for the Warkworth and Mt Thorley Continuation Project attached.

See attachment.
I have made no political donation.