I wish to express my strong support for Modification 8 (MOD8), which proposes to extend the current development consent (DA 92/97) for the Mount Pleasant Operation.

I have been employed in connection with the Mount Pleasant Operation for the past six years. During this time, the operation has provided me with stable and ongoing employment that has allowed me to support my immediate family and maintain financial security. The consistency of this work has contributed significantly to our ability to meet day-to-day living costs and plan confidently for the future. The continuation of the operation through MOD8 is therefore very important to my family’s stability and wellbeing.

Mount Pleasant is also a major economic contributor to the Upper Hunter region and the broader New South Wales economy. The operation directly employs a large workforce across mining, processing, maintenance, engineering, environmental management and administrative roles. In addition to these direct positions, the mine supports a wide range of indirect employment through contractors, suppliers, transport providers, equipment maintenance companies, local trades, and professional service businesses that depend on mining activity in the region.

When these broader flow-on impacts are considered, the number of people whose livelihoods are supported by the Mount Pleasant Operation extends far beyond those working on site. The operation plays an important role in sustaining local businesses and supporting the economic strength of the Upper Hunter.

Mount Pleasant also contributes positively to the community. A particularly important area is the strong support provided to Indigenous communities through initiatives such as the Aboriginal Community Development Fund (ACDF), which helps deliver meaningful social and economic outcomes for local Aboriginal people. In addition, the operation provides support to a range of local organisations, sporting groups, schools and community initiatives that contribute to the strength and resilience of the region.

Over the time I have been associated with the operation, I have also seen the strong focus placed on meeting regulatory requirements and operating responsibly. The mine operates under a comprehensive approvals framework with strict environmental and operational conditions. From my perspective, there is a clear commitment to complying with these obligations and to continually improving operational practices.

Based on my personal experience and the broader economic and community benefits the operation provides, I strongly support the approval of Modification 8 and the continued operation of the Mount Pleasant Operation.

I would be a big supporter of the mine continuing into the future years

Mt pleasant is a great place to work and they do so much to support the local community.

Mach Energy - Mount pleasant operations is an integral part of my work contracting as I am a contract weed sprayer. Without Mach Energy, my company could no longer keep running.
My company employs 5 people, 2 of whom are full-time employees and 3 that are contractors, we all work along side each other and hold the same views that Mach Energy has been a godsend to a large portion of the upper hunter.
We are all local community members of the Upper Hunter and have an immense appreciation for the role Mach energy plays in our lives.
Not only do we feed our families through the generosity of Mach Energy employing local community members, but we also hold a great deal of value in the role Mach Energy plays in the greater community by sponsoring a vast number of events that allows us to have enjoyment and unwind with our friends and family, a small number of these events include multiple rodes across scone, muswellbrook, Merriwa, Cassilis and singleton.
Charity motor fest at Sandy Hollow, upper hunter show, Merriwa spring time show, Festival of the Fleeces, just to name a few.
It is genuinely incredible what Mach Energy provides for so many people in this area, whether it be stable, productive jobs and careers or just the opportunity to spend time with the people we love. This community would not be the same without the support of Mach Energy.

I object to the preposed project for the following reeaaons.
● This huge mine expansion will create 1.5 million tonnes of local greenhouse gas pollution in the next ten years in NSW and over a 100 million tonnes in downstream emissions at a time when our state is not on track to meet its legislated 2030 or 2035 emissions reductions targets. The people of NSW are already suffering the impacts of climate change, including in the Hunter region and adding further greenhouse pollution will do unacceptable harm to the public interest.

● The NSW Court of Appeal’s Denman Decision made it clear that the local impacts of climate change caused by the downstream greenhouse pollution from NSW coal have to be considered by planning authorities. As this decision is now in the High Court, acceptance of this application will cause legal and practical confusion with environmental and social consequences for the area.

● The expansion of this mine is in direct contradiction to the Government's own advice from the NSW Net Zero Commission in December of last year that “[c]ontinued extensions or expansions to coal mining in NSW are not consistent” with NSW climate law nor with the Paris Agreement temperature goals.

● Approval would inflict harm on our people and our economy. The people of NSW are already dealing with increasing bills and escalating dangers from climate change fuelled extreme weather.

● This expansion is not a modification. It is not “substantially the same development” as the one previously approved (DA 92/97) and calling it a “modification” avoids independent review. This project must go to the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) for proper assessment.

Approving an extension for Mt Pleasant Mine would provide important economic stability for the region by protecting hundreds of direct and indirect jobs that local families rely on. The mine supports employment not only on-site but also across contractors, transport operators, local suppliers, and small businesses throughout the Muswellbrook and wider Hunter Valley community. Extending operations would help maintain a strong local economy, keep skilled workers employed, and ensure continued investment in community programs, infrastructure, and services that mining companies often support. Without the extension, the region could face significant job losses and reduced economic activity, making approval a practical step to sustain livelihoods and community wellbeing while longer-term economic transitions are planned.

I strongly oppose this mine expansion. It will add large amounts of greenhouse gas pollution locally and downstream, worsening climate impacts at a time NSW is not meeting its targets.
The Denman court decision (now in the High Court) requires climate impacts from coal to be considered. Approving this project now would create legal uncertainty and harm communities and the environment.
The NSW Net Zero Commission has clearly stated that expanding coal mining is inconsistent with climate law and the Paris Agreement.
This project will hurt people and the economy, increasing costs and risks from extreme weather.
It is not a minor modification of an existing mine. Calling it a “modification” avoids proper review. The Independent Planning Commission must assess it fully.
For these reasons, I respectfully urge that the expansion be refused.

The NSW Coal Industry contributes to not only the community located in the vicinity of the mines but the state as a whole through significant Royalties. Mach employs many locals as well as various supporting contractors from the area which in turn spend money in our local businesses, helping are community to thrive. Mach directly and through it's employees contribute to many local sporting and community projects.
As an employee of a business that provides support to the mining industry we rely on a robust and progressive mining industry to keep our business going. While I don't want mining to go unchecked and unregulated, operations like Mach Energy that are actively trying to minimise the impact mining has on the environment and the local community are a sensible way forward using modern techniques designed to minimise negative impacts
At of time or uncertainty and instability in the world we need to keep our country as self sustainable as possible. While other mines in the area are coming to the end of their natural operating cycles it is imperative we as a State maintain the ability to produce reliable and affordable power through various options.
Having a clear path forward for Mount Pleasant helps bring certainty and confidence to our area and the state. Stability with employment, stability with our power needs and stability with the State's funding through Royalties.
Our coal exports also provides leverage with our trading partners to ensure the ongoing continued trade back and forth to ensure Australia's secure future.

I support this submission

I vehemently disagree with the planned expansion of the coal mine at Mt Pleasant.

This huge mine expansion will create 1.5 million tonnes of local greenhouse gas pollution in the next ten years in NSW and over a 100 million tonnes in downstream emissions at a time when our state is not on track to meet its legislated 2030 or 2035 emissions reductions targets. We are already suffering the impacts of climate change and adding further greenhouse pollution will do unacceptable harm to the public interest.

The expansion of this mine is in direct contradiction to the Government's own advice from the NSW Net Zero Commission in December of last year that “[c]ontinued extensions or expansions to coal mining in NSW are not consistent” with NSW climate law nor with the Paris Agreement temperature goals.

Approval would inflict harm on our people and our economy. The people of NSW are already dealing with increasing bills and escalating dangers from climate change fuelled extreme weather.

This expansion is not a modification. It is not “substantially the same development” as the one previously approved (DA 92/97) and calling it a “modification” avoids independent review. This project must go to the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) for proper assessment.