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.

Coal mine expansions without fail have negative outcomes for the immediate and nearby population and environment. Pollution from coal dust and machinery affects people and local species. Asking for an expansion again after being denied in the initial proposal is acknowledging these harms and acknowledging that these harms are known to the government and the community, then deciding to try to steamroll through it regardless. This is insulting and disrespectful not only to people local to the mine and its proposed expansion, but also to all residents of the Hunter region, and to the planning system and governmental processes in its entirety. The proposed expansion goes against the NSW governments net zero commission recommendations. Approval for this expansion will have disastrous results for resident's health, the environment, and faith in the planning system and the NSW government. It would call into question the government's actual dedication to resisting climate change and prove their willingness to case harm to maintain relationships with the minerals council and large energy and mining companies such as MACH energy.

I support to project and are happy to be apart of it

To Whom It May Concern,

My name is Ben Rumble and I live in Bowral NSW. I am tendering this submission to publicly object to the proposed expansion of the Mt Pleasant Coal Mine Project by MACH Energy.

I outline my objections below:


* The proposed expansion of the Mt Pleasant Coal Mine is not a modification. It is not “substantially the same development” as the project that was previously approved (DA 92/97) and calling it a “modification” is a misnomer that eliminates the prospect of independent review. The project must go to the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) for valid independent assessment.

* 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.

* 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 serious ongoing environmental and social consequences for the entire Hunter region.

* The proposed "expansion" of the Mt Pleasant Coal Mine 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.

* Approval of this expansion will inflict major harm on the people of NSW and the state economy. The people of NSW are already dealing with increasing bills and escalating dangers from climate change fuelled extreme weather. Expanding the Mt Pleasant Coal Mine makes no sense on that basis alone and should be abandoned immediately.

Thank you for allowing me to share my concerns with you.

Yours sincerely,
Ben Rumble

It will bring many jobs and keep many people in the community employed.

It is a crucial project for our future and supply of both stable electricity and job opportunities

I am writing to support Modification 8 for the Mount Pleasant Operation.
I live and work in the Upper Hunter and have strong personal and professional ties to the Muswellbrook region. Mount Pleasant is a key employer and economic contributor, supporting local jobs, contractors and businesses, and helping to sustain the broader community.
With other major mining operations in the region winding down, the continued operation of Mount Pleasant is critically important. Certainty around its future is essential for maintaining jobs, supporting local suppliers and sustaining community services.
Mount Pleasant has demonstrated a strong commitment to the region through local employment, community investment and significant contributions to the NSW economy. Its ongoing operation also plays an important role in supporting reliable domestic energy supply during a period of transition. Through my dealings with MACH, I have found them to be an industry leader in environmental management and community engagement. They consistently deliver on their commitments and uphold a strong culture focused on positive outcomes for the local area.
For these reasons, I believe MOD 8 is reasonable, necessary and in the best interests of the Upper Hunter, and I strongly support its approval.

Mount Pleasant is a strong supporter of the local community providing employment to many locals and contributing to many local community organizations.

I am writing in my capacity as President of the Sandy Hollow Charity Motorfest Committee to express our strong support for Modification 8 for the Mount Pleasant Operation.
Sandy Hollow Charity Motorfest is a volunteer-run community event that raises funds for local charities, community organisations and facilities that directly benefit the people of the Upper Hunter. The event brings together local families, businesses, car enthusiasts and community groups and has become an important annual event for our region.
Events such as Sandy Hollow Motorfest rely heavily on the support of local businesses and industry to remain viable and continue raising funds for community causes. Mining operations such as Mount Pleasant play a significant role in supporting the local economy, which in turn enables businesses and organisations to contribute to community initiatives like ours.
The Upper Hunter region is built on strong community connections between industry, local businesses and community organisations. When operations such as Mount Pleasant are able to continue operating with certainty, it helps maintain employment, supports local suppliers and contractors, and ensures that businesses can continue giving back to their communities through sponsorships, donations and volunteer support.
Many of the people involved in our event, including volunteers, sponsors and attendees, are local families whose livelihoods are connected to the mining industry either directly or indirectly. The continuation of Mount Pleasant provides important economic stability for these families and the broader region.
At a time when several major projects in the Hunter Valley are approaching the end of their operational life, maintaining certainty for projects like Mount Pleasant is critical to supporting the long-term sustainability of our regional communities.
For these reasons, and in recognition of the positive role the mining industry plays in supporting regional communities and community events, the Sandy Hollow Charity Motorfest Committee supports the approval of Modification 8 for the Mount Pleasant Operation.
Sincerely,
Mick Turner