I object to this proposal as it is not in the public interest to continue to drive one of the indisputable causes of climate change by promulgating fossil fuel follies and expanding the industry beyond what the developed world is acknowledging is a tipping point period.

The technology exists to explore and implement alternatives to fossil fuels, if rejecting this proposal means those alternatives are expedited this can only be seen as a positive step to transition our community.

The next generation and beyond is being compromised by a subsidised system that is no longer relevant to humanity. I urge you to reject this proposal and start turning the coal titanic around, otherwise we will all sink.

I endorse the submission compiled by our local Sustainable Neighbourhood Group (attached)

Submission is attached.

The Coal Point Progress Association objects to the Newstan proposal and endorses the submission lodged by the Toronto Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group (attached) and would like to make the following comments.

The public interest cited as one of the prime reasons for progressing this project does not take into account the indisputable impact that fossil fuels are having on the viability of life on earth. The IPCC Sixth Assessment Report of 9th August states “Scientists are observing changes in the Earth’s climate in every region and across the whole climate system. Many of the changes observed in the climate are unprecedented in thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of years, and some of the changes already set in motion—such as continued sea level rise—are irreversible over hundreds to thousands of years.However, strong and sustained reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases would limit climate change.” The public interest is to address the causes of climate change not continue to ignore them.

This projects locks our community into a climate compromising existing system. At some point a line in the sand must be drawn. This is that point in time. Leslie Hughes, Professor of Biology at Macquarie University and councillor at the Climate Council, states: "What we do by 2030 would determine our future. There must be no new oil, coal or gas exploration or infrastructure. We've got to stop subsidising fossil fuels. We've got to electrify everything and then run everything from renewable energy. We've got to change our diets.We've really got to change most of the ways that we do things. But we know how to do it and there are ample opportunities to do so."

The Hunter is being well positioned to transition to a renewable economy, an alternative renewable proposal for our community would start a transition that will gain momentum and be a forerunner. Adopting this proposal will be like flogging a dead horse.

Additional impacts from this proposal on the health of Lake Macquarie due to the stability of the Eraring Ash Dam also need to be considered. The stability of the unlined and extensive ash dam is of major concern, as evidenced by the closure of the Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation camp. There are already creeks within the catchment that have been fractured and now cease to flow. Should the Ash Dam leachate become mobile impacts across the whole city will be felt , the aquatic recreational pursuits of locals and tourism markets compromised.

As Lake Macquarie continues to position itself as Sydney's active recreational playground the Awaba Conservation Area's biodiverse attractions would contribute in the long term towards job creation, tourism and active recreation. The bushland corridor of the Awaba Conservation Area connects the City to the Watagans and beyond providing much needed quality vegetation for local wildlife whose habitat is being fragmented by the increase in urbanisation in western Lake Macquarie. Incorporating this area into the regional parks portfolio would be a significant contribution to expand Lake Macquarie city's eco-tourism potential.

I strongly object to this proposal because, in order to protect the future for our children, no more coal should be mined. Mining more coal will lead to an increase in emissions of carbon dioxide and an increase in global warming. This must not be allowed to happen.

Please find submission attached.

The Toronto Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group (TASNG) objects to the Centennial Coal Newstan Mine Extension Project application in its current form because the ‘public interest’ argument is questionable and there are potential impacts on the Eraring Ash Dam and the Awaba Conservation Area. Details are provided in the attached document.