see uploaded submission that expresses objection to the proposed Hume Coal Project

PROJECT: Submission to the Hume Coal Project EIS SSD7172 SUBMISSION TO OBJECT TO THE PROJECT
REASONS
1. The historical behaviour of POSCO as detailed in a United Nations report should be considered very seriously by both the State and Federal Governments before permitting this project to proceed.
2. The Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) are marketing documents. They have deliberately misrepresented the importance of Agriculture and Tourism for the economy of the Southern Highlands. Hume economic assessment is based entirely on desktop analysis. The authors have not been to the region or spoken to local business owners. Naturally local businesses intend to reduce or delay investment if the project goes ahead, or remains a possibility.
3. After approximately 50 year of specific theoretical and practical experience associated with surface and underground water it is obvious that the drawdown and toxic contamination of groundwater from mining will have a damaging and destructive effect on the Flora. Many trees and other vegetation will die. As a result Fauna will also be reduced to unacceptable levels.
4. Surface and groundwater is used extensively for irrigation and livestock enterprises in the Southern Highlands. Toxic mine waste and chemicals from coal washing will contaminate aquifers and could kill valuable crops, animals, and people. Agricultural productivity will suffer and land values will plummet.
5. Contaminated surface water will drain into catchment areas, Warragamba Dam and Sydney domestic water supplies.
6. Specialised mining labour will be imported from other parts of Australia and overseas. Only a small number would be employed locally.
7. The proposed mining area is exposed to southwest and northwest winds. Coal dust from the mine, the conveyor, the stockpile, the loading of trains, and the movement of trains will create a huge health risks. There will be serious and hazardous air pollution in Berrima, Mittagong, Bowral, Moss Vale, Sutton Forest and Robertson. Maitland, NSW, is PCU070953PCU070953
an absolute disgrace and an example of air contamination from coal mining that could occur in the Southern Highlands.
8. Heritage and colonial towns and individual sites will be covered in coal dust. Eventually this dust will blacken and erode the sandstone. Tourism will suffer severely.
9. Large multi-nation companies do not care about the health and welfare of people. Already anxiety, depression and ill-health could be attributed to the aggressive approach of Hume Coal. If mining proceeds suicides will be a reality.
10. There is no guarantee that the area to be mined will not expand at a later date. The picturesque drive from Sydney to Canberra will become most unpleasant.
11. History shows that multi-national coal companies do not abide by contractual agreements. Past Governments have failed to have farming land reinstated to past levels of productivity. For example parts of the Hunter River Valley will never recover. This could happen in the Southern Highlands. Another beautiful area of NSW could be absolutely destroyed through incompetent decisions by politicians and the courts.

Please find attached submission.