Subject: Submission in Support of MACH Energy – Mount Pleasant Modification 8
Dear NSW Major Projects Team,
I am writing to provide my submission in support of MACH Energy’s Modification 8 (MOD 8) for the Mount Pleasant Operation in Muswellbrook.
MACH Energy has demonstrated a consistent history of operating under robust development consents and approved environmental management frameworks. The company continues to operate in accordance with DA 92/97 and SSD 10418, supported by a suite of State‑ and Commonwealth‑approved strategies and monitoring programs that outline best‑practice environmental management and impact mitigation measures.
MOD 8 proposes an extension of mining activities including the extraction of an additional 78 million tonnes of coal over the next five years. From an employment and economic perspective, continued operation of the Mount Pleasant mine provides stability and ongoing job opportunities for the region—an important consideration for Muswellbrook and the broader Upper Hunter, where coal mining remains a major industry and contributor to local economic resilience.
It is also important to note that Mount Pleasant has an established approvals history and has already undergone extensive assessment and community engagement through its multiple previous modifications, including the long‑term extension approved in 2022 allowing operations to 2048 under the Mount Pleasant Optimisation Project framework.
While legal challenges regarding climate‑related considerations remain ongoing in separate forums, these matters are currently before higher courts for resolution. In the interim, it is reasonable that NSW Planning proceeds with public exhibition and assessment of MOD 8 on its merits, ensuring a transparent and accountable process.
In summary, I support MOD 8 because:
* It provides continuity for local employment and economic activity in a region strongly dependent on mining.
* MACH Energy operates under rigorously regulated environmental frameworks with oversight from State and Commonwealth regulators.
* The modification represents a short‑term operational extension consistent with the mine’s long‑established approvals and existing land-use planning context.
* The public exhibition of MOD 8 ensures proper scrutiny and transparent consideration of all stakeholder views.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this proposal. I ask that the Department give full and fair consideration to the operational, economic, and regulatory merits of Modification 8.
Kind regards,
Samuel Ervin

I have lived in the area for 25 years, worked at Mount Pleasant Operation for 8 years, I have a small family being my husband and two young children 5 & 2. Mount Pleasant has provided me with employment security, financial security, education & career opportunities. Working at Mount pleasant Operations means I can live locally and raise my young family in the upper Hunter, without it I am not sure I would be able to live in this area. Mach energy & Thiess support many community groups in our area and they would suffer greatly without its operation. I support Mod 8 to finally secure my future job security & financial security in the community that I love.

I am writing in support of Modification 8 to allow Mount Pleasant Operations to continue operating through to December 2032.

Mount Pleasant is a major employer in the Muswellbrook region, with over 700 direct full-time jobs, the majority of which are held by local residents. My partner works at the mine, and many of our close friends and community members rely on these jobs. If this extension is not approved and operations cease in 2026, the impact on local families would be immediate and significant.

The mine contributes not just wages, but stability to the local economy. Local businesses, contractors, service providers, schools, sporting groups and community organisations all benefit from the presence of a strong, working population. A closure would reduce spending in the region and place additional strain on small businesses and the broader community.

Mount Pleasant also contributes through royalty payments to the NSW Government and supports the local Indigenous community through employment and direct funding initiatives. These contributions would be lost if operations were forced to wrap up prematurely.

The proposed extension does not involve a new mining area but continues operations within the already approved footprint, using existing facilities. It allows for continued employment, economic stability, and energy supply while legal matters are resolved.

With other local mines such as Mt Arthur and Mangoola approaching closure in coming years, retaining existing operations like Mount Pleasant is critical to maintaining employment and economic balance in the Upper Hunter.

For these reasons, I support Modification 8 and the continuation of Mount Pleasant Operations.

I am an employee of mount pleasant mine and have built my life around its presence in our community. My family and I live locally, we own our home here, and our daughter attend school in Muswellbrook. The mine is not just my workplace, it is the foundation of our town’s economy and the reason many families, including mine, are able to live and thrive in this region.
I respectfully request that the government consider the real and practical impacts on local families when making decisions about the future of the mine. Continued operation ensures ongoing employment, regional stability, and the sustainability of our town.

Mt Pleasant contributes significantly to the economy and prosperity of the Hunter region, the state of NSW and Australia through direct and indirect employment with employees and contractors, royalties and sales of high-quality energy coal. I strongly support Mt Pleasant's modification to continue the prosperity of our great country.

full support

The Mount Pleasant Operation - Mod 8 is crucial not only to the site and its direct workforce but to the wider community and industry. I have lived and worked in the Muswellbrook and Upper Hunter region for the last six years as a journalist and have seen and experienced how vital all the mine sites, including Mt Pleasant are to the region.
Of course, it's the direct jobs with over 1,000 jobs to be delivered if the full Mod 8 is realised and the current workforce of local families and residents who rely on their employment. It's also indirect employment from suppliers, to contractors and the local business employment at coffee shops, the supermarket, petrol station, hairdresser and everywhere else the mine and its employees spend their money.
There are also many community groups that will feel the loss of Mount Pleasant if the Mod isn't approved - MACH Energy has provided over $2 million in support to local schools, sporting clubs and community organisations to date. That sort of money doesn't materialise overnight for the community groups who have been thankful to receive it.
If this modification doesn't go through, the community will feel the loss of the direct spend, the employees and everything else mentioned above, possibly by the end of 2026 given the SSD 101418 that is currently in the courts.
Therefore I unreservedly support this project.

I am a local service provider engaged on contracts associated with Mount Pleasant. The continuation of this operation directly supports my small business and, in turn, my household, including my wife and two children. The income generated through this work flows into our mortgage, local spending and reinvestment back into equipment and services within the Hunter region.

Mount Pleasant does not only support direct employees. It underpins a wide network of contractors, suppliers and small businesses who rely on the stability of ongoing operations. For service providers like myself, certainty around approvals is critical. It allows us to plan ahead, invest confidently, maintain compliance, and retain skilled capability. Without that certainty, small businesses face significant financial and operational pressure.

The project provides meaningful economic benefit to the region, both through direct employment and through the extended supply chain. From my experience, many local families rely on the continuity of this operation.

I strongly support the continued operation of Mount Pleasant under MOD 8 and the certainty it provides to workers, contractors and the broader Hunter community.

Mt Pleasant Operation provides jobs for a large number of community members. Its continuing operation and potential expansion is of key importance to the economic future of the region.

Mach energy contributes to local events and help the town to thrive