As a local to the Singleton community, l strongly support the approval of Hunter Valley Operations continuation project. Given that HVO has operated for over 70 years, it should be treated as that, not a new mine.

Hunter Valley Operations is a massive local employer, with over 1500 direct jobs, let alone local business who are supported through the goods and services that HVO buy and utilise.

If not approved, HVO will close in 2 years' time, impacting thousands of people directly, and many times more indirectly, as HVO is a major contributor to coal royalties that pay for schools, hospitals and roads, along with many other vital services that support our state. Further, HVO is a great supportor of local charities and provides many community grants.

Finally, when being assessed, it should be noted that HVO has demonstrated a strong commitment to the environment and community in its submission for continuation by re-designing its pit shell and forgoing already approved mine areas and infrastructure in order to reduce and remove impact on the environment, sacred sites and the broader community.

My partner works here as well as other close friends and family, the continuation of this project is imperative to our families livelihood.

If the NSW Government accepts that we are in the throes of a climate disaster brought on by the excessive burning of fossil fuels, and that we as a global community need to reduce future extraction and burning of fossil fuels, then this and other similar projects cannot be permitted to proceed. Research shows 90% of coal and 60% of oil and gas reserves must stay in the ground if we’re to have half a chance of limiting global warming to 1.5℃ this century. Allowing fossil fuel extraction to expand is a dangerous move that does not support Australia’s long-term energy future.
This needs to be the beginning point. Time is critical. It is necessary to veto all fossil fuel extraction proposals, and concentrate investment in sustainable technologies where the financial returns would be at least comparable, but without the huge environmental and social cost.

This project will support my family financially and our livelihood for the duration of the continuation

Having worked in the Hunter Valley for retail sales, through providing other professional services I have witnessed first hand the benefits that a strong local economy brings for all towns in the valley . We have already seen the fallout of 100s of people losing their jobs through approvals not being approved. Given the current economic stress families are going through with inflation we need all the help we can get. I understand the environmental conditions that mines undertake and the constant checks and balances that the EPA undertake . Everyone loses , do it but do it properly.

This mine supports myself and my three children and is a great place to work with a lot of opportunities for myself and my children in the future.

I am a member of HVO North Workshops in particular “ Trucks” as part of maintenance group. My shifts begin in the North to travel down to the South Pit operations in Cheshunt and Riverview mining areas. Many of my fellow fitters work in the North Workshops as well as Mobile units who maintain dozers, graders etc. Many contractors also rely on these operations too in support of production mining and ancillary equipment as well. HVO is a very large employer utilising many local suppliers who provide people, parts and services from Singleton and Musselbrook townships. We are a valued member of the local community and have a great relationship with suppliers and sporting groups through sponsorship and grants giving back to local area. Many employees work local and spend their money locally too with their kids attending local schools as well...all because of our mine with its long-term future and sustainability. Thankyou for the opportunity to voice my support for our HVO its most appreciated.

I support the project

I object to this continuation proposal as we have exceeded our carbon budget already. We must be investing in drawdown projects if we are to live on a naturally life sustaining planet. God knows what the alternative looks like. Please make the required effort to understand the universality of the impacts of climate change and do your best to implement the alternatives to burning coal. To help I have added the link to Dr Penny Sackett's Expert Report regarding the Greenhouse Gas and Climate Implications of the Proposed Mt Pleasant Optimisation Project, July 2022 ( I was unable to attach ). Sadly, HVO is of an even larger total GHG outcome.
On the ground, nearby residents will experience greater issues with noise and air pollution as a consequence of the intensified activity, more vehicles and blasting events.
https://www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/resources/pac/media/files/pac/projects/2022/05/mt-pleasant-optimisation-project-ssd-10418/email-and-postal-public-submissions/dams-heg/attachment-a--sackett-report-climate-change-impacts_redacted.pdf

HVO has been a great contributor to Hunter Valley’s economy , providing steady employment to the region and essential resources that’s been benefiting countries all over the world . My partner , Andrew Longmire, have been with the company for over 10 years and remains loyal to the organisation.