I object to the project on multiple grounds as follows:

Air and noise: The mine is already causing noise and air pollution nuisance as the complaints register shows. Muswellbrook is experiencing air quality that well exceeds national standards. This expansion will greatly increase increase the disturbed area and thereby the impacts on the town and surrounding areas. I am also concerned that the higher spoil piles will trap pollutants in the town of Muswellbrook and further exacerbate the air and noise pollution. This needs to be carefully studied and considered.

Climate: Mach Energy is now proposing extraction of approximately 247 Mt of additional run of mine coal. The estimated greenhouse gas emissions over the life of the mine if this goes ahead are 860 million tonnes. We are already at 1C warming. Greenhouse gas emissions need to be reduced now. Further emissions as from this proposal cannot be allowed and at the same time expect that we will still have a hospitable climate for future generations.

Visual impact: the eastern spoil pile will be 100m higher and will be visible from Scone, let alone the impact on Muswellbrook and on Aberdeen. There is also the impact on dust and noise pollution to be considered as above.

Strategic context and justification: Upper Hunter has an economic strategy that focuses on agriculture and tourism. Muswellbrook needs investment in economic diversification and further entrenchment of mining obstructs this investment and potentially causes issues for water availability.

Water: Cumulative 10m drawdown is predicted in the Hunter River alluvium and the impact of the mine on water resources, including the alluvium and Dartbrook will worsen after mining ceases. This will have negative impact for existing and future agricultural water uses.

Social impact: There are 30 privately-owned rural residences or parcels of land with the right to acquisition upon request because of intolerable air and noise pollution. The social impact assessment acknowledges the flow-on impact this will have on the social fabric and volunteer organisations like the RFS.

Thank you for considering these issues.

Please see attached submissions from the Department of Primary Industries:
- Agriculture; and
- Animal Welfare Unit.

I would like to register my support for the Mount Pleasant Optimisation Project. If successful this project would significantly contribute to the local and state economy, whilst undertaking progressive rehabilitation using geofluvial design principals to ensure post-mining land use is compatible with the local surrounding land uses and conservation efforts. This project would provide an approximate additional 300 jobs on top of the current workforce of 300. Whilst the peak full-time equivalent positions would rise from 380 to 830. This would provide long term employment stability for many families who live in the Hunter and Upper Hunter; which in turn would assist in supporting the viability of the local communities.

To date The Mount Pleasant Operation has demonstrated its commitment to undertaking progressive rehabilitation and its involvement in the local community. This project would allow the Mount Pleasant Operation to continue to support the local community and suppliers for an additional 20+ plus years while continuing best practice mine rehabilitation ensuring the site is integrated into the broader landscape.