Raylee Golding
Object
Raylee Golding
Object
Coledale
,
New South Wales
Message
Wollongong Coal's Revised Preferred Project Report to the Russell Vale
Underground Expansion Project:
I object to the Wollongong Coal's Revised Preferred Project Report
(PPR) to the Russell Vale Underground Expansion Project 09-0013.
Some of the reasons for my objection are listed below.
Climate change and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
Coal mining, whether for energy or steelmaking, produces the GHG
Emissions that are causing dangerous climate change. This project is
estimated to result in 11,624,000 tonnes of GHG emissions through the
mining and the burning of the coal.
A risk to Greater Sydney Water Catchment
The mining will take place in the Special Areas of the Greater Sydney
Water Catchment - areas that forbid public access because of their
sensitivity and strategic importance - and up to the shores of the
Cataract Reservoir.
Not only will the mining infrastructure, such as access roads and vent
shafts, disturb and damage the catchment, the proposal for Bord and
Pillar mining will result in up to 100 mm in subsidence.
The extraction for the Wonga Central Development Mains extends under
the Cataract Reservoir itself. Cataract is severely affected by
drought and is currently at only 29% of capacity. Mining should not be
permitted anywhere near Great Sydney water supply reservoirs.
Triple seam mining
The mining is particularly risky because a third seam of coal is being
mined beneath two previously mined seams. Triple seam mining has
little precedent and impacts are difficult to predict.
The proponent admits that instability in the overlaying old Bulli seam
workings may cause pillar collapse and subsequent subsidence of 1 to 2
metres. It is unacceptable of the NSW government to allow such risky
mining in the water catchment for 5 million people of Greater Sydney
in a time of drought.
The proponent is not fit and proper to hold a mining licence
Wollongong Coal and its parent company Jindal Steel and Power Ltd, are
currently the subject of an investigation by the NSW government's
Resources Regulator into whether or not they are a `fit and proper'
entity to hold a mining license. The company has a history of failing
to comply with conditions of approval. Even its auditors have
questioned its capacity to continue as a going concern; its current
liabilities exceed its current assets by nearly A$1 billion.
Wollongong Coal is not a `fit and proper' entity to operate a coal
mine in the water catchment of Australia's largest city.
Impacts on local community
The colliery site at Russell Vale is closer to dense residential areas
than any mine in Australia. Residential communities have suffered the
impacts from this mine over many years, including noise and
particulate pollution. In this day and age, Russell Vale is not a
suitable location for a colliery.
Wollongong Coal plans to build a coal processing plant at the Russell
Vale Colliery and process coal on site. The Russell Vale mine is the
closest mine to any built up residential area in Australia and is not
a suitable area for coal processing. Moreover, the proponent has been
unable or unwilling to comply with many conditions of past approvals
and the NSW government has proven to be unable or unwilling to enforce
compliance. Residents have no confidence in "conditions" or
"commitments" to operate the processing plant according to suitable
standards.
The proponent has a history of non-compliance with approval conditions
Previous applications and approvals promised numerous items to protect
the community and environment that have never been met by the
proponent. These include but are not limited to: truck loading
facilities, sound walls, covered conveyors, limited stockpiles, sealed
roadways and realignment of Bellambi Creek. Now in this new revised
project, Wollongong Coal is promising the same or similar things.
Wollongong Coal is currently operating right at this moment under
three non-compliances: the realignment of Bellambi Creek to protect it
from pollution and flooding (due Oct 2012); the removal of 200,000
tonnes of oversize coal that was illegally stockpiled on the adjoining
slag heap (due July 2019); and, the dedication of land to Council in a
1989 approval from Wollongong City Council (due 1990). All of these
obligations still have not been met.
A proponent with such a poor record of compliance should not be
considered for, let alone granted, approval to mine. The NSW
Department of Planning's inability or unwillingness to enforce
compliance (with the conditions that it itself has stipulated)
undermines confidence in the planning system.
We ask that you reject this application from Wollongong Coal and
commence a process to close the mine at Russell Vale permanently.
Thank you for considering this submission.
Yours sincerely,
Raylee Golding
Underground Expansion Project:
I object to the Wollongong Coal's Revised Preferred Project Report
(PPR) to the Russell Vale Underground Expansion Project 09-0013.
Some of the reasons for my objection are listed below.
Climate change and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
Coal mining, whether for energy or steelmaking, produces the GHG
Emissions that are causing dangerous climate change. This project is
estimated to result in 11,624,000 tonnes of GHG emissions through the
mining and the burning of the coal.
A risk to Greater Sydney Water Catchment
The mining will take place in the Special Areas of the Greater Sydney
Water Catchment - areas that forbid public access because of their
sensitivity and strategic importance - and up to the shores of the
Cataract Reservoir.
Not only will the mining infrastructure, such as access roads and vent
shafts, disturb and damage the catchment, the proposal for Bord and
Pillar mining will result in up to 100 mm in subsidence.
The extraction for the Wonga Central Development Mains extends under
the Cataract Reservoir itself. Cataract is severely affected by
drought and is currently at only 29% of capacity. Mining should not be
permitted anywhere near Great Sydney water supply reservoirs.
Triple seam mining
The mining is particularly risky because a third seam of coal is being
mined beneath two previously mined seams. Triple seam mining has
little precedent and impacts are difficult to predict.
The proponent admits that instability in the overlaying old Bulli seam
workings may cause pillar collapse and subsequent subsidence of 1 to 2
metres. It is unacceptable of the NSW government to allow such risky
mining in the water catchment for 5 million people of Greater Sydney
in a time of drought.
The proponent is not fit and proper to hold a mining licence
Wollongong Coal and its parent company Jindal Steel and Power Ltd, are
currently the subject of an investigation by the NSW government's
Resources Regulator into whether or not they are a `fit and proper'
entity to hold a mining license. The company has a history of failing
to comply with conditions of approval. Even its auditors have
questioned its capacity to continue as a going concern; its current
liabilities exceed its current assets by nearly A$1 billion.
Wollongong Coal is not a `fit and proper' entity to operate a coal
mine in the water catchment of Australia's largest city.
Impacts on local community
The colliery site at Russell Vale is closer to dense residential areas
than any mine in Australia. Residential communities have suffered the
impacts from this mine over many years, including noise and
particulate pollution. In this day and age, Russell Vale is not a
suitable location for a colliery.
Wollongong Coal plans to build a coal processing plant at the Russell
Vale Colliery and process coal on site. The Russell Vale mine is the
closest mine to any built up residential area in Australia and is not
a suitable area for coal processing. Moreover, the proponent has been
unable or unwilling to comply with many conditions of past approvals
and the NSW government has proven to be unable or unwilling to enforce
compliance. Residents have no confidence in "conditions" or
"commitments" to operate the processing plant according to suitable
standards.
The proponent has a history of non-compliance with approval conditions
Previous applications and approvals promised numerous items to protect
the community and environment that have never been met by the
proponent. These include but are not limited to: truck loading
facilities, sound walls, covered conveyors, limited stockpiles, sealed
roadways and realignment of Bellambi Creek. Now in this new revised
project, Wollongong Coal is promising the same or similar things.
Wollongong Coal is currently operating right at this moment under
three non-compliances: the realignment of Bellambi Creek to protect it
from pollution and flooding (due Oct 2012); the removal of 200,000
tonnes of oversize coal that was illegally stockpiled on the adjoining
slag heap (due July 2019); and, the dedication of land to Council in a
1989 approval from Wollongong City Council (due 1990). All of these
obligations still have not been met.
A proponent with such a poor record of compliance should not be
considered for, let alone granted, approval to mine. The NSW
Department of Planning's inability or unwillingness to enforce
compliance (with the conditions that it itself has stipulated)
undermines confidence in the planning system.
We ask that you reject this application from Wollongong Coal and
commence a process to close the mine at Russell Vale permanently.
Thank you for considering this submission.
Yours sincerely,
Raylee Golding
cate doosey
Object
cate doosey
Object
wollongong
,
New South Wales
Message
I strongly object to this proposal. It threatens the local environment
and the water catchment.
and the water catchment.
Joanne Sheil
Support
Joanne Sheil
Support
Warilla
,
New South Wales
Message
I support the Project as extending the life of the Russell Vale Colliery
which would
benefit the community and local businesses whilst sustaining a number
of employment opportunities.
which would
benefit the community and local businesses whilst sustaining a number
of employment opportunities.
Name Withheld
Support
Name Withheld
Support
Barrack Point
,
New South Wales
Message
I support the Project as extending the life of the Russell Vale Colliery
which would
benefit the community and local businesses whilst sustaining a number
of employment opportunities.
which would
benefit the community and local businesses whilst sustaining a number
of employment opportunities.
John Spira
Object
John Spira
Object
Austinmer
,
New South Wales
Message
I oppose the expansion of the Russell Vale coal mine because -
* This coal is not used in local steel making.
* They have owed Wollongong Council (us rate payers) $400'000 for
years!!
* Paid no company income tax for many many years.
* Fair trading ruled against them for underpaying workers.
* ASIC has asked them prove economic viability. They are currently
still under three major non-compliances and suspended on the ASX
(WLC).
* Total CO2e emissions for the project, from mining up to and
including usage are approx. 11,147,000 tonnes co2. Equivalent to the
annual emissions of more than half a million Australians.
* Truck movements to the port and back using, Bellambi Lane are
estimated to be 32 per hour, or one truck every 112 seconds Mon->Sat.
Does not count trucks transporting waste.
* Water loss from our catchment is expected to blow out to 444 mega
litres a year from this coal mine. Currently the Sydney desalination
plant costs us $90/y per Illawarra household water bill.
* Mines leach higher than safe concentrations of toxins into ground
water for hundreds of years after they close and flood. This plan
requires them to maintain water quality measures for just 10 years!
* This coal is not used in local steel making.
* They have owed Wollongong Council (us rate payers) $400'000 for
years!!
* Paid no company income tax for many many years.
* Fair trading ruled against them for underpaying workers.
* ASIC has asked them prove economic viability. They are currently
still under three major non-compliances and suspended on the ASX
(WLC).
* Total CO2e emissions for the project, from mining up to and
including usage are approx. 11,147,000 tonnes co2. Equivalent to the
annual emissions of more than half a million Australians.
* Truck movements to the port and back using, Bellambi Lane are
estimated to be 32 per hour, or one truck every 112 seconds Mon->Sat.
Does not count trucks transporting waste.
* Water loss from our catchment is expected to blow out to 444 mega
litres a year from this coal mine. Currently the Sydney desalination
plant costs us $90/y per Illawarra household water bill.
* Mines leach higher than safe concentrations of toxins into ground
water for hundreds of years after they close and flood. This plan
requires them to maintain water quality measures for just 10 years!
Alison Smith
Object
Alison Smith
Object
Wollongong
,
New South Wales
Message
Wollongong Coal's Revised Preferred Project Report to the Russell Vale
Underground Expansion Project:
I object to the Wollongong Coal's Revised Preferred Project Report
(PPR) to the Russell Vale Underground Expansion Project 09-0013.
Wollongong Coal has a history of non-compliance with conditions of
approval, are currently the subject of an investigation by the NSW
government's Resources Regulator into whether or not they are a `fit
and proper' entity to hold a mining license, and its current
liabilities exceed its current assets by nearly A$1 billion.
We are currently in drought, and dams across New South Wales are at
low capacity. Our water catchment areas should be protected from
mining, especially the kind of mining proposed by Wollongong Coal.
At a time of climate crisis, there can be no justification for
approving further coal mining. We do not need new coal, it will add
nothing to our wellbeing, and it will by contrast do considerable
damage at a time when people all over the world are coming together to
act on the climate crisis.
Underground Expansion Project:
I object to the Wollongong Coal's Revised Preferred Project Report
(PPR) to the Russell Vale Underground Expansion Project 09-0013.
Wollongong Coal has a history of non-compliance with conditions of
approval, are currently the subject of an investigation by the NSW
government's Resources Regulator into whether or not they are a `fit
and proper' entity to hold a mining license, and its current
liabilities exceed its current assets by nearly A$1 billion.
We are currently in drought, and dams across New South Wales are at
low capacity. Our water catchment areas should be protected from
mining, especially the kind of mining proposed by Wollongong Coal.
At a time of climate crisis, there can be no justification for
approving further coal mining. We do not need new coal, it will add
nothing to our wellbeing, and it will by contrast do considerable
damage at a time when people all over the world are coming together to
act on the climate crisis.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
Woonona
,
New South Wales
Message
Wollongong Coal's Revised Preferred Project Report to the Russell Vale
Underground Expansion Project:
I object to the Wollongong Coal's Revised Preferred Project Report
(PPR) to the Russell Vale Underground Expansion Project 09-0013.
Some of the reasons for my objection are listed below.
Climate change and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
Coal mining, whether for energy or steelmaking, produces the GHG
Emissions that are causing dangerous climate change. This project is
estimated to result in 11,624,000 tonnes of GHG emissions through the
mining and the burning of the coal.
A risk to Greater Sydney Water Catchment
The mining will take place in the Special Areas of the Greater Sydney
Water Catchment - areas that forbid public access because of their
sensitivity and strategic importance - and up to the shores of the
Cataract Reservoir.
Not only will the mining infrastructure, such as access roads and vent
shafts, disturb and damage the catchment, the proposal for Bord and
Pillar mining will result in up to 100 mm in subsidence.
The extraction for the Wonga Central Development Mains extends under
the Cataract Reservoir itself. Cataract is severely affected by
drought and is currently at only 29% of capacity. Mining should not be
permitted anywhere near Great Sydney water supply reservoirs.
Triple seam mining
The mining is particularly risky because a third seam of coal is being
mined beneath two previously mined seams. Triple seam mining has
little precedent and impacts are difficult to predict.
The proponent admits that instability in the overlaying old Bulli seam
workings may cause pillar collapse and subsequent subsidence of 1 to 2
metres. It is unacceptable of the NSW government to allow such risky
mining in the water catchment for 5 million people of Greater Sydney
in a time of drought.
The proponent is not fit and proper to hold a mining licence
Wollongong Coal and its parent company Jindal Steel and Power Ltd, are
currently the subject of an investigation by the NSW government's
Resources Regulator into whether or not they are a `fit and proper'
entity to hold a mining license. The company has a history of failing
to comply with conditions of approval. Even its auditors have
questioned its capacity to continue as a going concern; its current
liabilities exceed its current assets by nearly A$1 billion.
Wollongong Coal is not a `fit and proper' entity to operate a coal
mine in the water catchment of Australia's largest city.
Impacts on local community
The colliery site at Russell Vale is closer to dense residential areas
than any mine in Australia. Residential communities have suffered the
impacts from this mine over many years, including noise and
particulate pollution. In this day and age, Russell Vale is not a
suitable location for a colliery.
Wollongong Coal plans to build a coal processing plant at the Russell
Vale Colliery and process coal on site. The Russell Vale mine is the
closest mine to any built up residential area in Australia and is not
a suitable area for coal processing. Moreover, the proponent has been
unable or unwilling to comply with many conditions of past approvals
and the NSW government has proven to be unable or unwilling to enforce
compliance. Residents have no confidence in "conditions" or
"commitments" to operate the processing plant according to suitable
standards.
The proponent has a history of non-compliance with approval conditions
Previous applications and approvals promised numerous items to protect
the community and environment that have never been met by the
proponent. These include but are not limited to: truck loading
facilities, sound walls, covered conveyors, limited stockpiles, sealed
roadways and realignment of Bellambi Creek. Now in this new revised
project, Wollongong Coal is promising the same or similar things.
Wollongong Coal is currently operating right at this moment under
three non-compliances: the realignment of Bellambi Creek to protect it
from pollution and flooding (due Oct 2012); the removal of 200,000
tonnes of oversize coal that was illegally stockpiled on the adjoining
slag heap (due July 2019); and, the dedication of land to Council in a
1989 approval from Wollongong City Council (due 1990). All of these
obligations still have not been met.
A proponent with such a poor record of compliance should not be
considered for, let alone granted, approval to mine. The NSW
Department of Planning's inability or unwillingness to enforce
compliance (with the conditions that it itself has stipulated)
undermines confidence in the planning system.
We ask that you reject this application from Wollongong Coal and
commence a process to close the mine at Russell Vale permanently.
Thank you for considering this submission.
Yours sincerely,
Underground Expansion Project:
I object to the Wollongong Coal's Revised Preferred Project Report
(PPR) to the Russell Vale Underground Expansion Project 09-0013.
Some of the reasons for my objection are listed below.
Climate change and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
Coal mining, whether for energy or steelmaking, produces the GHG
Emissions that are causing dangerous climate change. This project is
estimated to result in 11,624,000 tonnes of GHG emissions through the
mining and the burning of the coal.
A risk to Greater Sydney Water Catchment
The mining will take place in the Special Areas of the Greater Sydney
Water Catchment - areas that forbid public access because of their
sensitivity and strategic importance - and up to the shores of the
Cataract Reservoir.
Not only will the mining infrastructure, such as access roads and vent
shafts, disturb and damage the catchment, the proposal for Bord and
Pillar mining will result in up to 100 mm in subsidence.
The extraction for the Wonga Central Development Mains extends under
the Cataract Reservoir itself. Cataract is severely affected by
drought and is currently at only 29% of capacity. Mining should not be
permitted anywhere near Great Sydney water supply reservoirs.
Triple seam mining
The mining is particularly risky because a third seam of coal is being
mined beneath two previously mined seams. Triple seam mining has
little precedent and impacts are difficult to predict.
The proponent admits that instability in the overlaying old Bulli seam
workings may cause pillar collapse and subsequent subsidence of 1 to 2
metres. It is unacceptable of the NSW government to allow such risky
mining in the water catchment for 5 million people of Greater Sydney
in a time of drought.
The proponent is not fit and proper to hold a mining licence
Wollongong Coal and its parent company Jindal Steel and Power Ltd, are
currently the subject of an investigation by the NSW government's
Resources Regulator into whether or not they are a `fit and proper'
entity to hold a mining license. The company has a history of failing
to comply with conditions of approval. Even its auditors have
questioned its capacity to continue as a going concern; its current
liabilities exceed its current assets by nearly A$1 billion.
Wollongong Coal is not a `fit and proper' entity to operate a coal
mine in the water catchment of Australia's largest city.
Impacts on local community
The colliery site at Russell Vale is closer to dense residential areas
than any mine in Australia. Residential communities have suffered the
impacts from this mine over many years, including noise and
particulate pollution. In this day and age, Russell Vale is not a
suitable location for a colliery.
Wollongong Coal plans to build a coal processing plant at the Russell
Vale Colliery and process coal on site. The Russell Vale mine is the
closest mine to any built up residential area in Australia and is not
a suitable area for coal processing. Moreover, the proponent has been
unable or unwilling to comply with many conditions of past approvals
and the NSW government has proven to be unable or unwilling to enforce
compliance. Residents have no confidence in "conditions" or
"commitments" to operate the processing plant according to suitable
standards.
The proponent has a history of non-compliance with approval conditions
Previous applications and approvals promised numerous items to protect
the community and environment that have never been met by the
proponent. These include but are not limited to: truck loading
facilities, sound walls, covered conveyors, limited stockpiles, sealed
roadways and realignment of Bellambi Creek. Now in this new revised
project, Wollongong Coal is promising the same or similar things.
Wollongong Coal is currently operating right at this moment under
three non-compliances: the realignment of Bellambi Creek to protect it
from pollution and flooding (due Oct 2012); the removal of 200,000
tonnes of oversize coal that was illegally stockpiled on the adjoining
slag heap (due July 2019); and, the dedication of land to Council in a
1989 approval from Wollongong City Council (due 1990). All of these
obligations still have not been met.
A proponent with such a poor record of compliance should not be
considered for, let alone granted, approval to mine. The NSW
Department of Planning's inability or unwillingness to enforce
compliance (with the conditions that it itself has stipulated)
undermines confidence in the planning system.
We ask that you reject this application from Wollongong Coal and
commence a process to close the mine at Russell Vale permanently.
Thank you for considering this submission.
Yours sincerely,
Patricia Kahler
Object
Patricia Kahler
Object
Basin View
,
New South Wales
Message
We should be erring on the side of caution and using the precautionary
principal to refuse this proposal. Mining in our water catchments
should never be allowed to take place especially when you consider the
damage already done with subsidence and water loss
principal to refuse this proposal. Mining in our water catchments
should never be allowed to take place especially when you consider the
damage already done with subsidence and water loss
Isabella Gould
Object
Isabella Gould
Object
Bulli
,
New South Wales
Message
I object to the Wollongong Coal's Revised Preferred Project Report (PPR)
to the Russell Vale Underground Expansion Project 09-0013.
Some of the reasons for my objection are listed below.
Climate change and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
Coal mining, whether for energy or steelmaking, produces the GHG
Emissions that are causing dangerous climate change. This project is
estimated to result in 11,624,000 tonnes of GHG emissions through the
mining and the burning of the coal.
A risk to Greater Sydney Water Catchment
The mining will take place in the Special Areas of the Greater Sydney
Water Catchment - areas that forbid public access because of their
sensitivity and strategic importance - and up to the shores of the
Cataract Reservoir.
Not only will the mining infrastructure, such as access roads and vent
shafts, disturb and damage the catchment, the proposal for Bord and
Pillar mining will result in up to 100 mm in subsidence.
The extraction for the Wonga Central Development Mains extends under
the Cataract Reservoir itself. Cataract is severely affected by
drought and is currently at only 29% of capacity. Mining should not be
permitted anywhere near Great Sydney water supply reservoirs.
Triple seam mining
The mining is particularly risky because a third seam of coal is being
mined beneath two previously mined seams. Triple seam mining has
little precedent and impacts are difficult to predict.
The proponent admits that instability in the overlaying old Bulli seam
workings may cause pillar collapse and subsequent subsidence of 1 to 2
metres. It is unacceptable of the NSW government to allow such risky
mining in the water catchment for 5 million people of Greater Sydney
in a time of drought.
The proponent is not fit and proper to hold a mining licence
Wollongong Coal and its parent company Jindal Steel and Power Ltd, are
currently the subject of an investigation by the NSW government's
Resources Regulator into whether or not they are a `fit and proper'
entity to hold a mining license. The company has a history of failing
to comply with conditions of approval. Even its auditors have
questioned its capacity to continue as a going concern; its current
liabilities exceed its current assets by nearly A$1 billion.
Wollongong Coal is not a `fit and proper' entity to operate a coal
mine in the water catchment of Australia's largest city.
Impacts on local community
The colliery site at Russell Vale is closer to dense residential areas
than any mine in Australia. Residential communities have suffered the
impacts from this mine over many years, including noise and
particulate pollution. In this day and age, Russell Vale is not a
suitable location for a colliery.
Wollongong Coal plans to build a coal processing plant at the Russell
Vale Colliery and process coal on site. The Russell Vale mine is the
closest mine to any built up residential area in Australia and is not
a suitable area for coal processing. Moreover, the proponent has been
unable or unwilling to comply with many conditions of past approvals
and the NSW government has proven to be unable or unwilling to enforce
compliance. Residents have no confidence in "conditions" or
"commitments" to operate the processing plant according to suitable
standards.
The proponent has a history of non-compliance with approval conditions
Previous applications and approvals promised numerous items to protect
the community and environment that have never been met by the
proponent. These include but are not limited to: truck loading
facilities, sound walls, covered conveyors, limited stockpiles, sealed
roadways and realignment of Bellambi Creek. Now in this new revised
project, Wollongong Coal is promising the same or similar things.
Wollongong Coal is currently operating right at this moment under
three non-compliances: the realignment of Bellambi Creek to protect it
from pollution and flooding (due Oct 2012); the removal of 200,000
tonnes of oversize coal that was illegally stockpiled on the adjoining
slag heap (due July 2019); and, the dedication of land to Council in a
1989 approval from Wollongong City Council (due 1990). All of these
obligations still have not been met.
A proponent with such a poor record of compliance should not be
considered for, let alone granted, approval to mine. The NSW
Department of Planning's inability or unwillingness to enforce
compliance (with the conditions that it itself has stipulated)
undermines confidence in the planning system.
We ask that you reject this application from Wollongong Coal and
commence a process to close the mine at Russell Vale permanently.
Thank you for considering this submission.
Yours sincerely,
Isabella
to the Russell Vale Underground Expansion Project 09-0013.
Some of the reasons for my objection are listed below.
Climate change and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
Coal mining, whether for energy or steelmaking, produces the GHG
Emissions that are causing dangerous climate change. This project is
estimated to result in 11,624,000 tonnes of GHG emissions through the
mining and the burning of the coal.
A risk to Greater Sydney Water Catchment
The mining will take place in the Special Areas of the Greater Sydney
Water Catchment - areas that forbid public access because of their
sensitivity and strategic importance - and up to the shores of the
Cataract Reservoir.
Not only will the mining infrastructure, such as access roads and vent
shafts, disturb and damage the catchment, the proposal for Bord and
Pillar mining will result in up to 100 mm in subsidence.
The extraction for the Wonga Central Development Mains extends under
the Cataract Reservoir itself. Cataract is severely affected by
drought and is currently at only 29% of capacity. Mining should not be
permitted anywhere near Great Sydney water supply reservoirs.
Triple seam mining
The mining is particularly risky because a third seam of coal is being
mined beneath two previously mined seams. Triple seam mining has
little precedent and impacts are difficult to predict.
The proponent admits that instability in the overlaying old Bulli seam
workings may cause pillar collapse and subsequent subsidence of 1 to 2
metres. It is unacceptable of the NSW government to allow such risky
mining in the water catchment for 5 million people of Greater Sydney
in a time of drought.
The proponent is not fit and proper to hold a mining licence
Wollongong Coal and its parent company Jindal Steel and Power Ltd, are
currently the subject of an investigation by the NSW government's
Resources Regulator into whether or not they are a `fit and proper'
entity to hold a mining license. The company has a history of failing
to comply with conditions of approval. Even its auditors have
questioned its capacity to continue as a going concern; its current
liabilities exceed its current assets by nearly A$1 billion.
Wollongong Coal is not a `fit and proper' entity to operate a coal
mine in the water catchment of Australia's largest city.
Impacts on local community
The colliery site at Russell Vale is closer to dense residential areas
than any mine in Australia. Residential communities have suffered the
impacts from this mine over many years, including noise and
particulate pollution. In this day and age, Russell Vale is not a
suitable location for a colliery.
Wollongong Coal plans to build a coal processing plant at the Russell
Vale Colliery and process coal on site. The Russell Vale mine is the
closest mine to any built up residential area in Australia and is not
a suitable area for coal processing. Moreover, the proponent has been
unable or unwilling to comply with many conditions of past approvals
and the NSW government has proven to be unable or unwilling to enforce
compliance. Residents have no confidence in "conditions" or
"commitments" to operate the processing plant according to suitable
standards.
The proponent has a history of non-compliance with approval conditions
Previous applications and approvals promised numerous items to protect
the community and environment that have never been met by the
proponent. These include but are not limited to: truck loading
facilities, sound walls, covered conveyors, limited stockpiles, sealed
roadways and realignment of Bellambi Creek. Now in this new revised
project, Wollongong Coal is promising the same or similar things.
Wollongong Coal is currently operating right at this moment under
three non-compliances: the realignment of Bellambi Creek to protect it
from pollution and flooding (due Oct 2012); the removal of 200,000
tonnes of oversize coal that was illegally stockpiled on the adjoining
slag heap (due July 2019); and, the dedication of land to Council in a
1989 approval from Wollongong City Council (due 1990). All of these
obligations still have not been met.
A proponent with such a poor record of compliance should not be
considered for, let alone granted, approval to mine. The NSW
Department of Planning's inability or unwillingness to enforce
compliance (with the conditions that it itself has stipulated)
undermines confidence in the planning system.
We ask that you reject this application from Wollongong Coal and
commence a process to close the mine at Russell Vale permanently.
Thank you for considering this submission.
Yours sincerely,
Isabella
Mala Elith
Object
Mala Elith
Object
Corrimal
,
New South Wales
Message
To whom this may concern,
My name is Mala Elith. I am an Australia citizen that lives in NSW. I
am not only disapproving but I am distraught about the decision of
expanding Russell Vale's for the third time!! This would pollute our
water and leave devastating aftereffects on our beautiful country.
I am only 14 years old and I am living in a world where every day
there is a headline about a new coal mine being implemented or a
forest burning down. This causes concern in me. I'm not sad, I am
angry. I am angry for my little sister, for parents, for my friends
and quite frankly; for myself. I am angry at the selfish people who
aren't forward thinking. The people in power, that instead of maybe
solving the problem at its root; watch and wait as the problems grow
and grow and grow.
This is not just about an expansion of a dud mine. This is not just
about the destruction of biodiversity and pollution of water. This is
about the largescale effects this has on the world. Will this just be
another foolish act of humankind, or can this land be saved? I know
what I would choose. But it's not the 15-year-old's choice, isn't that
right? It's your choice.
I hope you read this and understand the mistake all of you are making.
My name is Mala Elith. I am an Australia citizen that lives in NSW. I
am not only disapproving but I am distraught about the decision of
expanding Russell Vale's for the third time!! This would pollute our
water and leave devastating aftereffects on our beautiful country.
I am only 14 years old and I am living in a world where every day
there is a headline about a new coal mine being implemented or a
forest burning down. This causes concern in me. I'm not sad, I am
angry. I am angry for my little sister, for parents, for my friends
and quite frankly; for myself. I am angry at the selfish people who
aren't forward thinking. The people in power, that instead of maybe
solving the problem at its root; watch and wait as the problems grow
and grow and grow.
This is not just about an expansion of a dud mine. This is not just
about the destruction of biodiversity and pollution of water. This is
about the largescale effects this has on the world. Will this just be
another foolish act of humankind, or can this land be saved? I know
what I would choose. But it's not the 15-year-old's choice, isn't that
right? It's your choice.
I hope you read this and understand the mistake all of you are making.