A careful & detailed analysis based on fact, not fiction.

I support the Berrima Rail Project, this project is a key driver in Hume Coal's success to obtaining an approval. Berrima Rail Project enables the transport of coal by rail to customers, the other option explored was the utilisation of road transport but due to studies conducted it was seen that road transport was not an economically viable option for the Hume Coal Project and was ruled out immediately.
Berrima Rail Project will maintain the usage for existing users by the upgrading of and extension to the existing rail infrastructure of the branch line. This project will improve operational functionality for all users.
The Berrima Rail Project also has social and economic value by creating employment of 40 positions at peak construction and approximately 16 positions throughout the operations (Train drivers, maintenance workers etc.). The economic value of this project is an essential component of enabling the economic benefits of the Hume Coal Project to be realised.
Ultimately this project needs to be approved to allow for the coal produced (Hume Coal Project (mine)) to be transported to its customers, the project takes into account environmental, economic and social considerations.

NEED RAIL FOR JOBS LESS POLLUTION AND ROAD PROBLEMS

This project will exceed any expectations placed on it by the community

I have been a POSCO employee for last 6 years but prior to that managed underground coal mines in most coal mining regions of NSW and short time in Queensland. I know the Hume project well as I had worked for previous owners Austen and Butta in late 1970's through 1980's and also with Shell Coal in the 1990's. I also worked for 7 weeks as relief Mine Manager at the nearby Berrima Mine. I worked in Techncial and operational roles in underground coal mine from 1968 through to around 1991 in the Illawarra coalfields as well as Lithgow and Hunter Valley and Qld up until around 2010. I also started life on a diary farm and therefore apreciate and understand the concern of people that rely on the land for a livelihood. I therefore think that I am qualified to make comments and recommendations on the Hume project. I have worked at Mine in the Illawarra region doing first workings and longwalls under or in close proximity to major dams of Cordeau, Cataract, Avon and Nepean Dams with no impacts. I worked at the following Mines in the Sydney Cathment area - Yellow Rock, Avon, Wongawilli, Nebo, Dendrobium, Kemira, Corrimal, Old Bulli, South Clifton, Westcliff, Berrima, Tahmoor and Metropolitan as well as Invincible and Baal Bobe in the Lithgow area as well as Mandalong, Dartbrook and Ravensworth in the Hunter Valley. These mines were either Pillar extraction or longwall at various working depths with minimal impacts on groundwater. The method proposed by Hume is only partial extraction which prevents strata failure which induces fracture in overlying strata and provides some flow paths for minimal strata water. The only ground water I would expect at Hume would be from the Wongawilli coal seam which has relatively high insitu water levels and minimal water from overlying strata which has much lower permeabilities.
I understand the Southern Highlands area has very high unemployment rates when the retired people are excluded to show people actively seeking employment and a project of this sort is extremely welcomed by these people as the only alternative is to seek employment outside the area. The benefits of this project for local employement and for local businesses, far outweights the minimal impact of minority groups who are either retired and cocerned about impacts on their own land values or anti mining activists that live outside the area.
It is critical that this project is view from a scientific and for regional benefit perspective rather than for retired wealthy weekend farmers or anti-mining activists who reside outside the area. Comments by all contributers must be assessed on this basis and decisions must be made on this basis and not for political or populist reasons.

I believe the rail way will not create a hindrance to the local community and is needed for home coal to create the jobs our community needs.

To enable transport of coal by rail rather than trucks, far safer and better for the environment and for roads and motorists.
Will allow grade-separated access into the Boral works, eliminating the need for Council to spend millions in ratepayers money on diversion of the Berrima Road (it eliminates the level crossing).
Improves utilisation of public rail assets such as railway lines, which are signi cantly underused at present.
The Rail Project is required for the success of the Hume Coal Project and its ability to progress.

Hi
I think the Berrima rail project would be a good thing for the local community it would be taking trucks off the road which is a win for everybody using local roads. It will also have a flow on effect creating more work and job opportunities not to mention the upgrade of the lines which will be a benefit as well. Overall a positive fir the local community.
Thanks.

This is a very worthwhile project and essential in the development of the Hume Coal mine.

It should not be stopped by noisy but unthinking NIMBY (Many of which do not even live in the local area) protesters who simply believe that coal and infrastructure development in any form is evil.

The coal mine and the associated Berrima rail project is fully economically and environmentally sustainable.
It is important in the development of Australia's and the States national resources and will have a very positive economic impact on the local region.
The design and technology employed needs to be supported to show just how well an underground mine and supporting infrastructure can built employing the latest technologies.
Ultimately the objections raised are emotionally based and not the subject of rational thinking.
It must go ahead.