Dear Sir,

Please treat this email as summarising my strong objection to this development after having read the 38 pages of the Earth Systems Report (ESR).

I am a member of the Caroona Coal Action Group. My family company, Winterthur Pty Ltd, owns a property, Bonny Rigg, adjacent to the Warrah Ridge Road at Quirindi.

The ESR discloses so many discrepancies and omissions from the EIS that my overall impression is that Shenhua has treated the preparation of the EIS as an encumbrance (a waste of time) indicating that the company expects that approval for its development is already a foregone conclusion. The chief executive of the company has complained, publicly, of the extensive and detailed Australian environmental considerations (no doubt thinking of his home country of China) which further supports my view.

I draw your attention to the following sections of the ESR which underline that, in the interests of protecting the environment, the whole proposal should be rejected:

3.2. Discrepancy of 2000 ha in the description of the development is quite extraordinary.

3.5. Many gaps in the assessment of the key issues.

3.8. A number of plans relating to the development not provided.

2.2. Drawdown of groundwater to 3.5 additional metres – substantially in excess of previous information provided.

4.4.3. Problems in dealing with, from an environmental point of view, the quantity and quality of site discharge water.

4.4.4. Salinity impacts on the ground and surface waters is most significant.

5.4.7 Management measures. Insufficient information provided.

5.4.8 Insufficient and inconclusive information provided in respect of the justification for the long term impact on agricultural resources and soils.

6.4.1 and 6.4.2. Support documentation not provided for impact assessments.

7.4.3 Assessment to meet requirements of biodiversity offsets not addressed.

8.4.1 Mine closure and remediation – a number of risks that will be faced at that time not addressed.

10.3.1 Aboriginal Archaeology – results of survey unclear.

11.3.1 Waste. The impact of waste generated from the site is not fully addressed.

11.3.2 A number of hazards associated with the proposed use of the site have not been identified or addressed.



Yours sincerely,



E Craig Miller.

Telephone (02) 9498 2969

Attention Director Mining and Industry Projects NSW Government Planning &infrastructure GPO Box 39 Sydney NSW 2001

I wish to make a submission in response to the application by Shenhua Watermark Coal Ltd to apply for a Licence to mine the EL 7223 in the valley known as the Breeza plains on the ridges known as Watermark located southeast of Gunnedah and north west of Quirindi N.S.W. 2343 .Project No.SSD -4975 .My name is Patricia Duddy my husband is Clive Duddy, I reside on the property known as Rossmar Park ,Rossmar Park Road, Caroona 2343 . This property is located to the south of the EL and significant parts of its productive lands will be heavily impacted by the plans laid down in the Hansen and Bailey application to the Government for a mining Licence.Our family conducts a highly productive farming and grazing enterprise,we grow cotton wheat sorghum barley oats beef and produce thoroughbred horses These enterprises have been conducted by this family since the early 1930's and my family settled in the Quipolly district,at the headwaters of the Mooki River in the 1860 ,so any observations of the possible impact of this Developement on this area and it's surrounds does not come from any casual observations .We are also members of the Caroona Coal Action group ,at it's earliest inception have overviewed the Independant review of the environmental Impact Statement for the Watermark Coal Project as presented by Earth Systems , am also a member of the Community Consultative committee for Watermark and am regularly invited to attend presentations on behalf of BHP Billition at their community consultations .our understanding of the coal project has been exposed to the anticipated plans by the Shenhua staff since the very early days and unfortunately our original disquiet has not be placated. Now though with the advent of the water study ,a jointly funded Commonwealth Industry project ,the cumulative impacts of the proposed projects in the Namoi Catchment Area have not only been identified but also regarded as being permanently detrimental. We have significant underground and surface waters Namely the Mooki River Gooran Lake Native Dog Creek Watermark Gully Yarraman Overflow ,all of which provide significant overland flows which contribute to the extraordinary productivity of our alluvial black soils .the location of a significant opencut mine which is mooted to be active for at least thirty years,providing 10Mtpa ROM for thirty years progressive rehabilitation of ALL DISTURBED AREAS closure of feeder agricultural roads for mine access rail loading and other facilities close proximity to the village of Breeza surrounded by some of the most highly productive and fertile lands certainly creates a Developement with all the warning flashing lights .How can this Developement comply with all the relevant environmental laws and policies when they themselves cannot clearly state what they will do to satisfy water quality management .This surface water that we regard so highly and they call dirty water if contaminated and I say if when we know it is when , is one of the arteries of the renewable character of our valley,to have it impacted, contaminated, reduced, is of such significance to the productivity and equity of the land and landowners,quite apart from those who reside in the towns and villages. The watermark project comments on adverse impacts on quality of surface runoff, from disturbed areas,adverse impacts on downstream water quality, loss of catchment areas interference to flood flow ,need for extra water to meet with requirements of mining ,capturing of runoff to on site storage all these requirements in an already stretched water environment. The areas of high impact zone 3 , 7 , 8 in the immediate vicinity and with at least 35 bores predicted to experience groundwater reduction within 10 Klm of the project and four adjacent to the southwest at least one metre to two metre ,the areas impacted just get more and more and with an anticipated void in the final stage will it just act like a big bath plug and keep on drawing water from the rest of the valley water? Water is our life blood it comes in big hits, it comes in abnormal events it comes in such quantities it makes light of high wall of exposed scree ,buffer zones and 150 meters of black soil protection .A 65.7 t p.a of salt introduced into our environment is an interesting side effect,a new industry perhaps.There appeared little understanding of the peculiar weather events that allow us to grow two crops a year and also include sorghum as well as wheat into our farming activities because we are subjected to both the influence of the southern rains in the winter and thenorthern monsoons in summer,these events while providing dexterity in production also come with enormous overland flows which would stress the containment dams considerably it is interesting to see where a levee is proposed to prevent flooding of the mine ,reduce the storage of the Mooki River floodplainby 235 ml
> And by reason of the location of the overburden in the disturbance boundary immediately impact on the NEVER TO BE ENTERED flood plain. Whatever you look at in the E.I.S there is no guarantee that either the water, be it ground or alluvial, be available in either the quantity or quality of its present form, not be impacted,damaged reduced or interfered with ,the conduits in which it travels naturally will be reduced, realigned and in some cases become inaccessable as they become absorbed by the mine surely in this day and age an antiquated method of energy extraction totally unrenewable situated in an enviable agricultural zone, should not be given the green light . To take the overview, air to be damaged. Acoustics impacted. Blasting unequivicable damage, visual try flying over it in another ten years,Ecological creatures probably never even named because of it unique and ancient character,Koala Plan ship them out, National Environmental significance ,an ancient unique ridge rising out of a floodplain providing shelter, climate, alternate agricultural pursuits by reason of its geography and terrain ,Aboriginal ArchaeologyValuesheritage and impacts ,significant finds ancient beyond belief, to be REMOVED and RELOCATED.Historic Heritage Impact. At least 45 families already paid out and relocated,an endangered species to be declared farming and grazing families so much for inter generational equity.Groundwater impacts ,considerable and irreversible enough to change the agricultural activities of the immediate surrounds, soils and land, soils certainly never to be the same again ,rehabilitated, unlikely ,a small tree does not house a rare bat, a sulfur crested cockatoo population ,etc, it takes eons of time to build the environment back again ,over sixty five species of birds on this ridge alone,what is on the watermark ? Agricultural Impact, try the busy road syndrome, 600 extra workforce on the naive roads we call highways,large numbers on shift work in large pop up villages on the outskirts of our settled populations.We are a settled people undertaking settled activities in an agricultural environment of enormous productivity ,we have good soils, quality water beautiful landscape,rare and endangered species,both flora and faunaWe as the Liverpool Plains have an iconic presence which with the advent of an open cut mine of the proportion envisaged in the watermark application will be changed and damaged in perpetuity.The Minister who made this decision is now in disgrace, do not let the ongoing saga of the two mines and their exploration Licences and promises of further bounty to the State if they move to the granting of a mining Licence be a further reprehensible step in this ongoing sorry tale of the watermark,the Mooki and the Liverpool Plains

Patricia Duddy Rossmar Park,
Rossmar Park Road Caroona 2343 N.S.W. 9 th May.2013 ..

I am a member of the Caroona Coal Action Group. I object to the proposed Shenhua Watermark Coal Mine at Breeza NSW. I have reviewed the submission prepared by Earth Systems for the Caroona Coal Action Group (CCAG) and I am writing in support of the CCAG submission.

I am a member of the Caroona Coal Action Group. I object to the proposed Shenhua Watermark Coal Mine at Breeza NSW. I have reviewed the submission prepared by Earth Systems for the Caroona Coal Action Group (CCAG) and I am writing in support of the CCAG submission.

put forward a submissions concerning the Shehua Watermark Coal Mine at Breeza NSW, near Gunnedah.

This mine proposal is environmentally destructive and fiscally irresponsible. Wouldn't you rather the NSW Government spent this money on schools, health and public transport?
I had put in a last submission concerning Cobbora Coal Mine and coal to six large coal fire stations.
Concerning my last submission for Cobbora coal mine, if built, will provide heavily subsidised coal to six large coal fired power stations, locking in decades of carbon pollution, and delaying investment in clean, renewable energy.
Also, according to what was shown on 12th April 2010 on ABC Four Corners, the coal mine in the Hunter Valley region is causing serious health problems to the community and workers which is having devastating effects.


Also, reported on ABC News on 16/4/20210, approval was given to coal mine Camberwell in the Hunter region which will ruin the lovely landscape and creek. The Dooralong Valley in the Wyong region, shown on 18/4/10 on ABC News, will also be devastated, having a serious impact on the environment with its significant picturesque atmosphere. This is totally unacceptable suffering for the residents and their children with asthma. I was so horrified to see what harm this is causing to the community. This is going to cost a lot more in the long-term on medical treatment and for residents who need to shift elsewhere.


There is no way that a coal mine should be allowed to harm the environment especially with concerns about Climate Change. We have to think about sustainability; there needs to be a phase out of the coal industry and for it to be taken over with "Green Collar" industry plus renewable energy.

We can't afford to ruin the location and must think in the long-term for a sustainable future.


We must respect the tourist attractions of the environment.

I have grave concerns about the greenhouse gas emission that is mostly resulting from the coal burning that is having a devastating impact on the environment.

I am also concerned about your approval for new coal fire powered stations near Lithgow and the Hunter region. According to what I heard on ABC 702 am 27/4/10 that the Blue Mountain National Park near Lithgow is being destroyed from coal mine doing serious harm.


I had put a previous submission when Nathan Rees was Premier concerning the threat to close railway lines by helping to re-open railway lines for more passenger train service. I had also put a previous submission when Morris Iema was Premier to help save Anvil Hill from a coal industrial zone plus the rally I particiapted in June 2007.


I look forward to your response.

Please notify me what action will be taken to help these issues to be resolved.


Yours Sincerely,

Paul Vonwiller

Water: I am so concerned at the impact the mine will have on the water supply around the liver pool plains. i beleive that the information supplied in the EIS should be checked as the data they supply does not add up to the information that other groups claim.

I am a member of the Caroona Coal Action Group and a Liverpool Plains landholder.
We are Irrigation & dryland farmers on the Liverpool Plains. We farm one property `Wyamera', listed # 34 on Fig 4 `Landownership Map' in Appendix Z. `Agricultural Impact Statement'. `Wyamera' is less than 4kms NE of Breeza Village Hall. (5.0kms from the proposed mine site). We also farm 13.5kms south of the proposed mine operations at `Wombalong and Gunnadilly'. In total we farm over 3000 hectares on the Liverpool Plains.

We object to the proposed Shenhua Watermark Coal Mine at Breeza NSW.

This project will have significant detrimental impact on agriculture and water. These impacts include:

The Liverpool Plains must be one of, if not the best, farming areas in Australia. Where else do you get the combination of such good climate, such good soils, and such good irrigation water.

1. Ground Water. Very good irrigation water is easily and presently sourced inexpensively, compared to other areas. The quality of the water is extremely good. Our fear is with open cut mining there will be irreparable damage to the aquifers which are interconnected and the water pouring into the mines from these damaged aquifers will have to be pumped out in huge quantities. The drawdown of water in the valley will be substantial. This water may, or may not be, mixed with other aquifers as result of the mining which we fear will be detrimental to water quality and then the environment (riparian). This vacated water will require drainage directly to the Mooki River affecting stock water and aquatic life. The drawdown will firstly affect livestock farmers on the valley sides, then the irrigation farmers on the valley floor. The proposal to reduce impacts with a 150metre buffer on black soil plains is certainly not adequate, due to the connectivity values Kv & Kh of the adjacent region and is not going to minimise or prevent impact to the black soils and the associated aquifers.

2. Surface Water. The substantial storms which occur regularly in the area; e.g. 4 - 10 inches of rainfall within couple of days will not be coped with by the mine. The inevitable runoff from the mines during these times of extreme rainfall into the river will have an adverse effect on river water quality and riparian life. Question: Will there still be YABBIES and fish in the Mooki in the future? ........ see evidence in Quipolly Creek thought to be from local mine.

3. Farming problems:
Dust. The farm is 5 kms NE of the mines and downwind of the prevailing winds. Dust from the mines and especially the effects of explosions will easily be carried to our farm. Are we going to have crops affected, and rejected? E.g. Cotton contaminated and downgraded, we going to find a severe limitation on our farm cropping opportunities in the future.
Water. Fear of stock waters being damaged, is a concern with the predicted dropping of the water table as mentioned before, and the aquifers being deleted and or contaminated due entirely to the mine.

If history repeats itself, any farming economic problems so caused will not be remedied. If any act of farming affected were to effect the mine there would be demanded immediate redress. There seems to be two sets of laws acting here. Did the miners write the laws?

4. Mining Extension. When, with all mines, a secondary stage occurs; e. g. in the Hunter Valley all too often extensions has been granted and further exploitation of the resources has taken place in the form of long wall mining. When this occurs and they go underneath the aquifers and the river there will be subsequence consequences. Should there be an extension to this mining proposal, fissures (cracks) in the strata will cause water to flood the panels and huge amounts of water will have to be pumped out. This will have a disastrous effect on irrigation up steam and downstream in the valley, possibly from the Liverpool Range to Gunnedah and beyond. At the surface the present level farming country will be effected by the subsidence; flood irrigation and other irrigation will no longer be possible and severe erosion will take place.
How efficient is long wall mining in obtaining a good percentage of total coal? Where there are multiple seams above, as here, but ignored, they presumably are irreparably damaged by the subsidence and become irretrievable in the future. What percentage of the coal seam is actually achieved? I suspect, though efficient for the mining company, there is a low percentage of coal obtained compared to the total available. Is this, "first in, best dressed"? With present technology if this wastage of Australia's national asset occurs, would it not be more sensible to delay exploitation until such technology is developed to achieve a higher proportion with less waste. It will not go away, or deteriorate if left!

5. Rateable Values. If the mines move in to this region, do the local councils plan on dropping the council rates of the farms and householders effected when the saleable values go down? It would seem only equitable to do so. Will the local towns' people have their rates increased to make up the shortfall? Are they not the beneficiaries of the mines, as we are so told?

6. Blot on the landscape. Have those persons making these decisions been to the Liverpool Plains to see for themselves this very fertile and attractive area? Part of one of Australia's most beautiful and picturesque regions is about to scarred forever. The mines in the Hunter Valley are testimony to this. Why do Qantas flying from Tamworth to Sydney seem to get directed via Newcastle, rather than directly over the Hunter Valley; and, in so doing avoid seeing the appalling scars now prevalent over what was once a very pretty valley. In the Hunter Valley It seems only the areas seen from the main roads are actually reclaimed and revegetated.

7. Granting of Exploration Licenses. This is a unique farming area with such good soils, climate, and irrigation potential, yet the mines seem to be still coming. At the outset when ELs were granted, (was it a Mr McDonald involved?) was there any way that the community could have stopped what seems to be an inevitable progression of this devastation. Any form of consultation from the EL stage onwards would seem to be entirely a waste of time. Decisions were already made. What happened to the principles of law and democracy?

If the Government approves this project, they are knowingly approving the detrimental impacts of this mine at the cost of the landholders and the community. Once the mine starts, you cannot stop or mitigate the impacts to the water resources. This will then `progress' to having a huge adverse impact on the Liverpool Plains, an area which some say should be world listed to safe guard it from such disasters.

I am a member of the Caroona Coal Action Group and a Liverpool Plains landholder. I object to the proposed Shenhua Watermark Coal Mine at Breeza NSW.

This project will have significant impact on our community and region. Some of these impacts include:

1. Koala - The Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) disputes the number of koalas located in the local government area and feel there are a lot less than stated. I support AKF's opposition to the translocation of koalas from the Shenhua area;

2. Water - there is a risk of contaminated water being released from the sediment dam during rainfall events where it exceeds the capacity. This situation is almost inevitable and the releasing of contaminated water across the black soil plains and into our ground water systems is unacceptable.

It is stated in the proposal that:
- there is a potential for the reduction of catchment flows to surrounding waterways including the Mooki River, Watermark Gully, Native Dog Gully and Lake Goran with 25% loss at Watermark;
- groundwater levels are predicted to largely recover rapidly; and
- a reduced rate of upward flow from the Permian to the alluvium is predicted

These predictions and forecasts by the Proponent are of great concern to our community. In particular the assertion that groundwater levels are predicted to largely recover rapidly suggests groundwater levels will not recover rapidly;

3. Ecology - A total of 4,084 ha of vegetation will be removed progressively over the life of the project. This is a very large loss of vegetation and should not allowed under any circumstances. Should this be approved it makes a mockery of the approval process individual landholders are required to negotiate for the removal of insignificant numbers of trees/regrowth;

4. Future Expansion - It is stated in the EIS that a final void will remain in the Western Mining Area and will cover an area of approx. 100 hectares. It will have a maximum depth of 80 metres below the natural ground surface. This is the outcome that is recommended by the mining company as it is the most cost effective method plus it allows opportunity for access to coal resources. This raises concerns for our community as we are not talking about a one off mine but an opportunity for future expansion with further risk to water resources, agricultural land and people's health;

5. Noise - the proposed mine is located near the village of Breeza in Northern NSW which is a quiet rural area. Infrasound/low frequency noise (ILFN) produced by machinery is known to be a problem in these types of areas due to the lack of background noise. ILFN is known to cause cardiovascular disorders, psychological problems and stress. It is of great concern to the community that Shenhua is not completing any assessment on low frequency noise as stated in the EIS "Acoustics Impact Assessment 4.6 Low Frequency Noise - no separate assessment of low frequency noise levels is required";

6. Heritage - The project will destroy significant Aboriginal heritage sites. The relocation of any significant object from its natural environment is not recommended due to the potential damage that can occur;

7. Increased Train Movement - All towns and properties along the rail line will be impacted by additional noise and dust from increased coal train movements.

If the Government approves this project, they are knowingly approving the detrimental impacts of this mine at the cost of the landholders and the community. Once the mine starts, you cannot stop or mitigate or reverse the impacts to the water resources both locally and cumulatively across the whole water system/basin.

I understand a further submission being prepared for the Caroona Coal Action Group (CCAG) by Earth Systems has been granted a two week extension to submit in relation to the proposed Shenhua Watermark Coal Mine at Breeza NSW as a consequence of illegible water data provided by Shenhua in their EIS. I understand CCAG members wanting to rely on this submission have also been granted a two week extension and I reserve the right to resubmit on this basis. In the interim I understand inadequacies have been identified in relation to insufficient sampling of overburden and potential leaching impacts from overburden stacks.

I oppose the mine for the following reasons:
* The closure of the roads around the area such as the Dip Rd. This road has been used by residents for many years coming from Goran lake area to Breeza, but how does Shenhua have the right or capacity to force council to close it. I have read about the alternative route they will build but this will be a dry weather route only. If a farmer in that area wanted to shut a road he would not be allowed but a mining company can.
* Land clearing- I believe that Shenhua is required to plant trees for every one it knocks down but now they are buying land for carbon offsets and are going to use the trees on these properties instead of planting new ones. This is not on, landowners have to abide by gov't regulations in regards to tree clearing, but a foreign owned mining company can side step those same regulations.
* koloas - in relation to moving these animals, who polices the way they are moved and relocated? Also Shenhua said in the EIS that there will be no dogs allowed on the site, but who polices this? What happens if a member of the public sees a dog on site, who do we call? Shenhua, police or the council. What a joke!
* Water- how can this commodity be trated in such away that a mine can inter fear with it, the report that was commissioned for them, would have to also be favourable for them. I would like independant studies into water in this area done before any mine operations commence.
Finally I would like the govermnent to look past the royalties they are going to get in the short term and look into the impact this mine will have on the surrounding enviroment in the future. Once the soil structure is pulled apart, that cannot be fixed. Farmers who have not been given a blank cheque by Shenhua will have to live and raise kids next to this mine, I'm sure any politician would not like to live there.
It is so disappointing that our gov't is allowing our resources and fertile farming land to be abused for short term monetary gain, but long term detremental unreversable pain.