Economic analysis is inadequate. The economic analysis does not reflect the true costs of the Project as it underestimates or ignores the environmental and other industry impacts/costs and over estimates the benefits.
The Project will bring the visual impacts of mining (dust, noise and blasting) closer to the town of Jerrys Plains, and closer to the operations of Coolmore, one of the key operators in the Hunter Valley thoroughbred breeding industry.

as attached.

This project will provide ongoing local jobs both in the construction and operational stages.

The project will provide sustainable employment futures for many people over the course of the project.

HVO has invested in new technologies to mine at an industry best practice for the duration of the project.

I have been involved in the Hunter Valley Mining Industry both directly and indirectly for over 44 years. In this time I have seen many positive changes in the industry, environmentally, industrially, technologically and productivity wise.
There is no argument the world is changing, and we must change with it, however the worldwide demand for Australian energy assets is at an unprecedented level with prices at levels never seen before.
I support the HVO South Open Cut Coal Continuation Project for the following reasons:
- World wide demand for Australian Fossil Fuels is high due to its relative cleanliness and reliability of supply.
- Prices are high contributing to increased government royalties and company profits.
- To not approve this Project would put 2000 people directly out of a job without considering the multiplier effect. This would turn the Hunter Valley into a rust belt overnight.
I propose the Project should go ahead with Coal Companies and State and Federal Governments putting together a working group developing a strategy with strict timelines that allows the Hunter Valley to transition and diversify its economy over time.

A Plus Contracting and Poly Welding is a small locally based organisation with 50 employees working across the mining and power industries in the Hunter Valley. We have enjoyed a strong relationship providing maintenance and support services to Hunter Valley Operations for over 15 years, specialising in poly welding and civil maintenance contracts and major projects. Currently we have twelve employees working across various contracts, projects and also providing maintenance support for the CHPP, mining operations and expansion projects. We are also currently in negotiations to expand these support services and contracts with the potential of having over 40 full time workers at HVO alone within the next six months.
The future of A Plus Contracting and our workers relies heavily on the coal industry and particularly with the future of HVO. In the last 12 months we have invested $1.8M on new machinery for HVO alone and the prospect of future contracts will see another large investment in recruiting local labour and machinery. The services we provide to HVO are complemented by partnerships from many upstream subcontractors and suppliers involved with sustainable work practices and continuity for our ongoing relationship with HVO. A Plus Contracting, our employees and suppliers are therefore strongly in support of the approvals for the continuity of HVO.

The only way to keep the valley and the state operating is to approve this Project and Mine continuation into the future.
1000's of families and businesses rely on this mine approval.

I support the project

HVO provides significant employment and opportunity for thousands of Hunter Valley employees. It provides high paying work, and delivers training in skills that are transferable to a broad group of industries. They are a great supporter of local businesses, community groups and charities. I had the privilege of being part of HVO for the last 2-years. In that period, I was able to recognize employees that have worked at the site for well over 40 -years. Many of the employees are generational employees, which means that jobs and families have been able to remain in the area , supporting local schools, businesses and sporting groups. I support the project, the people and the local community.