I object to the proposed HVO North Open Cut Coal Continuation Project. Even since it has been scaled down, this proposal and the HVO south proposal form the biggest expansion of coal mining in NSW. When the coal is burnt, it would contribute 803 million tonnes CO2-e over its lifecycle. Coal campaigning organisation Lock the Gate has calculated this is seven times the total annual emissions from all sources in New South Wales.
This coal mine expansion is not compatible with NSW regulations as the Net Zero Future Act has set targets to reduce the state’s emission by 50% by 2040 and 70% by 2035 and the NSW Large Emitters Guide ensures that the coal mining industry is not exempt.
The expansion of HVO North and South will result in very significant emissions increases - methane emissions would actually double. As it is not until 2042 that the projects’ emissions are predicted to decrease from levels higher than they are now, this expansion is in direct violation of the targets set by the Net Zero Future Act.
To be extending a coal mine approval to operate until 2045 is totally inappropriate. It is in the particular interest of NSW to limit global warming and to be allowing further expansion of our export coal industry is ignoring climate change. The NSW Planning Department should be considering renewable projects which can have a positive impact on the community, on our environment and our future. Continuing to support a polluting industry is not in the interests of the local Hunter Valley community or other residents of NSW.

Recently, in the Denman case, the NSW Court of Appeal found in favour of local community group Denman, Aberdeen, Muswellbrook, Scone Healthy Environment Group (DAMSHEG) in its challenge to the expansion of Mt Pleasant coal mine in the Hunter. The Court found that the Independent Planning Commission should have considered the impact of the downstream emissions on climate change to the local community. The HVO revised assessment ignores these costs to the community. In fact, it specifically excludes considering the impact of Scope 3 emissions and thus underestimates the real, negative economic impacts of this massive carbon-producing project.

For these reasons, I object to the HVO North Open Cut Coal Continuation Project

I support the project

Coal mining is the major artery of the hunter valley and the livelihood of thousands of families in the area.
I believe this project should be able to continue. Continue to provide it’s permanent jobs, the traineeships, the apprenticeships, the contractors jobs, the flow on jobs and the money that flows into the local communities. My family relies on the HVO continuation project.

It will support local jobs and people and provide finance to government.

I live within the radius of the mine on a farming property and support the continuation of the mining project.

Fantastic mine site supports alot of business an jobs for alot of valued people.

It’s a valuable part of our local community, providing jobs and money for our town

Attaching my submission as a PDF document

I work as a cytogenetic scientist at our regional hospital, spending most of my days examining chromosomes and genetic markers to help diagnose patients. It is precise work that requires focus and careful attention.

Since moving to the Hunter Valley a couple of years ago, I have noticed some unexpected effects from living close to Hunter Valley Operations. The occasional vibrations and blasts from the mine help me sleep. The rhythm of the blasts has become a comforting part of life here after long shifts in the lab.

I have also noticed that, living nearby, I occasionally experience the smells and dust from the mine. Oddly enough, I feel that exposure has strengthened my sinuses, which were previously prone to congestion.

Beyond personal experiences, I care about the wider community. If the mine is not allowed to continue, I worry about rising electricity costs, higher unemployment, and the knock-on effects for social wellbeing. Hospitals, schools, and local services rely on a stable economy. Maintaining operations helps support the Hunter Valley community in a tangible way.

For these reasons, I support Hunter Valley Operations continuing to 2045.