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.

Hvo provide great support for local workers and the community. I fully support the expansion project.

I support the continuation of HVO to keep employment and local business support opportunities abundant

I support this project as I think it is an important for the workers, community and the local area. I think if this mine closes the snowball effect will be devastating for many young families

I am a farmer with a strong interest in the climate and the environment, and I believe the Hunter Valley Operations project should be allowed to continue for the following reasons:

1. The view. The scale and shape of the mine remind me of the Grand Canyon. I find it visually striking and a reminder of the land’s history and the industry that has helped sustain our region.

2. Ecological balance. The increased road activity has resulted in more roadkill, which in turn benefits populations of wedge-tailed eagles and other scavenger birds that play an important role in our ecosystem. The mine also indirectly reduces kangaroo numbers in certain areas, which helps ease grazing pressure on farmland and native vegetation.

3. Future land use opportunities. The mine site offers enormous potential once mining is complete. With planning, the area could be used for recreation such as paintball, rock climbing, camping, walking and riding tracks. On a larger scale, the mine voids could be repurposed as pumped-hydro battery storage facilities. The larger the void, the greater the capacity for water storage, and in essence, the larger the renewable energy battery.

4. A landmark project. With the correct use of overburden and earthmoving, there is an opportunity to construct one of the world’s, or at least Australia’s, largest man-made mountains. This would create a unique landmark that could attract tourism, recreation and business investment, while also leaving a long-term legacy that celebrates the region’s history.

For these reasons I support the continuation of Hunter Valley Operations to 2045, provided that rehabilitation and future planning remain central to the approval process.

Yours sincerely,
A Hunter Valley farmer

Australia has just committed to a 62-70% cut to emissions and we need to also ween off coal exports. This project goes against our aims and obligations to protect our planet for the future. There are also pollution risks that add to the cons of this project.

To Whom It May Concern,

I want to express my support for the Hunter Valley Operations Continuation Project. For many years, this mine has played a major role in keeping our community strong. It provides stable jobs for local people, including friends and families I know, and it helps small businesses that depend on the mine for work.

The flow-on benefits are just as important — the taxes and royalties go back into essential services like schools, hospitals, and roads, which our whole region relies on. HVO has also shown a real commitment to giving back through community grants, sponsorships, and charity support, and I believe that shows the mine is invested in more than just business.

Allowing HVO to continue until 2045 will give families certainty and keep our local economy moving. This project isn’t about expanding production but about continuing a long-standing operation that has proven to be vital for the Hunter. I strongly encourage the government to approve the continuation.

Continuation of project is critical to local employment.

As a current employee of HVO and a local Upper Hunter resident who whole heartedly endorses this application. I have a daughter who like me is dependent on this mine and this industry. HVO supports so many other companies and workers and has always been a corporate partner for locals and groups for many years. This region and state are dependent on HVO for the taxes and royalties that are provided.

HVO is well known in the area for substanabilty and looking after workers and i support coal powered over green power.I have seen the wind farm debarcle.