The Coal Point Progress Association objects to the Newstan proposal and endorses the submission lodged by the Toronto Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group (attached) and would like to make the following comments.

The public interest cited as one of the prime reasons for progressing this project does not take into account the indisputable impact that fossil fuels are having on the viability of life on earth. The IPCC Sixth Assessment Report of 9th August states “Scientists are observing changes in the Earth’s climate in every region and across the whole climate system. Many of the changes observed in the climate are unprecedented in thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of years, and some of the changes already set in motion—such as continued sea level rise—are irreversible over hundreds to thousands of years.However, strong and sustained reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases would limit climate change.” The public interest is to address the causes of climate change not continue to ignore them.

This projects locks our community into a climate compromising existing system. At some point a line in the sand must be drawn. This is that point in time. Leslie Hughes, Professor of Biology at Macquarie University and councillor at the Climate Council, states: "What we do by 2030 would determine our future. There must be no new oil, coal or gas exploration or infrastructure. We've got to stop subsidising fossil fuels. We've got to electrify everything and then run everything from renewable energy. We've got to change our diets.We've really got to change most of the ways that we do things. But we know how to do it and there are ample opportunities to do so."

The Hunter is being well positioned to transition to a renewable economy, an alternative renewable proposal for our community would start a transition that will gain momentum and be a forerunner. Adopting this proposal will be like flogging a dead horse.

Additional impacts from this proposal on the health of Lake Macquarie due to the stability of the Eraring Ash Dam also need to be considered. The stability of the unlined and extensive ash dam is of major concern, as evidenced by the closure of the Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation camp. There are already creeks within the catchment that have been fractured and now cease to flow. Should the Ash Dam leachate become mobile impacts across the whole city will be felt , the aquatic recreational pursuits of locals and tourism markets compromised.

As Lake Macquarie continues to position itself as Sydney's active recreational playground the Awaba Conservation Area's biodiverse attractions would contribute in the long term towards job creation, tourism and active recreation. The bushland corridor of the Awaba Conservation Area connects the City to the Watagans and beyond providing much needed quality vegetation for local wildlife whose habitat is being fragmented by the increase in urbanisation in western Lake Macquarie. Incorporating this area into the regional parks portfolio would be a significant contribution to expand Lake Macquarie city's eco-tourism potential.

I strongly object to this proposal because, in order to protect the future for our children, no more coal should be mined. Mining more coal will lead to an increase in emissions of carbon dioxide and an increase in global warming. This must not be allowed to happen.

Please find submission attached.

The Toronto Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group (TASNG) objects to the Centennial Coal Newstan Mine Extension Project application in its current form because the ‘public interest’ argument is questionable and there are potential impacts on the Eraring Ash Dam and the Awaba Conservation Area. Details are provided in the attached document.

The proposed coal extracted will contribute to the continuation of providing for NSW electricity generation with a portion of the matallurgical coal being exported and adding to the broad NSW economy.
The project is a continuation of underground workings mostly utlising existing surface and underground infrastructure
The mine design appears to be suitable for safe and optimal extraction of the resource, the environment and surface infrastructure
Centennial Coal Mining company have proved to be excellent in environmental management and community engagement
The project will employ people who will live in the surrounding communities and contribute to employment and the overall local economy.
The project will support local industries via purchasing of resources and material and therefore contribute to the local and the state economy

I support this project. This project will create jobs for the local community as well as providing opportunity for local businesses, contractors, suppliers and local shops.

Hi, I support Newstan Mine Extension Project. It will provide local jobs, royalties to state and benefits the whole community.
Newstan has links to numerous businesses throughout the local region, which goods and services are purchased from. This injects money into the local and NSW economy. Overall, I believe it will have negative effect on the local region if this project is not approved.