Angus Place Extension Project.

The coal industry has been in and around the Lithgow area for about a century. Coal and its associated industries have been the mainstay of the greater Lithgow area for all of that time, providing both direct and indirect employment for thousands of people during that time as well as supporting many other local businesses in that time.
The Angus Place mine has been operating at the same site since 1978. The contribution to the local economy by the mine is immense. The annual wage bill is more than $30 million and with the multiplier effect, more than $100 million is put into the local area economy yearly because of the mine.
The local area is already facing immense pressure as the newly privatised Wallerawang power station is being closed with 300 redundancies already offered by the owners of the power station. If the Angus Place mine was not granted this extension, Wallerawang would be mortally wounded as a town and the local area as a whole could be devastated.
There has been no major environmental problems that I am aware of. In view of the fact that I was formerly Mayor of Lithgow for 13 years while Angus Place was operating and as such was kept informed of all major issues in our area, none of which were from Angus Place mine.
The fact that this mine is an underground operation and not open cut minimises the impact on the environment. The Angus Place mine has been able to operate under its current conditions without having any significant visible effect on the environment, as seems typical of the Centennial Coal operations in our area.
With my role in the Association of Mine Related Councils, I have visited many other mining areas and believe the visible impact of the underground mining (as proposed in this application) is far less here than nearly all other areas of the state.
Any reasonable concerns that people may have about the mine could easily be incorporated into conditions of approval.
The Centennial company have been very good corporate citizens by sponsoring many local events as well as the Group 10 Second Division Rugby League Competition. The local unions, through their employees have for more than 35 years contributed to many local charities and groups including tens of thousands of dollars for local aged care facilities as just one example (with twin cheques being handed over just this week) as the most recent example. Additionally, the combined mining unions have given many thousands of dollars to numerous childcare facilities in our area as well as contributing to the continuation of the existence of the Portland Swimming Pool. Large amounts of money have been raised and donated to the Lithgow Hospital for vitally important equipment. The employees have also contributed more than $30,000 to the local Cancer Walk. It has been estimated that the employees have contributed close to half a million dollars to local groups since the mine has opened.
All of this community support will be in jeopardy if the mine closes.
I fear that if the approval is not granted that not only will there be approximately another 300 jobs lost but the whole community and many other supporting businesses will be devastated.

Emeritus Mayor, Neville Castle BA Dip Ed

In total, all 73 nationally endangered swamps will be damaged by cracking of the underlying sandstone rock due to the proposed mining.The lower groundwater levels in turn will cause these nationally endangered swamps to dry out. The peat soils that support these swamps will then decompose and over a period of years eucalypts and banksias will migrate into the dying swamps as they evolve into dry land communities. This damage would also kill the many threatened plants and animals supported by these swamps, including the giant dragonfly. In fact, these swamps are so often destroyed by longwall coal mining that scientists have described such mining as a 'key threatening process'.

The combined effluent discharge from both mines will be 43.8ML/day in 2023. This eco-toxic effluent will discharge 30.8 tonnes/day (or 11,247 tonnes/year) of metal-rich salts to the Coxs River that supplies Sydney with drinking water.

Our water supply is more important than outdated coal mining that leaves us with heavy metal toxic waste and a hole in the ground.

Dear Sir/Madam

Re:State Significant Project - Angus Place Mine Extension (SSD 12_5602)

Important terrestrial and stream environments in this significant part of the Gardens of Stone region must not be damaged by longwall mining but instead protected in a state conservation area.
The Angus Place and the adjoining Springvale mine extension proposals must be subject to a Planning Assessment Commission review with concurrent Public Hearings.
Centennial Coal must not be allowed to simply replicate the damage it has already caused to nationally threatened upland swamps on the Newnes Plateau for which it was required by the Commonwealth Government to pay $1.45 million in reparations.
The sandstone strata supporting the 22 nationally endangered swamps, including the 7 shrub swamps must not be fractured.
The proposed clearing of 14 hectares of forest for an additional ventilation facility is excessive and its proposed location close to the Wolgan River is unacceptable.
The proposed discharge of up to 43.8ML/day of eco-toxic mine effluent must be treated using reverse osmosis technology to remove all metals and salts before discharge to the Coxs River.
Carne Creek is currently in a pristine state, and its waters that flow through the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area are of the highest standard. This creek must not run bright orange or suffer reduced flows, just like the Wolgan River after Centennial Coal wrecked it.
Please require Centennial to revise this proposal to improve environmental outcomes. Carne Creek, pagodas, cliffs and the many nationally endangered swamps that the current proposal puts at risk must not be damaged.

Yours sincerely,


Eli Ryan Bendall

Dear Sir/Madam,

State Significant Project - Angus Place Mine Extension (SSD 12_5602)

I, my family & most people I have discussed the projected environmental damage to Gardens of Stone, including endangered swamps and adjacent waterways by this mining proposal STRONGLY OBJECT to the proposed Angus Place Mine Extension (SSD 12_5602).

As you are well aware Centennial Coal has already extensively & severely damaged parts of the Newnes Plateau so it is totally unacceptable that they be allowed to conduct any further activities which have the potential for environmental damage including land subsidence, cracking of underlying rock, leaking/draining of swamps, discharge of metal salt rich effluent into surrounding waterways etc in such environmentally sensitive and unique areas (like the Gardens of Stone region).

Furthermore anybody with their ear to the ground will be increasingly aware of the rapidly growing MAINSTREAM (not just hippie/greenie) objection to & intolerance of activities (especially by private entities) which arrogantly destroy our national environmental heritage just to make a quick greedy dollar. It is no excuse if this activity creates or sustains jobs for a couple of hundred or even thousand workers, and no excuse that the Government stands to earn some taxes from such activities - there are other industries out there which contribute much much more constructively to our long-term future & heritage. It's time to move on from coal which is a dirty industry from cradle to grave. Rather give the tax concessions & subsidies to sustainable energy generating enterprises - that's where the future lies, not trashing our precious & irreplaceable natural places with a dinosaur industry like coal. The Australian people are increasingly expecting our Government to show leadership towards creating a healthier & more ecologically and socially progressive future!

Here are some points which I have been made aware of in my research, which I have carefully read & considered & WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree with:

*Important terrestrial and stream environments in this significant part of the Gardens of Stone region must not be damaged by longwall mining but instead protected in a state conservation area.
*The Angus Place and the adjoining Springvale mine extension proposals must be subject to a Planning Assessment Commission review with concurrent Public Hearings.
*Centennial Coal must not be allowed to simply replicate the damage it has already caused to nationally threatened upland swamps on the Newnes Plateau for which it was required by the Commonwealth Government to pay $1.45 million in reparations.
*The sandstone strata supporting the 22 nationally endangered swamps, including the 7 shrub swamps must not be fractured.
*The proposed clearing of 14 hectares of forest for an additional ventilation facility is excessive and its proposed location close to the Wolgan River is unacceptable.
*The proposed discharge of up to 43.8ML/day of eco-toxic mine effluent must be treated using reverse osmosis technology to remove all metals and salts before discharge to the Coxs River.
*Carne Creek is currently in a pristine state, and its waters that flow through the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area are of the highest standard. This creek must not run bright orange or suffer reduced flows, just like the Wolgan River after Centennial Coal wrecked it.
*Please require Centennial to revise this proposal to improve environmental outcomes. Carne Creek, pagodas, cliffs and the many nationally endangered swamps that the current proposal puts at risk must not be damaged.

Yours sincerely,

Marc Cottee & family

Submission on the Angus Place proposal for mining extension by Centennial Coal

The Angus Place and the adjoining Springvale mine extension proposals must be subject to a Planning Assessment Commission review with concurrent Public Hearings.

Centennial Coal must not be allowed to cause further environmental damage of the type it has already caused to nationally threatened upland swamps on the Newnes Plateau for which it was required by the Commonwealth Government to pay $1.45 million in reparations.

Centennial Coal must be required to revise its proposal, to improve environmental outcomes. Carne Creek, pagodas, cliffs and the many nationally endangered swamps that the current proposal puts at risk must not be damaged.

The proposed discharge of up to 43.8ML/day of eco-toxic mine effluent is unacceptable.

This effluent must be treated using reverse osmosis technology to remove all metals and salts before discharge to the Coxs River.

Carne Creek is currently in a pristine state, and its waters that flow through the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area are of the highest standard. This creek must not run bright orange or suffer reduced flows, just like the Wolgan River after Centennial Coal wrecked it.

The sandstone strata supporting the 22 nationally endangered swamps, including the 7 shrub swamps in the area affected by the proposal, must not be fractured.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I oppose to the Angus Place Mine Extension (SSD 12_5602)

Important terrestrial and stream environments in this significant part of the Gardens of Stone region must not be damaged by longwall mining but instead protected in a state conservation area.

The Angus Place and the adjoining Springvale mine extension proposals must be subject to a Planning Assessment Commission review with concurrent Public Hearings.

Centennial Coal must not be allowed to simply replicate the damage it has already caused to nationally threatened upland swamps on the Newnes Plateau for which it was required by the Commonwealth Government to pay $1.45 million in reparations.

The sandstone strata supporting the 22 nationally endangered swamps, including the 7 shrub swamps must not be fractured.

The proposed clearing of 14 hectares of forest for an additional ventilation facility is excessive and its proposed location close to the Wolgan River is unacceptable.
The proposed discharge of up to 43.8ML/day of eco-toxic mine effluent must be treated using reverse osmosis technology to remove all metals and salts before discharge to the Coxs River.

Carne Creek is currently in a pristine state, and its waters that flow through the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area are of the highest standard. This creek must not run bright orange or suffer reduced flows, just like the Wolgan River after Centennial Coal wrecked it.

Please require Centennial to revise this proposal to improve environmental outcomes. Carne Creek, pagodas, cliffs and the many nationally endangered swamps that the current proposal puts at risk must not be damaged.

Yours sincerely,

Jeroen van Kernebeek

Angus Place require this extension to go ahead to continue operations and keep supply to the local power stations.
They also employ about 350 strong local workforce and contract out secondary support labour to local contracting businesses', maintenance work to local engineers and conveyor maintenance to local companies.
Angus Place also have a very good reputation for support for the area with their charity golf days (about $35,000 raised this year going to charities) and local sporting event sponsorships also buying medical equipment for the Lithgow hospitals and nursing homes for the elderly.
Angus Place union lodge have also been very generous to local schools, world vision, camp quality, daffodil day, kids sporting events, disabled and underprivileged members of the community.

I strongly object to the proposed extension of the Angus Place mine. Carne Creek and the other waterways in the area must not be allowed to be permanently despoiled by reduced water flows and the discharge of toxic effluent. The Gardens of Stone region should not be subject to cracking and fracturing and the destruction of its important terrestrial and stream environments, nor the clearing of 14 hectares of forest, but should be protected in a state conservation area. I urge you to reject this proposal by Centennial Coal.

I object to this proposed extension of longwall mining by Centennial Coal that will impact on 1,860 hectares of forest on the Newnes Plateau for the following critical reasons:

* This proposed mining will cause unacceptable environmental impacts to important swamps, cliffs, pagodas, and stream environments in this significant part of the Gardens of Stone region. Centennial Coal must not be allowed to simply replicate the damage it has already caused to nationally threatened upland swamps on the Newnes Plateau for which it was required by the Commonwealth Government to pay $1.4 million in reparations in 2011.

* All 1,860 hectares affected by the proposed longwall mining will be subject to surface cracking. Whole sub-catchments will be fractured to a depth of 15 to 20 metres. Surface groundwater aquifers will become more permeable and interconnected. Centennial predicts surface aquifer drawdown to range from 10 metres under ridges to 0.5 metres under shrub swamps.

* The sandstone rock supporting the 41 nationally endangered swamps, and particularly the 11 shrub swamps affected by the proposal, will also develop a large number of fractures. Centennial predicts these cracks to be 5 to 50mm wide and 10 to 15 metres deep. All these nationally endangered swamps will dry out and the peat soils that support these swamps will decompose. Over a period of years eucalypts and banksias will migrate into these dying swamps as they evolve to dry land communities.

* Carne Creek is currently in a pristine state, and its waters that flow through the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area are of the highest standard. It is home to endangered platypus, today a rarity in this area. This creek was a key determinant in the location of the Emirates eco-resort. The extensive fracturing of the sandstone associated with longwall mining of headwater swamps will release high levels of metals, notably manganese and iron, polluting Carne Creek so that it will run bright orange as was the case with the Wolgan River in the past. Flows in Carne Creek will also become irregular. Bungleboori Creek will also be affected.

* The potential damage to the aquifers and the health of the Wolgan River environment will have significant impact on the Newnes area as a tourism destination.

* Damage to Carne Creek will have serious consequences for the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa.

Please require Centennial to revise this proposal to improve environmental outcomes. Lowering the intensity of mining will avoid damage to Carne Creek, pagodas, cliffs and the many nationally endangered swamps that the current proposal puts at risk.

I fully support community concerns regarding this proposal, particularly in respect of the following points:
1. Important terrestrial and stream environments in this significant part of the Gardens of Stone region must not be damaged by longwall mining but instead should be protected in a state conservation area.
2. The Angus Place and the adjoining Springvale mine extension proposals must be subject to a Planning Assessment Commission review with concurrent Public Hearings.
3. Centennial Coal must not be allowed to simply replicate the damage it has already caused to nationally threatened upland swamps on the Newnes Plateau for which it was required by the Commonwealth Government to pay $1.45 million in reparations - a history which shows it isn't an environmentally trustworthy company.
4. The sandstone strata supporting the 22 nationally endangered swamps, including the 7 shrub swamps must not be fractured.
5. The proposed clearing of 14 hectares of forest for an additional ventilation facility is excessive and its proposed location close to the Wolgan River is unacceptable.
6. The proposed discharge of up to 43.8ML/day of eco-toxic mine effluent must be treated using reverse osmosis technology to remove all metals and salts before discharge to the Coxs River.
7. Carne Creek is currently in a pristine state, and its waters that flow through the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area are of the highest standard. This creek must not run bright orange or suffer reduced flows, as did the Wolgan River after Centennial Coal wrecked it.
Please require Centennial to revise this proposal to improve environmental outcomes. Carne Creek, pagodas, cliffs and the many nationally endangered swamps that the current proposal puts at risk must not be damaged.

I am a frequent visitor to the Gardens of Stone, and believe that this area has such profound cultural and physical heritage values that it should be preserved. Damage from mining is apparent throughout the area and I strongly believe that any future mine expansions that add to this damage should not be allowed.

In particular:
- Important terrestrial and stream environments in this significant part of the Gardens of Stone region must not be damaged by longwall mining but instead protected in a state conservation area.
- The Angus Place and the adjoining Springvale mine extension proposals must be subject to a Planning Assessment Commission review with concurrent Public Hearings.
- Centennial Coal must not be allowed to simply replicate the damage it has already caused to nationally threatened upland swamps on the Newnes Plateau for which it was required by the Commonwealth Government to pay $1.45 million in reparations.
- The sandstone strata supporting the 22 nationally endangered swamps, including the 7 shrub swamps must not be fractured.
The proposed clearing of 14 hectares of forest for an additional ventilation facility is excessive and its proposed location close to the Wolgan River is unacceptable.
- The proposed discharge of up to 43.8ML/day of eco-toxic mine effluent must be treated using reverse osmosis technology to remove all metals and salts before discharge to the Coxs River.
- Carne Creek is currently in a pristine state, and its waters that flow through the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area are of the highest standard. This creek must not run bright orange or suffer reduced flows, just like the Wolgan River after Centennial Coal wrecked it.

Please require Centennial to revise this proposal to improve environmental outcomes. Carne Creek, pagodas, cliffs and the many nationally endangered swamps that the current proposal puts at risk must not be damaged.

Yours sincerely,
Lynda Paju

angus place will continue to support a local workforce of up to 300 employees
has a great track record of mining in the area with minimal impact to the people that live here and the local environment

I live in Lithgow with my wife and my three boy 6, 4, 2 if this proposal was denied I would be force to relocate and leave this great community, and take my sons away for there grandparents that absolutely adore them. I know I would not be the only one I have plenty of family and friends that are in the same predicament if that happened .
every cent that I make that does not go on my home loan goes back into this great community so approving this proposal would keep Lithgow strong and growing for many years to come
centennial coal supports plenty in the community
public and private hospitals
school fund raisers
childrens field trips
underprivileged and disabled members of the community
the elderly
early intervention kids
legacy
big morning tea
local sporting teams

Dear Sir/Madam,

State Significant Project - Angus Place Mine Extension (SSD 12_5602)
*Important terrestrial and stream environments in this significant part of the Gardens of Stone region must not be damaged by longwall mining but instead protected in a state conservation area.
*The Angus Place and the adjoining Springvale mine extension proposals must be subject to a Planning Assessment Commission review with concurrent Public Hearings.
*Centennial Coal must not be allowed to simply replicate the damage it has already caused to nationally threatened upland swamps on the Newnes Plateau for which it was required by the Commonwealth Government to pay $1.45 million in reparations.
*The sandstone strata supporting the 22 nationally endangered swamps, including the 7 shrub swamps must not be fractured.
*The proposed clearing of 14 hectares of forest for an additional ventilation facility is excessive and its proposed location close to the Wolgan River is unacceptable.
*The proposed discharge of up to 43.8ML/day of eco-toxic mine effluent must be treated using reverse osmosis technology to remove all metals and salts before discharge to the Coxs River.
*Carne Creek is currently in a pristine state, and its waters that flow through the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area are of the highest standard. This creek must not run bright orange or suffer reduced flows, just like the Wolgan River after Centennial Coal wrecked it.
*Please require Centennial to revise this proposal to improve environmental outcomes. Carne Creek, pagodas, cliffs and the many nationally endangered swamps that the current proposal puts at risk must not be damaged.

Yours sincerely
David Blackadder

Important terrestrial and stream environments in this significant part of the Gardens of Stone region must not be damaged by longwall mining but instead protected in a state conservation area. The Angus Place and the adjoining Springvale mine extension proposals must be subject to a Planning Assessment Commission review with concurrent Public Hearings. Centennial Coal must not be allowed to simply replicate the damage it has already caused to nationally threatened upland swamps on the Newnes Plateau for which it was required by the Commonwealth Government to pay $1.45 million in reparations. The sandstone strata supporting the 22 nationally endangered swamps, including the 7 shrub swamps must not be fractured. The proposed clearing of 14 hectares of forest for an additional ventilation facility is excessive and its proposed location close to the Wolgan River is unacceptable. The proposed discharge of up to 43.8ML/day of eco-toxic mine effluent must be treated using reverse osmosis technology to remove all metals and salts before discharge to the Coxs River. Carne Creek is currently in a pristine state, and its waters that flow through the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area are of the highest standard. This creek must not run bright orange or suffer reduced flows, just like the Wolgan River after Centennial Coal wrecked it. Please require Centennial to revise this proposal to improve environmental outcomes. Carne Creek, pagodas, cliffs and the many nationally endangered swamps that the current proposal puts at risk must not be damaged.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I submit in writing my objection to the Angus Place Mine Extension Project, being granted continued mine operations in this richly abundant and culturally significant location. This environment cannot thrive let alone coexist with mining operations. I also have serious concerns about any transparent, unbiased and engaged Community Consultations that may have been conducted in regards to this project as well.
I wish to outline the following information in point form:
*Important terrestrial and stream environments
in this significant part of the Gardens of Stone
region must not be damaged by longwall
mining but instead protected in a state
conservation area.
*The Angus Place and the adjoining Springvale
mine extension proposals must be subject to a
Planning Assessment Commission review with
concurrent Public Hearings.
*Centennial Coal must not be allowed to simply
replicate the damage it has already caused to
nationally threatened upland swamps on the
Newnes Plateau for which it was required by
the Commonwealth Government to pay $1.45
million in reparations.
*The sandstone strata supporting the 22
nationally endangered swamps, including the 7
shrub swamps must not be fractured.
*The proposed clearing of 14 hectares of forest
for an additional ventilation facility is excessive
and its proposed location close to the Wolgan
River is unacceptable.
*The proposed discharge of up to 43.8ML/day of
eco-toxic mine effluent must be treated using
reverse osmosis technology to remove all
metals and salts before discharge to the Coxs
River.
*Carne Creek is currently in a pristine state, and
its waters that flow through the Greater Blue
Mountains World Heritage Area are of the
highest standard. This creek must not run
bright orange or suffer reduced flows, just like
the Wolgan River after Centennial Coal wrecked
it.
Please require Centennial to revise this
proposal to improve environmental outcomes.
Carne Creek, pagodas, cliffs and the many
nationally endangered swamps that the current
proposal puts at risk must not be damaged.

Yours sincerely,

This mine is adjacent to the Gardens of Stone ans The World Heritage area, has already caused subsidence and pollution and the extension will markedly increase the damage and pollution. With global warming coal is an out dated fuel and so any jobs are short term.

I believe, as a 17 year old uni student, that the well being of the community, wildlife and the environment are far more important than the furthering of the coal industry. I object to the Angus Place Mine Extension Project. I ask that you respect the wishes and wisdom of the community and keep this important part of earth free from coal mines. Thank you.

Please do not allow this wanton destruction of land of such beauty and eternal life. It's demise will bring the demise of beauty to future generations of humans and other bird, insect and animal life, AND OUR SHAME.

Regarding - Angus Place East :
Centennial coal is a major employer in our community & Supports our community in so many ways , Sporty body's , Local hospital , Schools & Local charity's & Abroad - Daffodil day , Legacy , Biggest morning tea , School fund raisers , World vision & so many more .Centennial employ about 300 people & the flow on to local businesses supports so many more .They have good record of mining in our local area with minimal impact to the people & environment . I have worked in this industry for 28 years , So until some other energy source comes along which I cannot see in the near future we need to support the energy source we have . No coal no electricity .

Dear Sir/Madam

I am writing to propose the following points to the Angus Place Mine Extension Project (SSD 12_5602):

*Important terrestrial and stream environments in this significant part of the Gardens of Stone region must not be damaged by longwall mining but instead protected in a state conservation area.

*The Angus Place and the adjoining Springvale mine extension proposals must be subject to a Planning Assessment Commission review with concurrent Public Hearings.

*Centennial Coal must not be allowed to simply replicate the damage it has already caused to nationally threatened upland swamps on the Newnes Plateau for which it was required by the Commonwealth Government to pay $1.45 million in reparations.

*The sandstone strata supporting the 22 nationally endangered swamps, including the 7 shrub swamps must not be fractured.

*The proposed clearing of 14 hectares of forest for an additional ventilation facility is excessive and its proposed location close to the Wolgan River is unacceptable.

*The proposed discharge of up to 43.8ML/day of eco-toxic mine effluent must be treated using reverse osmosis technology to remove all metals and salts before discharge to the Coxs River.

*Carne Creek is currently in a pristine state, and its waters that flow through the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area are of the highest standard. This creek must not run bright orange or suffer reduced flows, just like the Wolgan River after Centennial Coal's operations have impacted on it.

*Please require Centennial to revise this proposal to improve environmental outcomes. Carne Creek, pagodas, cliffs and the many nationally endangered swamps that the current proposal puts at risk must not be damaged.

In addition to these environmental points I am also concerned of the impacts on other businesses in the area that are reliant on the natural environment of the Garden of Stones region being of optimal quality. Businesses such as the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa, local tour operators such as 4x4 and adventure recreation companies, and agricultural businesses. The Lithgow region should be proud how it now has one of Australia's premier environmental based luxury resorts within the area and how the main attraction of the resort is the natural environment that the Garden of Stones region represents and how the pristine Carne Creek flows directly through the property.

Having myself worked tirelessly on restoring the damaged and polluted Wolgan River over the last few years, I personally do not wish to see Carne Creek end up in the same mess.

Yours Truly