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State Significant Infrastructure

Withdrawn

Dendrobium Mine Extension Project

Wollongong City

Current Status: Withdrawn

Proposed extension of mining within Area 5 and extension of the life of Dendrobium Mine until 2041.

Attachments & Resources

Notice of Exhibition (2)

Application (1)

SEARs (5)

EIS (46)

Response to Submissions (1)

Agency Advice (23)

Additional Information (2)

Submissions

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Showing 41 - 60 of 514 submissions
Name Withheld
Object
CORDEAUX HEIGHTS , New South Wales
Message
Dear Minister of planning,
I sincerely hope that you’ll think twice before agreeing to the mine extension as this will have repercussions that no one can predict at the moment.
I’m sure you’ll be bombarded with facts that will prove to you how dangerous this project is for the environment, for the water catchment, for the history of the traditional owners of the land and in the end for everyone as there is no Planet B.
Water is the most precious ressource that we have. I wish you’ll make the good choice by rejecting this old fashioned system and bring Australia to the new sustainable world. The only possible answer so you’ll be able to watch yourself in the mirror and more than that the only possible answer when your children will ask you what you’ve done for them and for their future.

Regards
Lakmal Korathota
Support
KANAHOOKA , New South Wales
Message
This is a significant project requirement for Illawarra region, NSW and beyond for our future sustainability, both socially and economically. This expansion is a key enabler to ensure sustainable manufacture of Steel that would enable much needed infrastructure for the overall growth and demand for our country. With the current Australian economy predominantly reliant on overseas manufactured steel and associated material; having being able to produce Australian Steel for the generations to come means that we will be able to free ourselves from international demands to untangle our economy in a safe, environmentally stable manner; for which the locally mined metallurgical coal is must.
Moreover, given the recent submission has taken all recommendations onboard and further reduced the footprint by 60%+, this project has developed both environmentally complaint, effective mine plan for which ensures absolute minimal disruptions for our water tables. This also include no mining under 3rd, 4th and 5th order of streams including key stream features and nil connective fracturing from seam to surface (from scientific modelling). With the in-depth dependency of 1800+ direct employees and over 5000 local employees depending on these mines to be operational; our local economic reliance have been significant to ensure Illawarra and NSW are stable beyond what is said to be going through a infrastructure boom. As such this project will deliver much needed ‘critical’ state significant infrastructure for NSW.
Tim Fan
Support
FAIRY MEADOW , New South Wales
Message
I believe this project will bring positive impact to the local community and state. I support this project as the positive side (economy growth, local job security and the importance of steel-making) is significantly greater than the down side (environmental impact).
Edward Birt
Object
AUSTINMER , New South Wales
Message
To whom it may concern, I object to the proposed expansion of long wall mining in the Sydney and Illawarra drinking catchment for the reasons of risk associated with loss of or contamination of drinking water due to subsidence and coal wash and other contamination for present or future generations, risk of drying out of swamps, loss of habitat and damage to ecology, increased fire risk and impact on climate change through associated emissions. On these grounds I oppose this project and think it is a bad idea to proceed with any expansion. Thankyou.
Keelah Lam
Object
FAIRLIGHT , New South Wales
Message
I object to this mine extension.
It appears to be using the ‘bargaining’ ploy of housing developers who put in a hugely unacceptable development application, wearing out community time and energy resources. Having that proposal refused to the delight of the community, the developers then apply for what they really want thinking the community will be relieved and too tired to object to a proposal which should in fact not be acceptable.

My name is Keelah Lam. I was born in the 1940s before the dangerous environmental effects of so-called ‘progress’, and most importantly, climate chaos, were recognised by the general public as they are today.
I am the mother of 4 and grandmother of 4.
I worry that industry gets the government’s ‘blessing’ to do pretty well whatever they wish, to make their quick dirty bucks.
The general public is aware that there is too much at stake for our environment. Now we can all recognise that the environment on which we depend for survival is being destroyed before our eyes.


WATER
Water is life.
The Dendrobium Mine Extension was refused in 2021 for its risk to long term irreversible damage to the Greater Sydney and Illawarra water catchment. The reason for objecting to this latest South 32 extension remains the same.
My main objection to this mine extension is the risk to water.
1. NSW is the only government in the world, I believe, to allow such activities such as mining near to drinking water catchment dams. The Avon dam water catchment where this mine extension proposal is situated is supposed to be protected for the only supply of fresh drinking water to the whole of Greater Sydney and Illawarra.
2. The water catchment depends on pristine water, not just in rivers but also in its 16 healthy swamps which support myriads of plant and animal life, supporting precious and endangered plant and animal species, including the endangered beloved koala.
3. The ecological integrity of upland swamps cannot be allowed to be undermined as swamps and outlet streams allow slow release of their water to feed the ‘baseflow’ of rivers. Swamps are most important for the slow release of water to recharge the supply of ground water.
4. Long wall mining under swamps is known to seriously impact the drinking water catchment due to extreme chasms, caused by cracking damage to the rocks above the groundwater, and resulting in subsidence and loss of surface water and pollution. (There are numerous photos of this extreme subsidence damage and pollution due to the Dendrobium Mine site. There is also the example of the ancient Thirlmere Lakes natural wetlands system having dried out where the vegetation and wildlife have disappeared since the Tahmoor mine used the underground water)
5. This project’s claim that its coal is needed for Port Kembla Steel Works is false,. because the company is still mining in other nearby Bulli, (less water sensitive) mines AND the need for that coal is being superseded. Only 18% of their coal is needed in the steel works.
6. Aboriginal heritage and sacred sites are too often seen as unimportant to industry and our governments, but considering the length of Australian indigenous culture and their valuable relationship and respect to land, present populations have too much to learn and gain by respecting indigenous knowledge than to ignore their concerns. NO MEANS NO.
7. It has been calculated that. Greenhouse Gas Emissions will be 3 times more from this coal mine extension, with even more dangerous to climate methane emissions. Climate chaos was seen at this recent federal election to be the biggest concern to voters, ahead of financial security, and is certainly the biggest concern for school students who will soon be voting in larger numbers, but may sadly have missed out in preventing dangerous temperature rises. Surely caring for our future generations is enough to stop further fossil fuels from being mined?
8. If this extension is allowed to go ahead, the previous shocking mining damage to the environment witnessed over the last 20 years, it will exacerbate that previous environmental destruction to the remaining healthy environment. The. Impact of
increased numbers of people, road building, seismic testing, bore holes, electricity transmission and vent shafts etc. will cause further loss of water in our vital water catchment.


What has led to this Dendrobium Mine being listed as State Significant Infrastructure?
Why are the attitudes of mining advocates and government DIFFERING. so much from the populations’ wishes?
I ask the NSW IPC to review all the scientific reports on this Dendrobium Mine Extension [and other fossil fuel extraction proposals] and get in line with the knowledge of scientists and the general public.

I Object most strongly to this proposal. It is not in the best interest of the people and planet and also because it is likely to become a stranded asset which is not in the interest of industry and economic security.
Yours faithfully,
Keelah Lam
36 Lauderdale Ave,
Fairlight 2094
Ph: 0479090240
Name Withheld
Object
WOLLONGONG , New South Wales
Message
The Dendrobium Mine Extension Project is likely to have major environment and ecological impact on the Illawara escapement, national parks and water catchment in the Illawara. I have personally seen the damage this mine causes to native swamps, water sources and landscapes.

Please do not allow this extension.
Julie Marlow
Object
BERKELEY , New South Wales
Message
DENDROBIUM MINE EXTENSION PROJECT (SSI-33143123) [the Project]: Environmental Impact Statement (South32 2022)
SUBMISSION
TO: DPIE NSW
FROM: Julie Marlow, Berkeley 2506
Thank you for the opportunity to make a submission to the adequacy of the Southe32’s EIS for the Dendrobium Extension Project (SSI – 33143123).
I oppose the Project on the grounds that it poses unacceptable environmental and cultural risks.
My comments:
--I find the EIS does not meet conditions of the Planning Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements, including the important first condition listed under Key Issues 1. Justifications & Alternatives: “detailed consideration of how the issues raised by the Independent Planning Commission of NSW in its determination of the previous Dendrobium Mine Extension Project (SSD-8194), have been taken into account by the development, including consideration of the extent to which the development addresses the issues raised”.
--SEARS also requires “detailed consideration of how the residual issues raised by key agencies …” including WaterNSW, BCD (DPIE), IAPUM and IESC. The EIS fails to provide comprehensive considerations of many of these issues. For example, the EIS should have but does not clearly and explicitly address WaterNSW’s many concerns and questions raised in their 17 Dec 2021 correspondence to DPIE ‘Input into Secretary’s Environmental Assessment requirements (SEARs) for Dendrobium Mine Area 5 Extension Project’.
--Strategic justification of this development is another SEAR not clearly met. What is clear is that South32 considers their estimated economic values of the Project to be of greater importance than environmental values, such as water quantity and quality; endangered ecosystems; and the climate crisis. Forgotten is the fact that human welfare, including our economic welfare, ultimately depends on a healthy environment and an urgent slowdown in climate change.
--In the EIS Executive Summary, a glaring example of South32’s over-valuing of economic sustainability is its readiness to override WaterNSW’s authority on waterways and upland swamps: “Avoidance of streams defined as “significant”by WaterNSW and upland swamps would result in a mine plan that is not economically viable” ES2.4. Economic viability should not be seen as the ultimate criterion for assessing this Project. South32 must be required to back up their claims with solid scientific evidence.
--The weight given economic values is also far greater than that given Indigenous cultural values. This is not acceptable. Mining operations in the southern coalfields have already wreaked havoc on First Nations’ heritage in the area, yet South32 is prepared to pursue operations that are likely to add to the destruction, stating in its ES2.4: Any mine design seeking to achieve no risk of potential impacts to Aboriginal cultural heritage may not be economically viable: - Avoidance of directly mining beneath previously identified Aboriginal heritage sites (which are identified as having low or medium archaeological [scientific] significance) would result in a decrease in resource recovery and a mine plan that may be less economically viable, and would not achieve no risk of potential impact.
Submissions to this EIS from First Nations individuals or bodies, such as the ILALC, should be considered by the Minister of Planning and his department as among the most important documents informing the assessment process for this Project.
--South32’s confidence in the economic sustainability of the Project is questionable given that the market for coal, including metallurgical coal, is so very uncertain. The world, including Australia, is adopting, and for human survival must adopt, cleaner sources of energy. The transition to renewable energy industries must be, and is being achieved rapidly, making the proposed lifetime this Project (19 years) unrealistic. More to the point, companies such as South32 should be looking to where their social responsibilities lie, that is, to the mitigation of climate change.
--South 32’s reliance on the claim that the Project is important for local steelmaking is also flawed. Bluescope is ensuring it can obtain coal from other mines, and has received substantial government funds to support its investigations into decarbonising its steel making.

--Of deep concern is the impact of this mine extension on water quantity and quality. Mining of Area 5 will take place under significant areas of the catchment of the Avon and Cordeaux Reservoirs, the drinking water supply for the Illawarra, Macarthur and Sydney. The width of longwall panels used by South32 (305m) for its Dendrobium mine is reputed to cause the most serious subsidence to watercourses and swamps of any of the mines in the area. The company’s prediction that 305m wide longwalls may cause 2m to 2.45m of subsidence is alarming yet may well be conservative, given that similar longwall widths have resulted in 2.5m to 3m subsidence. It must be noted that there is no known reliable method for rehabilitating such damage (IEPMC 2019).
---Water that is used in coal mines inevitably picks up contaminants, posing high risk to our drinking water as well as the natural environment. This matter that is poorly addressed in the EIS. In its report on South32’s previous application for this mine extension, the NSW IPC stated that subsidence-induced fracturing of water courses results in leaching of metals into the water, a phenomenon that worsens over the 100-200 period of a mined area’s groundwater recovery.
---There are 22 swamps in the mining area of which 15 are directly above the planned longwalls. The Project increases the risks to these invaluable water-holding, water –filtering and carbon sequestering areas. Risks include dessication, erosion, bushfire and eventually total loss.
--- The Groundwater Assessment for the EIS shows that mining in Area 5 will require about 428ML/yr, compounding the ‘take’ from surface watercourses up to 1450 ML/yr from the whole Dendrobium Mine. The ‘take’ will peak at about 5,600-5,900 ML/yr. These are significant amounts, especially in a time of climate change and population increases. Among its finding on South32’s previous application, the NSW IPC warns of risk of “potentially irreversible impact upon the quantity and quality of surface water in perpetuity”.
---The assumption in the EIS that losses in water quantity and quality can be reliably compensated with financial payments to the state government (Table ES-2) is not credible. Nor is the proposed ‘off-setting’ of loss of water quality by funding improvements in water quality elsewhere. The claim that the Project could/would, with government cooperation, result in “net benefit for Sydney’s drinking water supply” is a claim too weak to be taken seriously.
--There have been credible recent reports of a bigger population (or populations) of koalas in the Project’s impact area than previously suspected. The koala is now a declared endangered species. Obviously, koala habitat within the Project’s impact area must be protected.
--Many, if not the majority, of climate scientists are reasonably confident that the more frequent extreme weather events now being experienced throughout the state are the result of climate change and likely to increase. It is disturbingly unclear to what degree South32 has taken the impacts of climate change in its ES and EIS. Severe dry periods and heavy rain events compound the adverse impacts on mining on the environment.
--South32 appear to be wilfully blind to the critical position that the world is now facing as a result of its dependence on fossil fuels. Please be reminded that, by all reputable accounts, it is imperative that coal production be reduced not increased. In the face of this imperative, global emissions from coal generated power rose 9% in 2021 (see 2021 analysis of data provided by the International Energy Authority [How Far Are We From Phasing Out Coal? (visualcapitalist.com)]). Reductions must happen now, in the current decade: coal powered electricity generation must fall by 13% every year until 2030 to achieve the Paris Agreement’s goals of keeping global heating to 1.5 degrees. Remember the dire warning of the IPCC (Assessment Report 6): “emissions from current and planned fossil energy infrastructure are already more than twice the amount that would push the planet over 1.5 degrees centigrade of global heating, a level that scientists say could bring more intense heat, fire, storms, flooding and drought than the present 1.2 degrees”.
Marjorie Lobban
Object
BOWRAL , New South Wales
Message
Any extension to this project is unwarranted on a number of grounds:
° Any coal project should not be the subject of increased investment or scale when fossil fuel is being phased out to meet carbon targets
° Mining within a major water catchment is ludicrous
° Important wildlife habitat is threatened by this proposed extension, in contravention of the government's own commitments
Bridget Roberts
Object
CORRIMAL , New South Wales
Message
As a lifelong resident of the Wollongong region, I object to this proposal. The original proposal of this project has already been rejected by the NSW Government’s Independent Planning Commission on the basis that this project is a huge threat to the drinking water catchment. I feel this reasoning still stands and the IPC’s decision should be respected. I have further outlined my reasoning behind this objection below. The long-lasting and irreversible impact this mine will have on a large area of in-tact bushland, its inhabitants and the residents of the Greater Sydney region should not be outweighed by a short-lived benefit to a private company such as South32.

Sydney is the only city in the world that allows longwall mining in a publicly owned water catchment, which is quite obviously due to the significant impact that longwall mining has on watercourses and swamps that feed into drinking water reservoirs. This is despite the objection of WaterNSW who states that there should be no mining in Species Areas of the Greater Sydney Catchment, which this mine proposal lies within. Longwall mining creates massive bedrock fractures that drain water from these swamps which normally provide a source of water into streams and creek long after rain has ceased and buffer our water resources against the impacts of drought. Additionally, the swamps within the mining area are listed as Endangered Ecological Communities, and their loss due to mining represents not only a violation of both State and Federal Legislation, but a huge step backwards in conservation efforts. Longwall mining also creates fractures in stream and creek beds and drains whatever water may be collected away from the reservoirs. The loss of groundwater which is imperative to the continued supply of our reservoirs is predicted by DPE to take 100 years to stabilise which suggests long-lasting impacts to these areas. Longwall mining also reduces the quality of water and leads to leaching of metals into watercourses which will take 100-200 years to subside. This is the water which we drink. These fractures are not able to be repaired and presents a massive threat to the drinking water supply of approximately 5 million people.

These fractures and the loss of water is cumulative with the effects of past mining impacts and climate change. Increasing the amount of water lost from this area under the effects of climate change results in even less water reaching our reservoirs. Under climate change, droughts such as the Millennium Drought and more recently that of 2017-19, are predicted to increase in frequency and extent. During the former drought, our water supply in the Greater Sydney dropped to as little as 33% of capacity. Since then, the Greater Sydney region supports even more people than that of over 10 years ago, which leads to an increased demand on this catchment supply. If this mine project is extended, it will lead to even less water reaching our reservoirs and in drought it is likely that our water levels will drop to even greater levels and have a large reaching impact on millions of people.

Water loss from this local environment will lead to increased bushfire risk. As one of the few areas which did not burn in the 2019/20 bushfire season, this represents an area which must be protected as a refuge for many species which are not adapted to habitat which has been recently burnt. The area is also incredibly close to residential and highly populated areas of Wollongong. Increasing the flammability of this area through water loss due to mining presents a huge fire risk to homes and life in the Wollongong area to which fire can easily spread.

There are at least 31 Aboriginal Heritage sites which lie in or close to the proposed mining area, and 6 directly over the proposed longwalls. The subsidence from longwall mining will damage and destroy these sites. It is incredibly shocking and disgusting that we are still permitting disrespect towards our First Nations Peoples by permitting damage of Aboriginal Heritage sites for individual profit, particularly in the wake of the recent Rio Tinto debacle. As this area remains inaccessible for the local Aboriginal community, it seems ridiculous and hypocritical to allow another, non-indigenous company to access and destroy these culturally significant sites.
This area is also home to one of, if not, the only chlamydia-free population of koalas in NSW. Chlamydia is an incredibly devastating disease for koalas and its impacts are currently widespread. Koalas have recently been listed as Endangered in NSW and this mine expansion represents a degradation and loss of koalas and koala habitat in NSW. There is currently no management plan for koalas in the mining area and this population remains largely undocumented due to difficulty in accessing special areas. This area represents a critical piece of habitat to koalas and supports a key, healthy population which must be protected. In addition to koalas, many species rely on this habitat such as the Endangered Broad-headed Snake, Spotted-tail Quoll, Regent Honeyeater, and Platypus. All these species are further impacts and the species’ survival limited if this mine goes ahead.

The pollution from mining needs no explanation. Huge amounts of carbon released from mining and its products presents an ongoing challenge to the future of the earth and creates a feedback system which directly impacts and contributes to the issues explained above. Australia is dragging the chain when it comes to progression away from fossil fuels, which is much to the critique of the rest of the world. Furthermore, it has been recently publicised that methane emissions from this mine have been greatly underestimated. It seems the output of pollution from this mine is greater than anticipated.

Moving away from coal is entirely possible, as the rest of the world is moving forward from this. Western Australia today (14th June) has announced that it will be moving away from all coal mines before 2030 and invest heavily in renewable technology. NSW should follow this lead and invest in a future which is not only competitive with the rest of the country, but the world. We should invest in the future of our people and lead the way for a renewables hub. Declaring the mine expansion as State Significant Infrastructure was based on the mine being essential for the operation of the Port Kembla Steelworkds. This is not true, Bluescope Steel has already made provisions to purchase coal elsewhere, and more importantly secured funding from the Federal and State Governments to transition to low- or zero-carbon steel. Further investing in this technology provides more sustainable and future-proof jobs for individuals in Wollongong, rather than relying on technology which is accelerating towards an end. Closures of coal mines are increasing globally and in Australia while these renewable technologies are already being incorporated into the steel industry. This mine extension solidifies Wollongong and NSW in the past and delays an already inevitable future towards closure and transition. Our jobs are elsewhere.
Lock the Gate Alliance
Object
Sydney , New South Wales
Message
Please find the reasons for Lock the Gate's objection in our attached written submission.
Attachments
BlueScope Steel
Support
HAYWARDS BAY , New South Wales
Message
BlueScope Supports the Project. Please refer to attached letter from John Nowlan, BlueScope's Chief Executive Australian Steel Products.
Attachments
Peter Mahoney
Object
OATLEY , New South Wales
Message
I object strongly to this project. As the department is fully aware, it has failed the scrutiny of auspicious bodies such as the Independent Planning Commission and Water NSW.
In the event it is approved despite overwhelming scientific interest, I will make a complaint to the Independent Commission Against Corruption.
Keiraville Residents Action Group Incorporated
Object
KEIRAVILLE , New South Wales
Message
The KRAG Committtee wishes to raise concerns including: the need to protect the Illawarra Escarpment and the Sydney (and our) Water Catchments area; climate change and the potential impact on proposed Maldon Dombarton rail link, and the process being followed..
KRAG acknowledges need for coal to the functioning of the Port Kembla steel works. However, there a need to protect and preserve the Sydney and Wollongong Water Catchment Area along with the Illawarra Escarpment. It is also important to respect Aboriginal heritage and, in line with stated NSW Government policy, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Attachments
Name Withheld
Object
LANE COVE , New South Wales
Message
I object to the project. I have attached a letter to explain.
Attachments
Climate Change Balmain-Rozelle
Object
Birchgrove , New South Wales
Message
We oppose the extension for the reasons detailed in the attached file.
Attachments
Name Withheld
Support
CORRIMAL , New South Wales
Message
Please do not extend this project.
Monique Gusset
Object
MOUNT KEMBLA , New South Wales
Message
I am a resident of beautiful Mount Kembla. I understand this suburb has a rich mining history but long before the mine the land belonged to the Wodi Wodi people. The destruction of Aboriginal sites due to the mine extension is unacceptable. This mine extension has already been rejected once. From the recent federal election, it is clear Australians value the environment and want a move to renewable sources of energy (and the jobs they will create). I am appalled that this mine extension is being given a second chance despite the impact it will have on the local environment, our water catchment, and Aboriginal history.
National Parks Association of NSW
Object
Pyrmont , New South Wales
Message
Please find attached submission by NPA NSW
Attachments
Protect Our Water Catchment Incorporated
Object
KEIRAVILLE , New South Wales
Message
I am hereby submitting the OBJECTING submission on behalf of Protect Our Water Catchment Incorporated (POWC Inc).
A total of 13 files make up POWC Inc's submission on this SSI-33143123 Project. They are our formal submission (1 file) with 8 accompanying Expert Submissions and 4 further Documents related to climate change and its impacts and humanity's related responses.
These 13 files are as follows:
- POWC Inc Submission
- Attachment 1 – Dupen Final Report re - Review of Dendrobium Mine Extension SSI
- Attachment 2 - Khan Independent Submission on Dendrobium SSI Project
- Attachment 3 - Mason Final Report re - Review of Dendrobium Mine Extension SSI
- Attachment 4 - Phelan Final Report re - Dendrobium Mine Extension SSI
- Attachment 5 - Sackett Final Report re - Dendrobium Mine Extension SSI
- Attachment 6 - Wood Final Report re - Dendrobium SSD-8194
- Attachment 7 - Wright Final Report re - Dendrobium Mine Extension SSI
- Attachment 8 - Perry Final Report re - Dendrobium SSD - 8194
- Attachment 9.1 - Climate Change Documents for Consideration
- Attachment 9.2 - Climate Change Documents for Consideration
- Attachment 9.3 - Climate Change Documents for Consideration
- Attachment 9.4 - Climate Change Documents for Consideration
Please contact me if you do not receive all 13 files in an intact form.
Attachments
Ann Brown
Object
MOUNT OUSLEY , New South Wales
Message
I object to the Dendrobium Mine Extension Project because it will severely and irreversibly damage the Sydney Water Catchment and thereby the future water supply for Greater Sydney.
It will also add to greenhouse gases in the atmosphere causing climate change. In Australia we are only just beginning to understand the negative impacts of droughts, fires, floods and wild storms increase.
Attachments

Pagination

Project Details

Application Number
SSI-33143123
Assessment Type
State Significant Infrastructure
Development Type
Coal Mining
Local Government Areas
Wollongong City

Contact Planner

Name
Gabrielle Allan