Mangoola Coal Continued Operations Project

Dear Sir/Madam,
Submission of Objection – Mangoola Coal Continued Operations Project
My name is Catherine Le Breton, I am writing to object to the Mangoola Coal Continued Operations Project as a directly affected local resident and concerned member of the wider community. I am grateful for the opportunity to lodge a submission as I have grave concerns about the further development and expansion of the Mangoola coal mine and its associated effects on the environment and community. My key concerns are as follows:
1. Climate change
2. Local biodiversity
3. Noise and dust pollution
4. Social impacts

1. Climate change - The recent case in the NSW Land and Environment Court that has blocked Gloucester Resources' proposed Rocky Hill coking coal mine on the ground that it would hasten climate change provides grounds that other new or expanding mines should face the same scrutiny. The decision by Chief Judge Brian Preston, SC, who is an expert on climate litigation, stated that the mine "will be a material source of greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to climate change". Approval of the project will not assist in achieving the rapid and deep reductions in GHG emissions that are needed now in order to balance emissions by sources with removals by sinks of GHGs in the second half of this century and achieve the generally agreed goal of limiting the increase in global average temperature to well below 2ºC above pre-industrial levels" (Financial Review,8th February 2019). The Mangoola Coal Continued Operations Project will have a similar climate change impact to the proposed Rocky Hill coking coal mine and again in the words of Justice Leach "the greenhouse gas emissions of the coal mine and its coal product will increase global total concentrations of greenhouse gas emissions at a time when what is now urgently needed, in order to meet generally agreed climate targets, is a rapid and deep decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. These dire consequences should be avoided. The project should be refused." (Financial Review,8th February 2019). The Glencore Position on Climate Change paper fails to address these direct statements from Justice Leach and the associated context.
2. Local biodiversity - The proposed biodiversity offsets don't meet current NSW policy, which requires that when endangered habitat is destroyed, it's offset must be “like for like”. That is, the same area of the same remnant ecosystem must be protected somewhere else. The proponent has not attempted to do this. So-called “supplementary measures” (such as paying into a fund) must only be a last resort, according to the policy. The four NSW listed threatened ecological communities, one of which is also listed as threatened at the Commonwealth level; White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland Critically Endangered Ecological Community have not been adequately protected and offset under the current proposal. As a neighbouring resident we have been witness to the increasing amount of local fauna seeking food and habitat on our property and fear that continued loss of habitat will stretch available resources for local fauna unsustainably.
3. Noise and dust pollution – Current levels of noise and dust pollution are at an unsatisfactory level with many instances of disturbance throughout the day and night. Noise can be heard constantly at varying levels, disturbing the previously peaceful environment. Dust continues to be an ongoing issue constantly caking the house and surrounds including the water tanks, particularly after blasting. The dust is a particular concern to our health with both myself and my husband in our 70s and more susceptible to respiratory disease, as well as the health of our young grandchildren who often stay with us and are also vulnerable to respiratory issues. A report from the Climate and Health Alliance (2015) provided an assessment of data from around the world that shows that coal mining communities have higher rates of mortality from lung cancer and chronic heart, respiratory and kidney diseases. A local group of more than 30 doctors who have formed the group Doctors for the Environment have described the current air quality levels in the Upper Hunter region as in “crisis…that is causing serious health damage” after a large spike in poor air quality alerts over the last 2 years (Newcastle Herald, 5th September 2018). With current levels of both noise and dust at unsatisfactory and dangerous levels, further increases to this will be of major concern both for ourselves and the surrounding community.
4. Social impacts – The social impacts of the project far outweigh any social benefit. The once thriving community of Wybong has been decimated by the mine since it began with a large depopulation of the area and a loss of many highly valued agriculture farms. A further expansion and extension of longevity will only perpetuate this impact and will greatly decrease the area’s potential of recovery with sentiment amongst the community at an all time low. The proposed social impact statement fails to adequately address many issues, and as a neighbouring resident to the mine we are yet to experience many of the stated actions that this document details.

Concluding remarks – From the 4 areas of concern outlined above it is clear that the Mangoola Coal Continued Operations Project will have a massive impact on ourselves as local neighbouring residents, as well as the wider community. I strongly feel that this impact is far too great for the project to be given approval and instead Mangoola Coal should be focusing on its previous intention of winding down operations and assisting the community to transition towards its completion and rehabilitation.

Dear Sir/Madam,
Submission of Objection – Mangoola Coal Continued Operations Project
My name is Michael Le Breton, I am writing to object to the Mangoola Coal Continued Operations Project as a directly affected local resident and concerned member of the wider community. I am grateful for the opportunity to lodge a submission as I have grave concerns about the further development and expansion of the Mangoolah coal mine and its associated effects on the environment and community. My key concerns are as follows:
1. Climate change
2. Local biodiversity
3. Noise and dust pollution
4. Social impacts

1. Climate change - The recent case in the NSW Land and Environment Court that has blocked Gloucester Resources' proposed Rocky Hill coking coal mine on the ground that it would hasten climate change provides grounds that other new or expanding mines should face the same scrutiny. The decision by Chief Judge Brian Preston, SC, who is an expert on climate litigation, stated that the mine "will be a material source of greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to climate change". Approval of the project will not assist in achieving the rapid and deep reductions in GHG emissions that are needed now in order to balance emissions by sources with removals by sinks of GHGs in the second half of this century and achieve the generally agreed goal of limiting the increase in global average temperature to well below 2ºC above pre-industrial levels" (Financial Review,8th February 2019). The Mangoola Coal Continued Operations Project will have a similar climate change impact to the proposed Rocky Hill coking coal mine and again in the words of Justice Leach "the greenhouse gas emissions of the coal mine and its coal product will increase global total concentrations of greenhouse gas emissions at a time when what is now urgently needed, in order to meet generally agreed climate targets, is a rapid and deep decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. These dire consequences should be avoided. The project should be refused." (Financial Review,8th February 2019). The Glencore Position on Climate Change paper fails to address these direct statements from Justice Leach and the associated context.
2. Local biodiversity - The proposed biodiversity offsets don't meet current NSW policy, which requires that when endangered habitat is destroyed, it's offset must be “like for like”. That is, the same area of the same remnant ecosystem must be protected somewhere else. The proponent has not attempted to do this. So-called “supplementary measures” (such as paying into a fund) must only be a last resort, according to the policy. The four NSW listed threatened ecological communities, one of which is also listed as threatened at the Commonwealth level; White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland Critically Endangered Ecological Community have not been adequately protected and offset under the current proposal. As a neighbouring resident we have been witness to the increasing amount of local fauna seeking food and habitat on our property and fear that continued loss of habitat will stretch available resources for local fauna unsustainably.
3. Noise and dust pollution – Current levels of noise and dust pollution are at an unsatisfactory level with many instances of disturbance throughout the day and night. Noise can be heard constantly at varying levels, disturbing the previously peaceful environment. Dust continues to be an ongoing issue constantly caking the house and surrounds including the water tanks, particularly after blasting. The dust is a particular concern to our health with both myself and my wife in our 70s and more susceptible to respiratory disease, as well as the health of our young grandchildren who often stay with us and are also vulnerable to respiratory issues. A report from the Climate and Health Alliance (2015) provided an assessment of data from around the world that shows that coal mining communities have higher rates of mortality from lung cancer and chronic heart, respiratory and kidney diseases. A local group of more than 30 doctors who have formed the group Doctors for the Environment have described the current air quality levels in the Upper Hunter region as in “crisis…that is causing serious health damage” after a large spike in poor air quality alerts over the last 2 years (Newcastle Herald, 5th September 2018). With current levels of both noise and dust at unsatisfactory and dangerous levels, further increases to this will be of major concern both for ourselves and the surrounding community.
4. Social impacts – The social impacts of the project far outweigh any social benefit. The once thriving community of Wybong has been decimated by the mine since it began with a large depopulation of the area and a loss of many highly valued agriculture farms. A further expansion and extension of longevity will only perpetuate this impact and will greatly decrease the area’s potential of recovery with sentiment amongst the community at an all time low. The proposed social impact statement fails to adequately address many issues, and as a neighbouring resident to the mine we are yet to experience many of the stated actions that this document details.

Concluding remarks – From the 4 areas of concern outlined above it is clear that the Mangoola Coal Continued Operations Project will have a massive impact on ourselves as local residents, as well as the wider community. I strongly feel that this impact is far too great for the project to be given approval and instead Mangoola Coal should be focusing on its previous intention of winding down operations and assisting the community to transition towards its completion and rehabilitation.

Great for the community

It supports many families and local communities and has one of the best rehabs in the world.

Because off mangoola coal it has increased my skill level and on going community support and the trip to work is much safer due to the mine spending money on upgrading the Wybong Road

Mangoola Coal needs to continue operations and should do so on the back of the outstanding rehabilitation of the landscape after mining.

please approve I need my job

100% support for the project. The local community needs it otherwise other businesses will suffer.

I've now worked at mangoola coal as a contractor on the rehabilitation process for 8 months and I can honestly say mangoola are a role model for the coal industry and are a perfect example on how co existing with the surrounding communities can blossom. over the last 7 years within the coal industry I've performed production and support roles to the various pits across the valley and can clearly see the difference in how mangoola needs me to operate the machine, before every shift we have what is known as a pre start and whilst I've been in many, mangoola informs us on where we need to improve in various parts of the pit to minimise harm to the surrounds ie dust, noise. Alot of other pits you wouldn't know that there had been complaints on noise or exceeding dust levels but here at mangoola each an everyone of us has a responsibility to the neighbours which is comforting to know as I am one of mangoolas neighbours. I strongly support mangoolas proposed extention even as I'm a contractor for the rehab and can be moved on at anytime by my employer I can see the seriousness of all the employees both production and staff have when someone talks about their pit and how proud they are to say they work at mangoola coal

I fully support the development of the project.

The continued operations of Mangoola Coal will provide low cost energy both domestically and on the international market. The proposed location of the development is immediately adjacent the current operations, on land that has little agricultural value.

The development of the mine will assist in maintaining employment within the greater Hunter region.

Small businesses like my own, that provide professional support services to the coal mining industry, depend on the continued support for mining projects. We create employment opportunities for local people, that in turn benefits the community in general.

i support mangoola coal continued operations

I am currently employed as the Technical Services Manager at Mangoola & strongly support the MCCO Project as it will provide on-going employment for myself & another ~ 400 employees. The operation will also continue to make a huge contribution (via sponsorship & the VPA agreement) to the local community & the State Government (via royalties) and support for local businesses & suppliers and in turn their employees. The existing operation has a long & successful track record of causing minimal impact on the surrounding environment & community with Industry acknowledged world best practice in mine rehabilitation using natural landform techniques. The mine already owns all the land on which the Project will be located and which will also be subject to the same leading edge rehabilitation practice. The Hunter Valley & NSW need jobs & prosperity something which this Project will contribute to.

This mining project should go ahead as it follows the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EPA). And supports the local community and it's people

This extension will continue to provide employment for the people in the local community and continues to support our economy.

The project would create jobs within the local area, mangoola has a great rehabilitation scheme so the land would be returned to a natural outlook.

I am writing this submission as my husband and I are frequent visitors to this area.
We find the Mangoola mine non obtrusive and it does not affect in any way our recreation in this area.
On the contrary we find the continued maintenance and upgrades of roads and infrastructure in the area a benefit.
It is clearly obvious that mining improves the well being of the town by way of increase employment and the injection of funds into the surrounding towns.
This injection improves the community, local shops through increased spending and jobs for local people. This injection would not be available if the mines was inactive. We can also see that mining engages many of the local business and uses local resources making it better for the local town and its occupants

I am writing to provide my support for the Mangoola Coal Continued Operations Project. This Project provides a number of significant benefits to the local communities of Wybong, Denman, Sandy Hollow and Muswellbrook as well as to the state of NSW. This project will allow Mangoola Coal to continue its;
- engagement with local businesses and service providers,
- provision of ongoing employment opportunities,
- support to local community organisations, and
- ongoing contribution to the NSW government mining royalties revenue stream.

Mangoola has a proven track record of implementing sustainable mining practices, including progressive industry leading rehabilitation, which utilises natural landform design principles.

this mine is a great attribution to the hunter and local community and is giving a lot of young worker the start they need to gain an experienced and become very qualified tradesman in the mining and earth moving industry, this is what supports and grows the great communities of the hunter region.

Open cut mining has had an immeasurably negative effect on the people and environment in the Hunter Region already and further expansion of Mangoola will only exacerbate those outcomes. Mangoola's expansion will have a negative effect on public health, the region's natural environment (what is left of it), social welfare and, ultimately, climate change.

This project is driven by monetary profit. Yet there are many things are worth more than money, including public health, irreplaceable nature, the community's social health. I am the son of a coal miner who lives in Newcastle among many friends who work in coal mines. Despite the money they earn from their occupations, the job has worsened their health and family relationship. They have regularly been moved been jobs far away locations, which again puts pressure on their physical and mental health and family relationships.

This NSW Health Report found that open cut mining in the Hunter is making people and sick and killing them of the following conditions at greater rates than average:

Compared to the rest of NSW, one or both of Upper Hunter and Lower Hunter, the geographical regions of HNEAHS that are most affected by open-cut coal mining and power generation activities, have higher rates of:
an emergency department attendance for asthma and respiratory disease (but also for all other conditions, which may indicate a general tendency to greater use of emergency departments in these regions), hospital admission for all respiratory conditions together and for asthma (Upper Hunter Only) hospital admission for cardiovascular disease and death from all causes and cardiovascular disease (lower Hunter only).
These data may indicate an adverse health effect due to exposure to coal mining or coal-fired power generation activities in HNEAHS, or may be due to other factors (such as smoking, for example, which is higher in adults in Upper Hunter, although not statistically significantly higher).
Thus they do not establish that these adverse health effects are attributable to air pollution or to any other specific exposure.
Further investigation is required to determine the role of pollutant exposures. Once the level and distribution of exposure to pollutants from coal mining and power
generation is established, any health effects resulting from these pollutant exposures can be assessed. Other recognised disease risk factors, such as smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, occupational hazards and lack of effective use of self-management strategies should also be considered as possible contributors to the poorer health of residents of some areas of HNEAHS.
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/Publications/HNE-respi-cardio-disease.pdf

The min will also draw more water than is reliably available in the region. This water is needed for communities and agriculture and the environment. The huge amount used by this mine cannot be balanced against those more important uses.

I am also against the expansion of coal mining in general in NSW due to the industry's contribution to climate change.

Expansion of col mining in the Hunter should end and a transition to more diverse economy started in earnest.

I support this project on the basis that approval would ensure continued employment opportunities for individuals and also provide revenue to businesses offering a wide variety of services for the mining industry. In addition, the continuation of Mangoola Coal operations (approval of this project) would directly benefit just not only my family, but the livelihood of many other residents/businesses within the Muswellbrook Shire local government area and surrounding Hunter Valley communities.