Maxwell Underground Coal Mine Project

Please refer to the attached submission for my reasoning for supporting this project.

I strongly object to this project. New South Wales should not be permitting any new coal mining projects and should be actively discouraging applications of this type. Australia needs to reduce its dependency on coal significantly and this cannot be achieved if new projects such as this are supported and approved. The long term environmental effects of mining far outweigh the minor economic benefits a new coal mine will bring to this state. In addition, automation has rendered many jobs in the mining industry redundant. Mining no long generates as much employment opportunities as it once did. I recommend that the New South Wales Government reject this application on the grounds of environmental impacts and the projects inconsistency with Australia's overall target in reducing coal dependency.

Newgate objects to the Maxwell Underground Coal Mine Project. Submission attached.

I object to the project because I am worried about this mine's water impacts which can devastate our agriculture industries and our community.
I am worried that this mine is incompatible with our industry being so close as previous PAC's have already determined. The increased traffic, the pollution, noise, dust and disruption to our community.

Chairperson of the Enquiry,
Ref : SSD-9526
I wish to lodge my support for the Malabar Coal,Maxwell UNDERGROUND Project.
This project is the result of an experienced team acquiring the Drayton Infrastructure site and the identified Drayton South coal measures.
Whilst controversy arose from the proposed Angle proposal,Malabar through their project Company Maxwell identified a most beneficial method to release the potential of the mine for State benefit.
BENEFITS :
1. By acquiring the infrastructure previously used by the Drayton Mine,Maxwell ensures that further development of the Coal Handling,rail loop,port facilities and access to rail are negated,thus reducing the impact upon existing services and facilities.
2. Underground mining,with new techniques ensure that any mine “footprint”is reduced to the extent that workings will not be visible to the public nor interfere with the scenic amenity.
3. The topography of the surrounding lands are undisturbed,the natural “lie of the land” ensures the impact of this mine are minimal,the endemic timber species are well established.
4. Economic benefits are created by the employment of new jobs for the region,together with the Royalties derived for the State,which flow to our LGA.
5. My previous experience with the proponents of Maxwell,indicate that their support for the Communities of Denman and Muswellbrook will be instruemental in the improvement of our LGA facilities,education and sporting endeavours.
6. As a part of the Drayton site acquisition,the commitment by Maxwell to rehabilitate the existing open cast void,which has commenced,these voids will be used to accept the excess rock and stone from the new underground,further reducing the impact at mine site and enabling the large voids to be progressively levelled.
7. Lastly,I understand that a Solar Farm is proposed for the “old”site,this proposal is an important condition to be taken into account,such a facility would provide a renewable source of electricity,not only for the grid but to offset the power required to operate the new mine.
Whilst these benefits outlined represent a small imput for the new mine,I am confident that they will contribute to the benefit of our Communities and the State.

Kind Regards,
John Flood OAM
0419 000 780
[email protected]

I support the project

This project I believe has been designed so our community can enjoy a much-needed economic boost without negatively impacting other local industries and land uses.
I strongly support the project because it will deliver important benefits for the local community and NSW.
Malabar Coal has been a Major Sponsor of Denman Sandy Hollow JRLFC for the past 6 years providing much needed funding, so we are able to keep our registration cost, the lowest in the area.
Helping our club to get kids outside, exercising and working in a team. While adding no financial pressure to the local parents to be involved.
The Maxwell Project will mean continued support for our organisation and many others, for more than 26 years.

This project I believe has been designed so our community can enjoy a much-needed economic boost without negatively impacting other local industries and land uses.
I strongly support the project because it will deliver important benefits for the local community and NSW.
Malabar Coal has been a Major Sponsor of Denman Sandy Hollow JRLFC for the past 6 years providing much needed funding, so we are able to keep our registration cost, the lowest in the area.
Helping our club to get kids outside, exercising and working in a team. While adding no financial pressure to the local parents to be involved.
The Maxwell Project will mean continued support for our organisation and many others, for more than 26 years.
The town of Denman and surrounding towns need this project to create new jobs and the wages that will flow from them, will deliver a much-needed boost to the local community.
Further afield, the project will also generate $1 billion to $1.25 billion for the NSW State Government and local Councils. This money can be used to upgrade regional hospitals, schools or sporting infrastructure. Projects like this help ensure our ongoing prosperity and can support the economy for many years to come.
Denman Sandy Hollow JRLFC and the community needs the Malabar Coal’s Maxwell Underground Project to help make sure our economy prospers for decades to come.

Please see attached letter.

The Maxwell project should not be approved. Given the overwhelming influence and impact of coal mining in and around the Upper Hunter, what justification could there possibly be for destroying the character and amenity of the area in and around the main operations of Coolmore and Godolphin. This project will attack the heart of the thoroughbred industry, an industry that is just as important economically to the community as mining claims to be. The one glaring difference is the thoroughbred industry is sustainable.

I have attached my submission.

Yarraman Park objects to this proposal, see attached submission

See attached letter with details.

I support the project. Agricultural industry and mining can live together, and need to show how we can. They already worked hard, are working hard, and made big improvement to the industry.

Letter of Support attached

Scone Equine Hospital objects to the project. Submission attached

Previous PACs have recognised that mining and these industries, in close proximity, are incompatible land uses. There is continued uncertainty for other industries - mining keeps pushing out - hurting local communities, ag and tourism industries.

There are too many mines already operating in the Upper Hunter creeping ever closer to our towns and agricultural industries - the mines arleady operating satify the current demand - don't need new mines. We need more balance in the Upper Hunter not more mines.

There is advice that the cumulative impacts of mining on our businesses, environment and community have not been fully examined, explained or costed. therefore who can make an adequate assessment of the proposal.

Prior to the drought, we already had stressed systems, flooding of mines, excess water generation of water by mines...drawing away from the water table - ask the farmers about their wells and bores and creeks. Now this is compounded / suffering badly from regular and long periods of drought.

Thank you

As a small local landowner in the midst of the mining areas, I find that the local economic benefits received by the communities from Maxwell Underground are generous and in keeping with the local requirements.
The changes to the project to ensure that their neighbours are not impacted, only shows Maxwell Undergrounds' committment to the local community.
My husband and sons all work within the mining sector, and the approval of this project will continue to benefit not only our family, but the families of many of the local residents in the Muswellbrook and Singleton Shires.

As a local who has lived and worked in the Hunter Valley mining sector, I feel that the locals need to be totally supported when a new mining project is proposed. The majority of the people who live and work in the Hunter Valley, are involved directly or indirectly with the mines, and as such any new project ensures the continued sustainability of the the local communities.
Many of the local communities benefit from the support of the local mines, and Maxwell Underground is no different. Maxwell Underground have made allowances to be able to work with their neighbours in a safe and sustainable manner.

This submission is lodged on behalf of Dr Cameron Collins, President, Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (HTBA). Submission and enclosure attached.