Mod 3 - Extension

I am writing to voice my deep concern regarding the Mount Pleasant mine proposal. As a long time resident of the Hunter Valley I have witnessed the devastating impacts caused by the cumulative effects of mining on the precious and productive land of this region. Some years ago the value of the local rural industries, in particular the wine and thoroughbred industries was recognised by Government with an assurance that these would be protected. Without this, once the mining potential of the valley has been exhausted, the region virtually has no future.

We have gone over this territory and through these processes over and over again but still there is no certainty as to the protection and future of our area.

Yours sincerely,

Private horse breeder and resident of Scone.

I beleive the submission should go ahead as ive already been retrenched from Drayton Mine who,s pac decision was drawn out & was never going to be in our favour.People that make these decisions have no idea the effect it has on the community & the well being of the people involved in there decisions.

I strenuously object to the Mount Pleasant Modification 3 proposal. I am concerned about the negative impact the mining is having on our community in terms of air, water and soil quality, the impact on tourism, agriculture and other more sustainable businesses, and the ability of these businesses to compete and co-exist with the Mount Pleasant proposal. I also believe the structural decline of coal as a source of energy will make projects such as this less viable in the future, and such projects will leave a destructive legacy for future generations to bear in terms of climate change, environmental damage and economic impact.

I am absolutely discussed with the us of this very valuble land for coal mining,This area has some of the best top soil you will find anywhere.There is coal all over NSW so why not go to an area less populated and away from horse stud farms

I have worked at Bengalla for 4 years as Sales, Marketing & Logistics Manager at Bengalla. I am very concerned that the Mount Pleasant modification if approved will allow the railway line for Mount Pleasant to remain in place and cause Bengalla to curtail its operation causing significant issues for Bengalla, its employees and its customers.

Bengalla has been selling coal to Asia for over 17 years and has a long list of loyal clients that would be affected if Bengalla is required to stop mining. It has an enviable reputation in countries like Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Chile and China as a company that delivers a high quality product in a timely and efficient manner - should Bengalla be affected by Mt Pleasant there would be not only financial loss, but reputational damage.

Bengalla is a very well regarded member of the Muswellbrook community as Bengalla supports lots of community organisations and events including the Bengalla Mine Open Day where all members of the community are welcome to visit the Bengalla Mine.
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I am very concerned about the large number of local businesses that will be affected by Bengalla curtailing its operation which will have a detrimental impact on the local community.

The best outcome for Bengalla, Mt Pleasant, Muswellbrook, NSW and Australia is that both mines continue for their full life.

We write to confirm our support for this project. MACH Energy through their Aboriginal Cultural Development Fund have provided significant opportunity for 2 Rivers as a privately owned Aboriginal project management company. They have engaged us to deliver planning workshops which saw the aspirations of the Aboriginal people in the region being not only recognised but actioned upon. It has been refreshing to work with an organisation that do not box in the thoughts of Aboriginal people but instead promote a climate of open exchange and exploration of aspirations, the MACH Team encourage the community to reach for goals they couldn't even think of. They are progressive in their thoughts and commitment to community and this has been reflected through the Singleton Cultural Spectacular which they will fund on an annual basis which provides significant cash injection and cultural capacity to the community. We have been engaged to project manage the Singleton Cultural Spectacular and it is refreshing that an energy company have faith and trust in a young Aboriginal company to deliver such an excellent community event.

I have worked at Bengalla for 1 year.

My role at Bengalla is CEO Bengalla Mining Company.

I have worked in the mining industry worldwide for 34 years and locally in the Hunter Valley at 3 mines Howick, Mt Thorley Warkworth and Bengalla for 10 years.

Bengalla has always had a strong community connection and made a significant contribution to the local, NSW and Australian economy since it first commenced operations in 1998. We are approved to continue mining and making a significant contribution until 2039.

My concern with the Mount Pleasant modification if approved as it stands there is uncertainty regarding the timing of removal of the rail infrastructure which sits in advance of Bengalla's mining operations. If this infrastructure is not removed in time, Bengalla may be forced to stop operations with the associated significant impact on jobs, local and state economy and the community

MACH are building a railway/coal loading infrastructure on ML1645 west of Bengalla open cut for the Mt Pleasant operation.

Bengalla mine will reach ML 1645 eastern boundary and the neck of the railspur during 2022 at current mining rates.

MACH have submitted a Modification - Mod 3, seeking to extend their consent from Dec 22, 2020 to Dec 22, 2026 without seeking approval to relocate their rail infrastructure in ML1645.

If the rail is not removed by Dec 2022 and Bengalla allowed access to ML 1645, Bengalla's operation will be materially impacted by 2025/2026.

This may result in the loss of up to 600 direct jobs and significant local and regional impacts.

The best outcome for Bengalla, Mt Pleasant, Muswellbrook, NSW and Australia is that both mines continue for their full life.

Bengalla has engaged and is fully supportive of MACH securing the alternative coal transport solution that will allow removal of the infrastructure in ML1645 in a timley manner so that Bengalla can proceed to mine according to its approval until 2039.

Bengalla has no option but to object to MACH's modification for time extension to 2026 as there is no certainty to ensure that MACH's infrastructure will be removed from ML1645 by Dec 2022 to enable Bengalla to continue mining until 2039 as approved.

Rural & Environmental Management is a small family owned and operated company that employs local people and supplies rural and environmental services in the Hunter Valley.

Rural & Environmental Management is in support of the Mount Pleasant Operation for its positive contributions to the local and regional economy and the resulting employment for local people.

I write this submission not to oppose the Mt Pleasant extension that Mach Energy have applied for but to support it with conditions. Employment and new industries are important for our local area, and as a result of this the proposed extension is good for the local hunter valley economy.

The issue with the extension is that it does not address the issue and effects of the rail line has on the fully operational Bengalla site.
Bengalla is a site that contributes so much to the local economy and community through the direct employment of over 600 local people. It supports local organisations and events through community donations and it utilises local businesses to do work for the site and in turn keeps people indirectly employed.

Yes, I work at Bengalla and my employment will be affected if the rail line is not moved but this is not a biased submission.
Bengalla already has approval to mine through the area of concern and this approval is affected by the Mt Pleasant extension being granted in its current format.

If the modification is altered to include the relocation of the rail line to Mt Pleasant so that Bengalla Coal operations are not affected, than the modification should go ahead for the benefit of the local community and employment of local people.

I have worked at Bengalla Mining Company for the past three and half years and I currently hold the role of Process Specialist. I have also worked at several other mining operations in the hunter valley over the last eight and a half years. During this time, I have seen many of the positive impacts that a strong mining industry can have on the local area including growth and a strong local economy.
I am concerned that approval of the Mod 3 for Mount Pleasant will constrain mining operations at Bengalla in a negative manor due to the position of the Mount Pleasant rail loop. This has the potential to affect the continued employment of up to 600 people at Bengalla including myself and I hope work at Bengalla for many years to come.
Bengalla is an established operation which provides great support to the local community and to the government in the form of royalties. I would like to see this continue for many years to come. I believe that strong futures for both Mount Pleasant Operations and Bengalla are possible but this modification would not allow this to happen.

I have worked at Bengalla MIne for almost .......... and my current role is as a .................. I am proud to declare my place of employment as Bengalla as Bengalla is a thoughtful and active participating business within the Muswellbrook Upper Hunter area who through consultation with the local community is always striving to minimise its impact on the environment and work with other businesses in the area for the berrtering of the community. I am concerned that without a formal committment from Mt Pleasant to ensure the railway loop is removed prior to Bengalla's operation getting to it then the future of Bengalla is directly under threat when this time arrives. I am fully supportive of both MInes going forward well into the future but cannot support Mt Pleasants Operation at the expense of Bengalla's and it is for the above reasons I am opposing the application of Mt Pleasants until the conditions I have mentioned are met.

I object to this modification submission.

Bengalla Mine has development consent to operate in Muswellbrook up until 2039 and has been a successful operation since 1998. Bengalla is a well recognised and respected company in the upper Hunter and provides the local area with over 500 direct jobs, and many more indirectly. Bengalla has a strong history of community and environmental support and many of the employees are local residents who enjoy good relationships with other community members from different industries.

This modification will put Bengalla at risk in 2022 or earlier, unless the Mt Pleasant rail loop has been relocated. The modification and MACH Energy need to commit to relocating this rail loop before 2022 in order to support the successful operation of both mines, as well as provide the local community and NSW with the most beneficial outcome.

Bengalla has been trying to reach a solution for the betterment of both companies, the local community and NSW, however MACH seem to be only interested in supporting their own objectives. Is this the kind of company that the town of Muswellbrook wants to be associated with? If Bengalla was to curtail production, many local businesses would be put at risk and the economy of the local area would be affected.

My partner and I work at Bengalla and live in Muswellbrook. We would like to see both companies working together and operating successfully for the foreseeable future. This is the best outcome, and it is achievable. I play for a local sports team, attend my local pub, support local events and engage local contractors. If this modification is approved, and the future of Bengalla put at risk, I, and many people like me, may leave Muswellbrook in order to preserve our livelihoods and careers.

I object to this modification submission.

I have worked at Bengalla for 6 years as the Condition Monitoring coordinator. Myself and my family have enjoyed the employment stability and financial security Bengalla has provided for us during this time, and has also provided us many opportunities to give back to our community through the charity events regurlarly sponsored by Bengalla. During my time at Bengalla I have learned of the far reaching support our operation provides to the local community both directly through employment of upper hunter local residents, and indirectly through the many local businesses who's success rely's heavily on suppoting our operation. Bengalla has an outstanding reputation in our area through its efforts to remain engaged with the local community, as well as the opportunities its provides to our young people through its graduate and apprenticeship programs. Myself and my family are very concerned that the Mount Pleasant modification, if approved, will allow the rail line for Mount Pleasant to remain in place and cause Bengalla to curtail its operation causing myself and some 600 other Bengalla employees to lose their jobs. I am also concerned about the large number of local businesses that will be affected by Bengalla curtailing its operation which will have a devastating effect on the local community. I see the best outcome for both Bengalla, Mount Pleasant, Muswellbrook and the state is that should should continue to their full life and that the situation with the rail line could be easily avoided with some early stage planning.

The Mt Pleasant operation represents a positive step change in the way open cut mining is conducted in the Hunter Valley. The mine operators have made sure that they have engaged with the local community from the start of planning, explaining what they are going to do and seeking opinion from the community about how they can mitigate any negative effects of their operation on the community. In this way the community can have a voice in shaping the mine and the mine operators are a contributing community member. This manifests itself in small details of the mine plan, for example the relocation of a section of access road to save a stand of mature box trees. This sort of thought in planning the mine recognises that open cut mining is a major disruption to the landform but the process can be modified to ensure the disruption is minimised where necessary. MACH energy personnel get this important point. Their mining plan includes continual rehabilitation of mined land so that the portion of disturbed land during operations is minimised and I understand that at completion of operations there will not be a final mine void. Everything I know about the Mt Pleasant mine, from their engagement with the community, to the proposed mining/rehabilitation plan and their sensitive consideration of the environment, tell a story of a world class development. Mt Pleasant is a community asset for the Muswellbrook district that will provide 330 quality jobs during is operation, contribute to NSW exports, royalties and energy security and when it is ultimately finished beyond 2026 will leave a legacy of useful grazing land in perpetuity. I fully support the proposed modification as it will provide for continuing employment for 330 direct local jobs to a small regional economy and also provide up to an additional 1650 support jobs throughout the Hunter region in the world leading METS community where I work.

To whom it may concern,

I am making this submission not only as a Bengalla employee but also as a local business owner and upper hunter resident of nearly six years.

I have been employed with Bengalla since 24th October 2011 and proud to be part of a world class operation. Bengalla has been a hugely positive and active member of the Upper Hunter community with strong support for sports, arts, local service clubs, the hospital and much more.

Bengalla has also been a strong supporter of cultural understanding and sponsored a team of 5 (myself included) for a vocational and cultural exchange to Argentina in May this year. The team consisted of member from all over the Hunter Valley and from varied industries, this kind of investment in the community (local and larger) is invaluable.

I am very concerned that the Mount Pleasant modification if approved will allow the railway line for Mount Pleasant to remain in place and cause Bengalla to curtail its operation causing myself and 600 Bengalla employees to lose their jobs not to mention the flow on impact to small business.

Outside of the direct employment loss Muswellbrook and the upper Hunter would be poorer for the loss of Bengalla by way of its strong community involvement and sense of responsibility.

For the betterment of the Upper Hunter I wish to see both operations succeed and allowed to continue to their fullest.

Regards,

Anthony Raines

I began working at Bengalla in 2012, in this time I have been involved in all areas of the maintenance department, from technician to planning in all areas.
This mine has been a backbone to Muswellbrook and surrounding smaller towns and provides work both in the mining sector but supports the small businesses in the area as well as schools, sporting facilities, charities and apprentice schemes.
If the rail loop stays in the position it is proposed our mine will in 6 years reduce production which means loss of jobs both in the mining sector as well as small business.
There should be a compromise between Mt Pleasant and Bengalla so both mines as well as the immediate community can prosper and go forward proving jobs and a future for our families.
Before any extensions are approved this needs to happen so people can feel secure for there future and the future of there families as well as Muswellbrook and the surrounding towns.

This project has been in the development stage for many years, and I believe it is important for our economy in the region and employment not just now but for our youth moving forward in the future. I believe are mining companies have changed their way of thinking about how they operate for their employees community and environment, my company is involved in mining but it is a small part of what we do so we are not totally reliant on this industry but I know how important mining is in this region and I support this project 100%.

I have worked at bengalla for 5 years as a HV Electrician also 12months as a contractor working directly for bengalla. I have seen first hand the support bengalla offers for the community and local business aswell as my own family as it has been a stable form of income for the past 6 years. I believe that the Bengalla operation is a vital part of the community providing 1000's of jobs directly and indirectly. I am concerned about the MT pleasant modification which could see bengalla's operation stop seeing a end to all employment directly and indirectly aswell as the massive community efforts.the best outcome would be to see both mines work together to ensure both can continue mining for the full life

Mt Pleasant Mine's current plan includes a rail loop west of Bengalla open cut in the path of Bengalla approved mine plan that has approval until 2039. Bengalla's mine plan was approved by all the relevant Government departments and the PAC, with final approval in March 2015.

Mt Pleasant have a requirement to have an alternate rail loop in place and to have removed the rail loop to allow Bengalla to keep mining.

This Modification is seeking to extend their consent to 2026 without seeking approval to for an alternate rail loop.

At current mining Bengalla will need to request the rail loop removal in 2022 and will be materially impacted by 2025/2026.

This may result in up to 600 jobs lost from Bengalla including my own. The impact this will have on Muswellbrook and the greater Hunter region is very significant.

This also has significant impact on the State Government as the royalties budgeted to 2039 from Bengalla will be no longer available from the mid-2020's.

I have been employed at Bengalla for three years and my role is the Marketing Superintendent. From a global market perspective Hunter Valley coal is very important to the Australian economy. Coal will remain an important source of electricity mix globally for a very long time. Hunter Valley coal is also very important for steel production and also used in general industries such as cement, paper and chemical production throughout the world. Bengalla is a significant contributor to the Australian economy through the resources export market.

Bengalla has been a stable place of employment for me after being made redundant from another Hunter Valley mine several years ago, it enables me to support my family of 6.

Bengalla is also an integral part of the local community and provides significant support through direct employment, partnership with local business as well as community support and engagement.

I am very concerned that the Mount Pleasant modification if approved will allow the railway line for Mount Pleasant to remain in place and cause Bengalla to cease its operation causing myself and 600 Bengalla employees to lose their jobs up to 15 years earlier than the approved end of mine life of 2039.

Muswellbrook and the surrounding communities are still dealing with the ramifications of the mining downturn and the Drayton closure. It is not necessary to place additional hardship on the area when a workable alternative can be put in place. Bengalla has been working with Mt Pleasant to assist them in finding an alternative, to have this not included in the Modification is very disappointing for Bengalla but Muswellbrook and the region.

The best outcome for Bengalla, Mt Pleasant, the local communities of Muswellbrook and surrounding communities, the Hunter Valley region, NSW and the Australian economy are that both mines continue for their full life and that no coal is sterilised.

I am calling for the Government to reject the modification and require Mt Pleasant to resubmit with a rail loop alternative so that both mines can progress concurrently.

I object to this mine as NSW Govt promised to keep the Upper Hunter valley mine free. Again this mine will encroach on agricultural land, increase adverse health effects on the residents of the Upper Hunter and increase the cumulative adverse impacts on the attraction of the Upper Hunter for tourism