Vickery Mine Extension

I do not object to the mine however I do object to the mine pumping ANY
water from the Namoi River.
For a mine to be allowed to pump from a river for 60-80 days, 24/7, as
is done in other nearby mines, is quite simply bullshit, criminal and
negligent on the Governments behalf in permitting this!
Part of a mine approval should include significant dams and catchments
from their lease, and not pumping from nearby rivers.

Feed the local economy, more jobs, grow Gunnedah and Boggabri.

Will be good for the local economy and bring new jobs to the area

The whole thing of approving an undesigned railway line over a floodplain
is ridiculous, how can they do any modelling without an approved
design.
Has any consideration being taken into account regarding all the trees
planted along the river between iron gate bridge up to the overpass 5k
north, in 10 plus years time these will also slow the river down
through that bottleneck, and cause increase in flood levels, there
seems to be no foresight go into this planning. I just hope the same
lack of foresight doesn't go into this planned railway line.

I believe the Vickery expansion project should be approved this will
allow:
1) Continued employment opportunities in the Gunnedah region including
increased prosperity.
2) Increased export revenue for Australia, allowing an improved
standard of living for the whole of Australia
3) Increased royalties for the NSW Government allowing funds for the
continued growth and prosperity for NSW
4) Utilisation of the states assets
5) An increase in the diversity of businesses in the region,
minimising the reliance on agriculture along with the reduction in
income and business confidence during periods of drought
6) A reduction in Green House Gases due to the quality of the coal
available at the Vickery site, allowing it to generate electricity in
HELE plants reducing Green House Gases by >30% due to improved
efficiencies.
7) Whitehaven Coal is an Australian business with a track record of
responsible management and should be supported in it growth
projections adding value and returns to shareholders

we needthis to go through to help Gunnedah grow further

My family purchased 53 acres of land in the area of influence of the
project adjoining Gulligal Lagoon and known as "Dorethea" in January
2018. We did so in full knowledge of both the approved and proposed
project. The use of the land is agricultural, and is intended to be
managed as such as part of a cropping and grazing business. The land
has no building entitlement, so there is no resident on site. We
recognize that our situation is different to that of some of our
neighbours.

It is our view that the operation will not unduly impact on our use or
enjoyment of the land. Furthermore, our family directly benefits from
mining in the region, and the the activities of Whitehaven Coal
through work at the local mines. As a family living in Gunnedah for
over 7 years and long term resident of the surrounding region, we
believe the Vickey Extension Project will add to the prosperity of the
town and surrounds. As such we are supportive of the project.

An area of concern we have regards the offset area beside the
Kamilaroi Highway (Offset Area 5). We understand the requirements and
obligations placed on Whitehaven, however considering the quality of
rehabilitation achieved on Whitehaven mines, and the Agricultural
nature of the surrounds, it is our view, this area should be exempted
from active tree planting, and retained as a grazing landscape or
possibly integrated into the adjacent TSR and managed in a similar
manner by LLS.

Submission to Vickery South extension EIS
from Ross & Shirley Urquhart, `Monbrook', Emerald Hill 2380

Residents of Emerald Hill have only just been consulted by Whitehaven,
at a meeting called by Emerald Hill Progress Association about a
proposed rail spur that will join the existing Werris Creek-Mungindi
Line at Emerald Hill - despite submissions closing on 25th October
2018.
In 4000 pages of the EIS, there is no information given about the
construction of the proposed rail spur.
As it crosses the Namoi floodplain, the positioning of culverts,
elevation and the depth of pylons need to be given if this proposal is
to be given any credibility.
Our property "Monbrook" is two kilometres from the existing line and
experiences high noise levels during certain climatic conditions. The
average 8 trains proposed initially in the EIS and possibly up to 16
train movements in a 24-hour cycle is in addition to those already
travelling on the line. This would result in an unacceptable level of
noise.
The map of the railway spur in the EIS is illogical. I fail to
understand how an 80-wagon coal train will negotiate 90-degree bends
on the flood plain. I would ask for further details so that landowners
are under no illusions about the precise proposed route.
How does Whitehaven expect to address this issue and when will a
revised plan be exhibited and presented for discussion?
The impact of Collygra Creek floodwater has been ignored. Our property
experiences considerable flooding from this creek. Huge amounts of
water flow through our property to the north and north east, some
draining under the existing rail link.
Any constriction to the east of the existing rail line by construction
of a proposed rail loop will obstruct the flow of this water,
increasing flood water depths not only to us, but to our downstream
neighbours. The existing rail line already impleads the flow of flood
water and we drive along 6 kms of flooded road when this creek is at
its peak, at times being unable to leave our property or fulfil our
work commitments.
Other disturbances to our community have not been addressed.
Mitigation measures to minimise dust, noise and light pollution from
construction and commercial operations of the mine including blasting,
vibration and sulphur clouds have not been satisfactorily answered.
Of concern are the 10 proposed bores to be sunk to the north of the
mine expansion. Not enough detail is given in this submission except
to say they will be used in dry times, however, more than likely,
constantly. The minimal impact stated by Whithaven is of extreme
concern
The EIS for the Maules Creek mine did not give a true indication of
the effects on community members who live close to the mine. Noise
levels and contamination far exceed the company's original estimate.
As the company breaches agreements, we are concerned also for those in
our community who live close to the mine.
The CO2 proposed emissions contained in the 4000-page document make no
mention of methane that has 25 times more effect on greenhouse gas
emissions than CO2 (?).
It has been stated that this expansion is to take place in an area
that has been mined on and off for coal for the past 30 years,
however, no comparison can be made due to the enormous projected
extraction of coal causing total degradation to the landscape. Despite
not mining the Blue Vale Pit due to its close proximity to the Namoi
River our community has grave concerns for the future health and
Eco-system of such an important water source to our region.
Our close-knit, vibrant, highly productive community is now divided
into those who have sold or granted options to Whitehaven and those
left with unwanted impacts.
The character of our prime agricultural district has already and will
be further changed if this project and its rail loop go ahead.
I have difficulty in expanding on this submission due to the short
period of 42 days to read and respond.

October 16, 2018

I support the Vickery Project as it will provide better job opportunities
in the Gunnedah Region, not only in the coal industry through direct
jobs in the mine, but through the local suppliers and business houses
who will benefit from the follow on business created by the mine
direct and the wages injected into the community.
With appropriate Environmental controls in place mining can and will
continue to coexist safely in the regional areas of NSW. The economic
benefits to the State are significant, particularly at a time where
the region and the State has been decimated by drought.

This will be good for jobs growth opportunities and ensuring that we
support the industries and partner countries this coal is being
exported to, however ensuring they're burning it in the most efficient
way.
This will also ensure NSW government has ongoing revenue stream from a
nature resource being mined.
Everyone in NSW and the greater national benefits from these types of
projects and investment

This White-haven Project will be a great opportunity to grow today's
economics and job security within this fragile community

I am writing in objection to the expansion of Vickery Coal mine & it's
railway.

The railway will run along the border of the property my husband
manages at Calrossie & that our house borders.

We have a few concerns including but not limited to the following.

1. We are concerned about the coal dust. I personally have a dust &
pollen allergy all proven through testing. This will add to my lack of
quality of living if it's to go ahead. I have more than enough to deal
with the natural elements of farm life.

2. Due to the nature of my husbands work we get rare days away which
we choose to spend on the river camping & fishing at James Barlow's
property, Mirrabinda', Boggabri. We are concerned that the mine will
be built and expand right to the river bank and interfear with the
peace we try to establish on these trips. Not only the dust, lights &
noise but also the quality of the river water and fish life which is
abundant in Murray River Cod, catfish, Yellow perch & silver perch all
of which we have caught many and released over the past 6 years.

3. Another major concern is the affect the coal dust has on Calrossie
farm crops ie cotton devaluation and wheat etc. My husband sets
himself a high standard in crop productivity and it is proven that the
discolouration and introduction of the coal dust to these crops will
have a dramatic effect on value of crops bordering the railway line.

4. Another major concern and reason we highly object to the train line
is the increased height and velocity of floodwater down Deadman's
Gully floodway. Our home, our family & our pets are directly on this
floodway with no levy bank for protection. The danger & inconvenience
that this creates for my family is unacceptable.

5. Another concern is the extra train noise. We currently have train
noise and dust from the existing train line. We highly object to the
extra noise the additional train line will create.

The land is precious and we need to main a certain amount of prime
farming land as a legacy for our children and their children to come.
It's not always about the mighty dollar.

I am all for the new mine building the community and keeping local
employment.

I believe that quite high quality coal produced in Gunnedah would keep
contributing to many areas in the world through clean coal technology.
I know there are various opinion against coal, however, usage of clean
coal is very important for sustainable growth of people's lives in the
world. I think keep improving clean coal supply chain is quite
important responsibility of developed countries like Australia and
Japan.

The increasing demand for higher quality coal is a real fact. On the
other hand, the remaining resources of high quality coal in Australia,
especially thermal coal with high caloric value, low ash and low
sulfur, is quite limited now. To meet growing demand for high quality
thermal coal from many areas in the world, I think the Vickery
Extension Project is an inevitable piece of clean coal supply chain.

The Project would contribute to the economy of the Gunnedah area and
NSW not only through large employment but also tax revenue. Whitehaven
has shown its ability of mining business through its existing mines,
as well as its strong commitment to the local society. I know
Whitehaven always seek for the best in safety, environment and
local/indigenous community all the time. I strongly believe its
further efforts on this project as well.

I'm currently working in Australian coal mining sector, including some
mines in Gunnedah basin in NSW. Through this experience I wish to show
my support for the Project.

I write to you in strong opposition of the proposed expansion of the
Vickery Coal Mine and proposed railway line.

The Vickery Extension Project raises the concerns and doubts of
myself, as I follow the evidence and trepidate previous lifetime
events (Namoi River floods of 1991, 1998 and 2000), I fear for the
Namoi Valley residents, as such a change to the environmental
infrastructure and biosphere will be detrimental. Detrimental not only
to the flora and fauna that ensembles the Namoi Valley, but to the
population as a whole, as people's lives are put in jeopardy with
changed flood levels and damaging pollution resulting from the mine
expansion and railway proposal.

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) fails to draw attention to
many factual details and omits historical events from its pages. A
damming proof that the Vickery Extension Project has been poorly
orchestrated which will without a doubt be catastrophic for the entire
Liverpool plains food bowl.

I grew up on the flood plain and have experienced numerous floods from
the Namoi River in my life (of note 1998 and 2000). While the events
of a flood are a huge concern for any farming family, whom relies on
the product of the land for their income. It was always reassuring to
know where the water was coming from, how long it would subside for
and at which direction the water would come and leave from. This
knowledge could prepare a farmer, a resident, and scientists for
damage that may occur and safety to ensure no lives are lost in such a
devastating event. With the proposal of the Railway across the flood
plain, this changes the region. It creates a physical barrier for the
natural evolution that the Namoi Valley has developed over the
centuries. This railway line will interfere with flooding levels and
flood velocities below railway openings. This not only creates an
environmental concern but a huge safety concern. As how does a
community now prepare for such an event with the physical barrier of
the railway line? I fear lives of stock and residence on the flood
plain are at risk as a resultant.

The EIS provides no detail of the construction plan of the railway
proposal. Making the prediction of flooding and its effects
impossible. I fear for the safety of myself and my family should such
a flood occur again, which is inevitable.
The EIS assumes that the tributary flows do not coincide with the peak
Namoi River flows, this assumption is unreliable and preposterous,
questioning how they can believe the science?
In 1974 at least 200 metres of the railway line, where the indicative
line joins the main Werris Creek - Mungindi Line was washed out, due
to flooding. Clearly no more physical restrictions such as a railway
line are needed in this area.

Another huge concern of mine is the noise and dust pollution that not
only the expansion of the Vickery Coal mine will create, but is
further carried along the eco chain by the proposed railway. I
certainly do not want my young family being congested with the coal
dust, which causes asthma and has the potential to initiate lung
cancer. The proposed railway line runs adjacent to the site (metres
away) from the building site for my family home. I have been given no
evidence or reassurance from the mining bodies to ensure that this
will not affect me or my families health. This makes living there a
non-viable option. Science must be accurate and non-biased to present
forth the issues to deliver a fair and well balanced argument for the
safety of the coal dust that is already proven, to be a silent and a
dirty killer. The noise pollution also raises a significant issue,
highlighting the disturbance to sleep patterns and general wellbeing.
Again, no independent research has been done on this issue to project
an accurate an unbiased account.

Perhaps my biggest concern is the mental health for all of those
affected by the Vickery Coal Mine Extension. The dirty tricks that the
Whitehaven management and administration have used, their lies and
inconsistent practises leaves families, residents and communities in a
vulnerable and exposed state. 2018 is a progressive year, that
supports mental health and helps those who have been treated poorly
and manipulated into unjust situations. The Vickery Coal Mine
Extension does not support the mental health and well-being of those
affected by their mine. The Whitehaven management have bullied my
family, as well as other families and the community into submission. I
know I felt despair and helplessness following a meeting I first had
with a Coalworks administrator, in 2010. This has only escalated over
the past 8 years and now the feeling of despair and helplessness has
been exacerbated and spiralled out of control. These bullying tactics
is narcissist in nature and illegal, not to mention morally wrong. The
possessive nature and forcibility that a multi-million dollar company
such as Whitehaven has is scandalous and to use their money as power
to belittle and enslave persons to their cause should be accounted
for. Whitehaven plays that residents and communities will run out of
money and will-power to fight what is rightfully theirs so they can
continue to obliterate the environment and peoples lives.

In my presented submission I have touched only on the surface of
issues that the expansion of the Vickery Coal mine and proposed
railway line projects. Human safety being at the forefront of my
concerns, which one would hope was also at the forefront of
Whitehaven's concerns, sadly it is not.

I would like to support the application by Whitehaven Coal Limited
("WHC") for the Vickery Extension Project.

In my personal opinion, I believe WHC is a reliable and well
experienced developer and operator of coal mines who always put great
effort to safety and environmental issues. They are committed to bring
benefits to local communities through employment and many other
things.

I also have a view that WHC has sufficient capability to develop and
operate Vickery Extension Project considering their good relationship
with local community.

I understand that coal produced from Vickery Extension Project would
be semi-soft coking coal, PCI coal and high quality thermal coal.

Demand for high quality thermal coal is still increasing, in
particular in Asian countries. On the other hand, high quality thermal
coal developments in Australia are very limited.

In this regard, I believe Vickery Extension Project is precious not
only to Australia but also for other countries.

Given the above perspectives, I support this project.

Great for the future

The Vickery project will provide additional opportunities for Local
residents, employees and businesses associated with the mining
industry.

I support The Australian Coal industry and with it the Application for
Whitehaven's Vickery Project.

Our organization strongly supports the Vickery development project. As
global investors in the natural resources space, we only invest in the
highest quality projects and management teams. It is critical to the
improvement of lives of millions of people to have cheap electricity
and steel. The demand for a better life will ensure that the raw
materials to facilitate cheap electricity and steel are desired by the
market place. The key then is to supply the highest quality of such
resources using the highest standards of environmental treatment.
Whitehaven Coal's management team and Vickery project meets these
requirements and therefore should be developed.

Please approve the extension of the Vickery mine.
The region needs the income and employment provided by the mine. And
the large majority of locals love it.
Our economy can only grow if we are producing raw materials and goods
for sale/export.