Vickery Mine Extension

SUBMISSION ON THE VICKERY EXPANSION.

To the decision makers,

I strongly object to the proposed Vickery Expansion. Some, but not
all, of the reasons are as follows;

* I object to our community not being afforded the 90 days to respond
to the EIS. This is inconsistent with other SSD exhibition periods.
* I object on the grounds that this area cannot afford the impacts
associated with another massive mine, the cumulative impacts from the
existing mines have already reached saturation point and it is
ludicrous that we are now looking at more.
* I object to the ambiguous wording in the EIS which will make it
impossible for the EPA to hold the proponent responsible when the "
worst case"modelling is shown to be underestimated, as has already
happened at other sites.
* I object on the grounds that the proponent is seemingly happy to
externalise their costs and risks onto their neighbours, community and
environment in the EIS. (noise, dust, blasting, water, social impacts)
this is contrary to the polluters pays principle. and the definition
of a "Good Neighbour" as defined in Australian law.
* This project cannot be contemplated unless the proponent has a
negotiated agreement in place with all potentially affected parties.
This is consistent with EPA and PAC documentation on other SSD. "
increasing noise limits can only be contemplated if all attempts at
negotiating agreements have been exhausted" and " .... a negotiated
agreement is the best way for parties to be satisfied, as they can be
tailored individually to suit different peoples needs"
* I object to another railway line crossing the floodplain, and that
no information is available on how it is proposed to be constructed.
This is disgraceful, how can the proponent expect a approval when no
one knows what it is their approving? This is just a recipe for
disaster.
* I object to the insufficient environmental buffer zone surrounding
the prosed mine. The proponent must be required to have at least a 10
km environmental buffer zone to mitigate all impacts.
* I object on the grounds that we would see honest hardworking
Australians property values being affected by the the proposed mega
mine. This has happened already at other sites where properties that
weren't predicted to be impacted are now classed as mine affected in
valuations done by independent valuers registered with the API.
* The proponents environmental, compliance and social license
performance at all other sites in Australia must be taken into account
when considering this proposal. Because the only hope of anyone
predicting the future is to look at what has happened in the past.
* I object that their is not a "no blast zone" towards neighbours and
the Boggabri township. This is inconsistent with other SSD- Werris
Creek and Bulga Open Cut mine.
In finishing, the buck has to stop spinning, we cannot afford our area
to be suffer any more impacts. This proposal must be rejected, the
approved 4.5 mta mine is enough. When it and other mines have reached
the end of their life then this proposal could be revisited then. This
would help in mitigating the known and unknown impacts(water, noise
etc) and help ensure job sustainability into the future.

The Australian National Anthem says "..... for those who come across
the sea. there's boundless plains to share....." this proposal is the
opposite of this, it is just plain greed and must be rejected.

Please excuse spelling mistakes and note these are not my only
concerns,

regards Pat Murphy.

0488762708'

I am very concerned about our country's willingness to sacrifice high
quality arable land, reducing our ability to feed ourselves in an ever
expanding population. Australia's great produce is a massive strength,
our inevitable reliance on imports will only disadvantage is in the
long run, not to mention the short term impact on our precious
agricultural industry. Allowing this mine to proceed is selling our
soul.

At a time when the recent IPCC Report has clearly shown the rate of GHG
fuelled climate change accelerating, that the NSW government considers
ANY mining projects let alone a project that simply wants to be
larger, is failing in fiduciary Duty of Care to residents nearby as
well as globally. (Australia's exports of gas and coal make it the
biggest polluter in the world!)
For the IPC to permit the increase in the area and output of this mine
would be at best lamentable. At worst and realistically ,obscenely
criminal at both local and global scales.

The mines are a positive addition for the economy of Gunnedah for now and
the future.

When I moved here in 2000, many of the shops and offices in this town
were closed. The town was dead and with a high unemployment rate.

Gunnedah is now thriving with new industrial buildings, houses and
business opening then previously, all due the mining activity that is
currently here.

I am strongly opposed to the extension of the Vickery coal mine as the
proposed output of the mine will put Australia on track to miss its
Paris climate commitment. Australia can not afford to dig up more coal
which has been made clear by the scientist panel of the IPCC . The
IPCC urged countries like Australia to not expand on their coal export
in order to keep global warming at 1.5 degrees, which is the only
"safe" level predicted. It is recommended instead to scale down coal
producing operations.
Furthermore, Vickery extension has already displaced 75 farming
families and put the small town of Boggabri on notice for devastating
pollution, noise and traffic.There is also a proposal for a new rail
crossing over the Namoi River and floodplain and a new large coal
handling facility which will possibly process coal from other mines in
the region and overwhelm the surrounding communities. Together with
the close proximity of the proposed mine to the town of Boggabri and
the already existing mines in the area, this will in effect hollow out
the township even further. The mine is planning to go ahead despite
all this and the catastrophic risk to wildlife, loss of agricultural
land and especially the risk we are taking by producing even more
fossil fuel. The countries which will pay for Australia"s neglectful
and irresponsible action when it comes to acting on global warming
will be the ones which emitted the least carbon and will be the first
of a growing number of climate refugees knocking at our doors. Let's
hope, that we will be able to open our doors to them then and let's
see if Whitehaven acclaimed social responsibility as declared in their
Annual reports also includes to accommodate these victims.

It is with great sadness that I see / learn of yet ANOTHER coal mine
proposal going forward. Robot / machinery automated mines DO NOT
create as many jobs as a new solar plant would.

When is our government going to learn that coal is NOT the way
forward?

I strongly oppose the proposed mine extension going ahead and beseech
the government to NOT go ahead.

Thank you

Alexx

I have some concerns regarding the Vickery expansion EIS which includes;
1/ Social Impacts
Whitehaven have shown scant regard for the Boggabri community with
repeated breaches at their existing Maules ck operation and so should
be held to account before being allowed to expand. An expansion to
Vickery will mean another very large mine surrounding Boggabri which
is struggling to cope with the rapid expansion of mining in the local
area. The community has already lost in the order of 76 farms and if
the extension goes ahead we will lose still more families living close
to the mine. The Boggabri community is not benefiting from mining in
the area and the EIS shows little detail about ways to improve this.

2/ Dust and Noise
Dust and noise are repeatedly understated in EIS submissions and do
not take into account the cumulative amounts from all mines in the
area. Boggabri still does not have a dust monitor and further dust and
noise will exacerbate already existing impacts for local landholders
and Boggabri residents. Construction of a coal washing facility as
part of this extension is new works not previously considered in the
original EIS and will cause further impacts.

3/ Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation will not commence for at least 7 years which is totally
unacceptable and should commence within 6 months at least.

4/ Rail Line
There is very little detail about the proposed rail line across the
floodplain. I would like more detail about the flood modelling carried
out and why the rail line doesn't head north and link up with the
existing rail line near Gin's Leap.

5/Waste
Whitehaven have not adequately addressed management of waste water
especially in times of high rainfall which due to the close proximity
to the river will most likely end up there.

I am of the view that the Vickery mine extension Environmental Impact
Assessment should be rejected. Reasons- IPCC report on climate
recommends against such a coal development for the greenhouse gas
emissions impacts, the Maules Creek project has demonstrated that
mining in these sensitive areas is too complex and the local impacts
on the environment are unacceptable. The same company that has
impacted in Maules Creek should not be starting another mine in this
sensitive area. Further this project increases the cumulative impacts
on the community- water, noise, dust, biodiversity loss- especially
key species like the local koala population, traffic, and cultural and
heritage loss. The Department has no guidelines for mining companies
to follow when undertaking a 'cumulative assessment' under NSW law.
Road transport since 2012 has grown dramatically, including mine
workers, transportation of heavy plant and equipment, and increased
road haulage of coal from Tarrawonga mine which gained approval
subsequent to 2012. These are not accounted for in the Vickery Road
Transport Assessment.
The future is beyond coal and there is no room for such a project any
longer in our economy. Government, coal and community workers need an
economy that is moving beyond carbon intensive industries. I recommend
that this project be rejected and I object to this coal project. Thank
you for the opportunity to provide a submission.

I am unhappy with the decision to put a railway line across the flood
plain.

Flood interruption here can affect flooding further upstream.

No permission should be granted to put a railway line across the
floodplain unless Whitehaven provide the specific design and the
specific flood study for that design.

If Whitehaven were considerate of the local community they could go
further north on the eastern side of the river and join into the
already existing rail infrastructure.

I do not wish for the expansion of the Vickery coal mine to be approved.
I encourage the decision makers to say NO to this project. It is my
desire that the Vickery coal project be rejected in total. I wish to
inform that this is not a whole and complete submission but one done
in a haste at a difficult time. Disappointed in the Dept. of Planning
who, have forced this upon the community in such a hurry, in times of
drought, it shows no compassion or understanding about this project
and the needs of the community.
I object.
I Object to the Vickery coal expansion.
NO CONSENT
No SOCIAL LICENCE

Cumulative impacts.
I reject this mine and I reject all mining in food growing areas.
Northwest NSW should be a food production area. The cumulative impacts
of so many mines in the region are already being seen to impact on the
shared water and land use. The impacts from air quality and sound
pollution already being difficult to live with. The loss of sleep from
noise and blasting coming from the mines impacting community. More
mines in the area will only add to the dust in the area.
Aboriginal heritage.
This is Gamilaraay Sovereign land. Sovereignty was never ceded.
Protection of water land and air is a cultural responsibility. Too
much of sacred Gamillaraay lands have been destroyed or access to
practice culture is now no longer possible due to not being able to
access land. Whitehaven coal have been proven in their lack of respect
of cultural practices. Elders group had to go to the United Nations to
be granted access to practice ceremony, when they were denied access
by Whitehaven coal to do ceremony to say goodbye to sacred sites that
were destroyed to make the mine. This shows a lack of respect dealing
with cultural matters. Light pollution also impact on cultural
practice.
Water
The mighty Namoi River is at risk. I have no confidence that, if this
mine proceeds, the Namoi River will be safe, I fear for the water
quality and safe flows to enable downstream and environmental flow.
Currently we are experiencing a drought I've seen the Namoi reduced to
puddles of late in places. Mines should not be accessing water from
rivers for their use. I fear for the likely impacts of the mine on the
surface water in the surrounding areas and ground water.
Koalas
I am passionate about the protection of koalas. I urge the decision
makers to consider that you will personally be a contributing factor
in the decline of koalas in the region, speeding up the extinction of
the iconic Australian Koala. Both the area of the mine footprint and
also the rail link will impact on koala habitat.
Vickery state forest
In close proximity I fear the impacts from the mine on this forest.
With so much of the leard already being reduced by Whitehaven's mauls
creek coal mine. My biggest fear is that before long there will be yet
another expansion and this forest will risk being bulldozed and
destroyed.
Social Impacts
Health
Communities in the region will be forced to live in reduced air
quality. Namoi Air Quality Monitoring System does not have a
monitoring system in or near the town of Boggabri. Governments and
decision makers will be culpable in the future for approving the
decline in health I urge you to consider do you want to be held
Culpable. It is already common town gossip, that there is both an
increase in bronchial health problems and a spike in the cancer in the
region. With all the evidence on the health impacts, why is the
department of planning considering any coal projects at all.
Mental health
The anxiety caused by the fear of having yet another coal mine is
truly disturbing. Fear of the unknown fear of the loss of water, fear
of yet another mate taking his life. Add to that if it goes ahead you
face years of sleepless nights, from the noise impacts and increased
traffic Noise, all contributes to mental health wellbeing. Your
decision to approve this Vickery expansion, It will Impact on people's
health and wellbeing and for the Gamillaraay people the anxiety of not
being able to protect country which you are culturally responsible.
The anxiety from disconnection to country.
Light Pollution
The cumulative impacts of many mines in the area is having an impact
on the Siding springs Observatory in Coonabarabran.
Light pollution also impacts on communities making sleeping difficult.
Light pollution affects both humans and our natural environment.
Farming
State Significant Development, and I am concerned about climate change
and the loss of agricultural land and its implications for food
security"


This is our food growing area. Mines don't go where food can grow.
The loss to community through loosing farms is being felt already in
the region. I've also seen the closing down of the local fruit and veg
shop in Gunnedah. The loss of community volunteers such as the Rural
Fire Service due to the loss of farms, No families on farms is a loss
to community members that held many voluntary and much needed payed
positions in the area are now no longer there putting communities at
further risk. Already over 70 farms have been sold to coal mines.
The protection of food should always prioritise over energy
production.
The Resistance
The approval of the Whitehaven's Maules Creek Coal mine, saw a
resistance to the building of the mine. Over three years, thousands of
people camped and were in opposition to the mine. This will happen
again. Please I urge you to consider that the people who grow your
food will be forced to stand up for their health livelihoods and the
environment they live in and will put their bodies on the line and
face arrest and possible jail time to be able to continue to produce
the food that you eat. As you shop at the supermarket please give a
thought to where that food comes from. They will be joined by
thousands from all over the state to oppose as this mine will add to
emissions and will be a threat to climate change.
Consider the cost to the state and Taxpayers as Whitehaven enlist the
NSW Police force to be private security to force this mine on the
community state country and our global neighbours. Consider the
actions people will take to oppose. Consider criminal records your
fellow human family are willing to take to oppose this mine.
I wish to remind you as decision makers you are knowingly culpable.
Your decision will impact on the future. We can live without coal but
we can't live without water and food.

I recommend this project be rejected. The prospect of another community
living next to a Whitehaven mine makes me feel sick. Sick for the
community and for the cumulative impacts for the wider region. Water,
noise, dust and loss of biodiversity are key issues as is the turning
of a rural area into an industrialised zone. Water is a huge issue in
our district. How could a mine that has had impacts in Maules Creek,
simply deny independent investigation occurring and then be given the
opportunity to put in a proposal for a mine along the namoi river? The
lifeblood of the north west?
Food security must be prioritised over coal mining in our region. A
message to decarbonise must be sent and the focus must not be on new
coal, but rather ensuring companies that are only in coal can afford
the rehabilitation and are engaged in this before they go broke and
walk away without fixing up the mess. It is quite possible that they
will be left with standard assets and the government will be caught
flat footed and unable to get the landform fixed.
Further, the Planning system cannot cope with such a mine in this area
let alone another one. I object to this proposal and recommend the
focus be on rehabilitation and compliance of existing mines. Thank
you.

National Parks Association of NSW
Armidale Branch
Armidale 2350
[email protected]


http://www.majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=7480

This submission is opposed to the White haven Coal Vickery Coal
Project SSD 7480.
The Vickery mine extension Environmental Impact Assessment should be
rejected
We object to the extremely short exhibition period of just 42 days, to
read a document of more than 4000 pages an almost impossible task. For
this reason our submission does not include all issues we would
otherwise raise.
The area of the Vickery mine extension is prime koala habitat,
including the area for the proposed rail loop.
The most important koala habitat areas in the region is Vickery State
Forest and Leard State Forest, Leard is being actively destroyed by
coal mining, Vickery Forest and surrounding bushland threatened with
destruction in the medium-term. The rail loop is too close to the
Namoi River and significant riparian vegetation and koala habitat will
be lost if development goes ahead.
Koalas are listed as an endangered species under NSW and Commonwealth
legislation. Relocation of the local koala population is not a viable
alternative. Much of the land in the region is cleared for farming,
and may have an active colony of koalas if there is suitable habitat.
Koalas have a territory known to them, and removal of the vegetation
on their territory usually leads to their death. Relocation is rarely
successful. Koala habitat is being destroyed throughout NSW. Koalas
could be extinct west of the divide by 2050 if steps are not taken to
protect their habitat. Further loss can not be tolerated
Impacts on the Koala have also been understated. The cumulative
impacts of the Gunnedah Basin coal mines on koala habitat have been
ignored. The cumulative impact on koala habitat has not been
considered adequately. There are several coal mines within a few
kilometres. The mines include Whitehaven's Maules Creek, Rocglen and
Tarrawonga mines. Also Boggabri Coal (Idemitsu Resources)mine in Leard
Forest, and the proposed Shenhua mine near Breeza. This is not
addressed in the EIA. All of these mines have impacted, or will impact
on Koala habitat.
The Vickery mine poses the risk of permanent and serious harm to the
Namoi River and the surrounding surface water and groundwater systems.
To approve a mine so close to the river is madness. The potential loss
of river, surface and ground water is another risk to the habitat of
the endangered koala and the Commonwealth-listed Murray Cod.
This EIA does not provide an adequate amount of detail to enable
decision-makers at the State or Commonwealth level to properly assess
the likely impacts of the mine and the railway on the Namoi River, the
surrounding surface-water and groundwater as per the `Water Trigger'.
The cumulative impacts have not been considered in relation to dust,
noise and transport. There is 22 Million Tonnes per Annum of Approved
coal mining in the Gunnedah Basin which includes the Boggabri
district. The 10 MTPA proposed Vickery mine is surrounded by other
Exploration Licences listed above, including a licence which covers
the Vickery State Forest itself. Vickery Coal Mine Extension is
another megamine. When assessing this project the cumulative effect of
dust and noise from the Leard Forest coal mines must be considered. We
are of the view that cumulative impacts of dust pollution and the risk
to the health of communities in the Gunnedah Basin are not adequately
assessed.
Dust from existing mines is not adequately monitored. It is unlikely
that it will improve should this mine extension be approved. The
health of local residents is at risk with the increase in mining and
transport of coal.
The Noise Impact Assessment has extremely significant ramifications
for the surrounding community, with impacts that will extend to the
town of Boggabri and impact on all farm families surrounding this
mine. It appears that Whitehaven claims in the EIS that it's 10 MTPA
mine will be quieter than the 4.5MTPA that was approved in 2015. This
is not possible. The EIS is inaccurate.
With the increase of vehicles on narrow, unsealed country roads it is
obvious that there will be an increase in vehicle accidents, and death
of native fauna on the roads. This has not been adequately addressed.
With the current mines in Leard Forest the number of dead animals on
the road has significantly increased.
For the reasons detailed the members of National Parks Association
Armidale request that you do not approve the Vickery coal Mine
Extension application.
Pat Schultz
Vice President
National Parks Association (Armidale Branch)

Boggabri relies on mining to maintain local employment and sustainable
support industries.
This has been particularly obvious during the current drought as we
have been able to maintain employment levels which consists of all
local residents.
Any increase in the mining industry in the area will provide the
opportunity to maintain and/or increase employment of low or semi
skilled workers.

Each day as a GP I see few mine patients . At the end of the day I used
to ask this question ? why we need mines. The environmental
destruction that causes by minds made me really sad and really angry
with people who give approval for any kind of mine .

I really don't understand why and who give the approvel to this
devastation. I mean you are simply destroying the country in a slow
manner . This is not a community issue. This is an issue of the
nation. Also when thinking about the global warming Australia you are
destroying whole world with pollution and increasing global warming.

Although I am an Australian citizen I was born and raised in Sri
Lanka, which is a poor country. But Australia you are a first world
country. Why why do you need mines??????
Policy makers please kindly visit the mining sites. See the
destruction from your own eyes .
At last I would like to say please kindly stop the mines and save our
children's further. Don't go for short term gain think about future of
our kids.

Submission re the Vickery Coal Mine extension

177 Brown St
Armidale 2350
[email protected]
Ph 0428725852

http://www.majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=7480

This submission is opposed to the White haven Coal Vickery Coal
Project SSD 7480.

The Vickery mine extension Environmental Impact Assessment should be
rejected

I, Pat Schultz have led not-for-profit tours to inform people of the
devastation in Leard and Pilliga forests from coal and coal seam gas
mining for the last 5 years. The Vickery coal mine is within the area
that I have researched and inform the tour participants of the
environmental and social risks.

I object to the extremely short exhibition period of just 42 days, to
read a document of more than 4000 pages an almost impossible task. For
this reason our submission does not include all issues I would
otherwise include.

After witnessing the destruction of Leard Forest, and hearing of the
lowering of the water table at Elfin Crossing, which may have been
impacted by the depth of Whitehaven's Leard Forest mines, I am now
very concerned about approval of a mine so close -it appears within
500meters of the Namoi River.

The Vickery mine poses the risk of devastating damage to the Namoi
River, and livelihood of the farmers surrounding the mine.

As a previous resident of Gunnedah I am aware of the history of the
district. The Gunnedah basin has had a long history of coal mining.
Historically it was underground, with negligible impact on water and
agriculture. This is no longer the case. The cumulative effect of coal
mining in the Gunnedah basin is catastrophic.

The current EIA is in no way acceptable. With a 22 Million Tonnes per
Annum of Approved coal mining. Vickery Coal Mine Extension is another
megamine the scale of Maules Creek mine in Leard State Forest. Yet the
EIA does not make any attempt to apply the Precautionary Principle to
its assessment of the cumulative impacts. Cumulative effects are not
addressed in the EIA.

Over 70 farms have been sold to coal mines in the area around the
Boggabri and Maules Creek region. Farming families are replaced them
with tenants, in the most part, many of whom do not bring their
families with them. This has led to the risk that the local Maules
Creek Public School could close.
Tenants in properties purchased by mining companies are frequently the
employees of the mines, and do not farm. Farming land is either grazed
by arrangement with other parties, or left unfarmed, sometimes
increasing weed problems. This may be because the property has been
deemed a biodiversity offset. The loss of community is not addressed
in the EIA

There is inadequate dust monitoring in Boggabri and surrounding areas,
Whitehaven has not supported increased monitoring. There is written
evidence that Whitehaven refused to support the Boggabri dust monitor
unless it were paid for by the NSW Government.
The Noise Impact Assessment has extremely significant ramifications
for the surrounding community, with impacts that will extend to the
town of Boggabri, as is the case in other coal-affected towns such as
Wollar and Bulga, which are being gradually depopulated due to mine
encroachment and noise issues.

Wildlife in the region has been significantly impacted by the current
mines. Farmers are reporting a significant increase in populations of
kangaroos and other native fauna on the roadside, also increased road
kill due to clearing of vegetation. Farmers also report an increase in
the number of kangaroos feeding in their paddocks, both before and
during this drought. This could be expected with the significant loss
of habitat due to the cumulative effect of vegetation clearing.
Biodiversity Offsets do not replace the cleared land

Vickery State Forest and Leard State Forest significant Koala habitat.
Both being actively destroyed by coal mining, or else they are
threatened with destruction in the medium-term. The rail loop is too
close to the Namoi River and significant riparian vegetation and koala
habitat will be lost. I have personally viewed koalas in Leard Forest,
and would conclude that they have viable populations in Vickery
Forest.
Koalas numbers are in decline, mostly due to clearing of habitat.
Relocation is rarely successful, protection of existing habitat is the
only solution. Biodiversity Offsets do not offer increased habitat.
The Vickery mine poses the risk of permanent and serious harm to the
Namoi River and the surrounding surface water and groundwater systems.
To approve a mine so close to the river is madness. The potential loss
of river, surface and ground water is another risk to the habitat of
the endangered koala and the Commonwealth-listed Murray Cod.
This EIA does not provide an adequate amount of detail to enable
decision-makers at the State or Commonwealth level to properly assess
the likely impacts of the mine and the railway on the Namoi River, the
surrounding surface-water and groundwater as per the `Water Trigger'.
There are several coal mines within a few kilometres. The mines mines
include Whitehaven's Maules Creek, Rocglen and Tarrawonga mines. Also
Boggabri Coal (Idemitsu Resources)mine in Leard Forest, and the
proposed Shenhua mine near Breeza. This is not addressed in the EIA.
All of these mines have impacted, or will impact on Koala habitat and
other fauna, noise, dust, community river water surface water and
ground water.
The EIA does not adequately address these issues.

Pat Schultz
0428725852

To whom it may concern
I would like to add my voice to objecting to the extension of the
Whitehaven Coal mine. I think that the growing acknowledgment of
climate change amongst the populace means it is not a good time to
expand a coal mine that is already a problem both for the residents
and for the whole world.
Building a train line that crosses a floodplain is also risky.
Coal mines are not safe places and although the pits were moved away
from the river they are still dangerously close to aquifers.
The town of Boggabri is already under duress with five coal mines
surrounding it.

Please reconsider this expansion.
Thank you for reading my submission
Aliison Kelly
Tullera NSW

I object to the Vickery Extension project on the basis that there is
already too much mining in such a concentrated area.

If need be, I wish to add to this submission at a later date as 42
days was not enough time to read and reply to all the sections within
the EIS that I had wanted to.

The main concern I am raising in this submission is in regards to the
compounding of negative social, psychological and economic impacts
this mine will have on the broader Boggabri community.

I have been a visitor to the Boggabri and Maules Creek area for a
number of years and witnessed the rapid expansion of coal mining with
the building and growth of the Tarrawonga, Boggabri and Maules Creek
mines in a very short period of time. During this time, while the
residents of Boggabri and surrounding areas were told that the mines
would bring incredible growth and wealth to the area, I have witnessed
the following:

- The substantial loss of farming families from the region.
- The loss of students from local primary schools.
- The loss of grandchildren and extended family members that visit the
area during school holidays.
- The loss of volunteers from the local rural fire brigade.
- The loss of members to the local CWAs
- The closure of shops, pubs and cafes in the town of Boggabri.
- A reduction of customers that patronage the existing local IGA,
butcher shop, pubs and cafes.
- The frustration as the town of Boggabri missed out on a dust monitor
under the regional air quality monitoring program. Especially
considering the regional air quality monitoring program was set up
specifically to monitor changes in air quality due to mining activity
and Boggabri is the closest town to the mines.
- The increase of coal train movements through town, and the
associated noise and dust.
- The loss of farming related services such as agricultural mechanics,
which in turn means farmers require mechanics to travel from further
afield, which increases costs.
- The unexplained and unusual loss of groundwater from farms in close
proximity to the existing mines.
- The loss of finances as farmers employ consultants to try and find
out what's happening to groundwater levels.
- The loss of finances as farmers sink new bores to provide water for
their homes and livestock.
- The increase in stress and ensuing decrease in mental health as
farmers struggle with increases in noise, dust and traffic levels.
- The increase in stress and ensuing decrease in mental health as
farmers battle with the mines and govt departments to try and do
something about the increases in noise, dust and traffic levels and
the decrease in groundwater levels.
- The increase in sleep disturbance.
- A reduction in property values.
- The fear associated with knowing (as mines expand and new mines are
built) that you could be the next person living next to a mine, and
the ensuing decrease in amenity and value of your farm.
- The backlash that occurs against someone who openly opposes the
mines by some neighbours and businesses, and the ensuing fracturing of
the community.
- The anxiety that develops when someone that opposes the mines is too
afraid to say so because of the backlash they will receive from some
neighbours and businesses.
- The rise in respiratory problems when the wind is blowing the wrong
way and a blast does not go the way it is supposed to.
- The lack of trust that is growing within the farming community as
the mining companies continue to submit modifications to either
increase their output or decrease their responsibilities, above and
beyond what was originally approved.
- The lack of trust that is growing between the farming community and
government as the government is always seen to back the mining
companies.
- The increase in drive-in, drive-out workers, who don't usually
socialise or spend money in the local community as their families
often live in the larger towns in the hunter valley.
- The loss of food production from our food bowl. I cannot stress this
point enough. Food security is quickly becoming the number 1 priority
in many societies worldwide, while energy security is going the other
way as the technology to produce one's own electricity with renewable
energy is getting cheaper and more efficient.
- And finally - The very dangerous increase in mental health issues
within rural communities as farmers, who already have to battle
drought and a changing climate, now have to battle everything
mentioned above as they lose their farming communities to the mines.

When you combine all the above issues, it is clear that the region
will not be able to cope with another coal mine the size of the
proposed Vickery Extension project. I again emphasise that I strongly
object to this project because of the ensuing negative social,
psychological and economic impacts to the region.

This is a Koala habitat. No coal here, thanks!

Thank you for considering my submission.

I object to Whitehaven being granted permission to extend their
Vickery operations at Boggabri.

The personal cost expected to be borne by local landholders is not
acceptable.
No new industry should be allowed to operate with the expectation of
other industries and landholders bordering be subjected to
life-changing conditions.
Coal dust is a known health hazard, Whitehaven's existing operations
are already polluting the Namoi River and environment. Take a drive
along the Kamilaroi Highway after a shower of rain. Your vehicle will
be covered in black coal dust from the coal trucks travelling along
just 200 meters of highway. Theses trucks are also crossing the Namoi
river. Whitehaven want to cross the Namoi River and floodplain spewing
coal dust from the carriages all into the Namoi River. This can not be
allowed to happen.

The noise from such an operation will travel for km's disturbing the
peaceful countryside that the people already living here, have chosen
to enjoy. Why should another industry be allowed to impose on existing
landholders that have lived here for decades?

The light pollution from the operation will be another impact on the
surrounding communities and landholders. The Siding Springs
Observatory located in the Warrumbungles National Park is already
dealing with increased light pollution from the mining industry.
Astronomers travel from all over the world to utilise the facilities.
Why should Whitehaven be allowed to impose on other industries even
more than 100km away?

Groundwater and river water is the lifeblood of rural Australia.
Whitehaven cannot guarantee or give any iron clad assurance that they
will not damage our most precious resource. There is no way Whitehaven
can stop the interception of water once they have disturbed an
aquifer. The irrigation industry can be made to stop extracting water
at any time it looks like they may be depleting a water source. A mine
cannot stop extracting once they have damaged an aquifer. How is a
mine given an exemption to continue to damage our most precious
resource when people involved in other industries would be fined and
given a jail sentence?

Whitehaven want to destroy 78ha of native vegetation, this is on top
of who know how many ha's they have already destroyed on their
existing operations. When is the Department of Planning going to say
enough is enough and stand up for our native animals and birds?

Whitehaven have not submitted a design plan of the intended rail link
across the floodplain. The whole application should be thrown out if
Whitehaven have the arrogance to think they can get permission for
such a major project without even having the decency to submit a
design to be approved. Why should this industry be able to cause major
flooding on other landholders?

Whitehaven have had numerous breeches for not adhering to their
existing conditions this even extends back to the development of
Maules Creek mine during construction stage. They have no regard for
existing landholders or the environment or communities, they have one
objective to make masses of money at whatever cost to the environment.
Why should they be granted permission to continue with no regard for
the community in which they operate?

I would like to express my support for the Vickery Project as a new coal
mining operation producing high quality thermal coal.

The Gunnedah area has a excellent balance between agriculture and
mining and the region continues to grow as a consequence of these
strong industries.

This new mine 25km from the Gunnedah will further strengthen the
regions prosperity.

This new mine will efficiently extract the remaining value from the
old Vickery resource. It is an excellent resource of high quality high
energy coal that is in demand from countries with newer high
efficiency coal fired power stations.

More efficient power generation is crucial to reducing world wide
green house gas emissions and coal of the quality and energy value as
found in this resource is critical to the operation of these new
higher efficiency power stations.

Renewable energy sources significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions
however, with current technologies countries will continue to be
dependent on conventional coal, gas or nuclear power generation to
meet demand.

I support the Vickery project to produce coal for power generation and
for the benefits it will bring to the community and region.