Case progress
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Submissions open at 10am
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Speaker registrations open at 10am
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With DPHI for assessment of amendment
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DPHI either approves or rejects amendment
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Submissions reopenView notice (PDF, 157.79 KB)
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Public hearing
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Submissions close
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Case outcome
Overview
Pending department consideration of amendmentMap showing the location
Documents
| Document | Date |
|---|---|
|
Referral letter redacted (PDF, 228.61 KB)
| 18.12.2025 |
|
Assessment report (PDF, 5.77 MB)
| 18.12.2025 |
|
Recommended conditions of consent (PDF, 2.17 MB)
| 18.12.2025 |
|
Ministerial request for a public hearing (PDF, 236.36 KB)
| 18.12.2025 |
| Document | Date |
|---|---|
|
Commission conflict of interest register (PDF, 136.56 KB)
| 12.01.2026 |
| Document | Date |
|---|---|
|
Guidance for communities (PDF, 2.07 MB)
| 12.01.2026 |
| 23.01.2026 | |
|
Notice regarding public submissions (PDF, 157.79 KB)
| 10.02.2026 |
| Document | Date |
|---|---|
| 23.01.2026 |
Meetings
Meeting information
Public Hearing on Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project (SSD-33083358) has been postponed
Meeting documents
There are currently no documents.
Disclaimer
The Commission's Transparency Policy sets out how information related to this meeting will be made publicly available.
Public submissions
| ID | Name | Date | Submission |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25076 | Hasmukh Chand | 20/02/2026 | |
| 24366 | Name Redacted | 18/02/2026 | |
| 24391 | Name Redacted | 18/02/2026 | |
| 25131 | Zoe Wall | 17/02/2026 | |
| 25136 | Lulu Littler | 17/02/2026 | |
| 25141 | Yvonne Butterfield | 17/02/2026 | |
| 25146 | Janet Kossy | 17/02/2026 | |
| 25151 | Margaret Rice | 17/02/2026 | |
| 25156 | Sheila McInnes | 17/02/2026 | |
| 25161 | Steve Rogers | 17/02/2026 | |
| 25166 | Trish FitzSimons | 17/02/2026 | |
| 25171 | Jann Dark | 17/02/2026 | |
| 25176 | Pamela French | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24721 | Robyn Godfrey | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24731 | Cathy Gill | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24446 | Murray S | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24451 | Brigid Dowsett | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24456 | Ludo McFerran AM | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24461 | Virginia Handmer | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24466 | Julie-Anne Geddes | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24476 | Annee Lawrence | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24481 | Judith Christie | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24486 | Andrew McGlashan | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24491 | Anthony Amis | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24496 | Anne Reeves, OAM | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24501 | Renee Willemsen | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24506 | Anastasia Murray | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24511 | Bronwyn Couch | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24516 | Louise McFadden | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24521 | Alex Oonagh | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24526 | Trevor Jennings | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24531 | Janet Burstall | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24536 | Carole Helman | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24541 | Scott Marshall | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24551 | Scott Marshall | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24556 | Donna Patterson | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24561 | Diane Willman | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24566 | Deborah Kuras | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24571 | Gerhard Kuras | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24576 | Tony Lewis | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24581 | Roslyn Burge | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24586 | Barbara Anderson | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24591 | Catherine Millard | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24596 | Patricia Giannotto | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24601 | John Smith | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24606 | Michelle Packett | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24611 | Bryan Purcell | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24616 | Stan Buckman | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24621 | Deborah Stevenson | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24626 | Jennifer Fitzgerald | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24631 | Andrew Lenart | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22166 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22171 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22176 | Sandra Reed | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22181 | Suzanne Duyster | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22186 | Kate Buchanan | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22191 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22196 | Jim Cassel | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22201 | Lulu Littler | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22216 | Raman Jain | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22221 | Robert McLaughlin | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22226 | Alison farrell | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22231 | AnneMaree McLaughlin | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22236 | Cornelia Harris | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22241 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22246 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22251 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22271 | Michael Webb | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22286 | Valeska Detto | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22316 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22326 | marc kiho | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22376 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22401 | Hunter Williams | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22411 | Ashlee Todd | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22416 | Tom Nicholson | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22426 | Paul Schimmel | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22446 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22466 | Louise Archer | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22486 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22491 | Catherine Lane | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22541 | Sylvia Ray | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22551 | Jenny Andrews | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22556 | Raelene Narraway | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22566 | Peter Judge | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22571 | Louise Stokes | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22576 | Thomas Ebersoll | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22581 | Sandra Santacruz | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22586 | Shelley McFarlane | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22591 | Julie Hunter | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22596 | Nick King | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22601 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22606 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22611 | Jada Parsons | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22616 | Joanna de Burgh | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22626 | Bob Hill | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22636 | Jim McIlroy | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22641 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22646 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22656 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22661 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22666 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22676 | Jane Crosskill | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22691 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22701 | Bronwen Evans | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22711 | Glenda SHOULDER | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22716 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22721 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22726 | heather mclean | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22731 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22736 | Judy Cole | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22746 | Leigh Naunton | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22751 | Bernadette Hobbs | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22761 | Dave Rowe | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22766 | Sarah Daniel | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22771 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22786 | Cathy Gill | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22791 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22796 | darshil shah | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22801 | Liz Millen | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22806 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22811 | Suzanne Bessell | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22816 | Gemma Pitcher | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22821 | Mani Berghout | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22831 | Michael Smart | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22836 | Adrienne Shilling | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22846 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22866 | Paul Riccard | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22871 | Stephen Kimber | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22876 | Leila Frijat | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22881 | DUPLICATE Stephen Kimber | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22886 | Ellie Robertson | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22896 | Chris Jonkers | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22901 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22911 | Gail Mensinga | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22916 | Richard and Maria Maguire | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22921 | Jan Davis | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22926 | Kate Moppett | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22931 | Rodney Scott | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22941 | Keelah Lam | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22946 | Eila Jameson-Avey | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22956 | Tracey Carpenter | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22961 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22966 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22971 | Peter Avey | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22976 | Diane O'Mara | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22986 | Erica Nash | 17/02/2026 | |
| 22996 | Peter Stuart | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23001 | Stephanie Luke | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23006 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23011 | Marysia Derewlany | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23016 | Stephen Nugent | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23021 | Bronwyn Vost | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23026 | Wendy Wales | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23031 | Gordon Kennard | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23036 | Joanne Moylan | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23041 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23046 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23051 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23056 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23066 | Diana Combe | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23071 | Kim Williams | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23076 | Margaret Sewell | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23081 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23086 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23091 | Gregory Ray | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23096 | Virginia Hollister | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23101 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23106 | Jack Simmons | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23111 | Hilary Crawford | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23116 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23121 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23126 | Angela Frimberger | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23131 | Wendy Stokoe | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23141 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23151 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23161 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23166 | Janet Lewis | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23171 | Angela Burrows | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23181 | Peter Winkler | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23186 | Helen Kveldr | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23191 | Chris Lee | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23196 | Michael Cleary | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23201 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23206 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23216 | Sanaa Shah | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23221 | Victor Batorijs | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23226 | Anka Cleary | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23231 | gary barnes | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23236 | Ross Liddle | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23241 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23246 | Maddy Yerbury | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23251 | Cynthia Alexander | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23261 | David Christie | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23266 | Kyle Patterson | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23271 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23276 | Kylien Hitchman | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23281 | Kylien Hitchman | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23286 | Thomas Kendall | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23291 | Shreya Ghosh | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23296 | Maureen Kingshott | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23301 | Kerryn HIGGS | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23306 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23311 | Martin Mansfield | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23321 | Martin Mansfield | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23326 | Lynn Benn | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23331 | Sally Neaves | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23336 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23341 | Kerry Walker | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23346 | Alexandra Barratt | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23351 | Anne PENDER | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23356 | Elaine Tan | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23361 | Lynn Benn | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23371 | Olivia Yu | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23376 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23391 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23396 | Suhailah Ali | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23401 | Barry Walsh | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23411 | Peter Whitecross | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23416 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23421 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23436 | Jane Hegarty | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23441 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23446 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23451 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23456 | Wendi Etherington | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23461 | Emmanuel Kneeshaw | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23471 | Jo-ann Holstein | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23476 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23481 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23486 | Grace Amarante | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23496 | Georgia Conechado | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23501 | Stuart Guthrie | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23506 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23516 | Virginia Pidcock | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23521 | Rhonda Daniels | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23526 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23531 | Steven Gott | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23536 | Pam Atkins | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23541 | Annabelle MacClelland | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23546 | Majid Saghafi | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23556 | Geoff Selwood | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23561 | Elizabeth O'Brien | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23566 | Rosemary Stapleton | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23571 | Daryn Poulden | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23581 | Mark Horn | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23586 | Kate Cash | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23596 | Brynn Davis-Hay | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23601 | John Clarke | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23606 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23611 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23616 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23621 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23626 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23631 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23641 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23646 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23651 | Dante Reyes | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23656 | Kate Bowman | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23661 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23666 | Susan Pilkington | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23671 | Mathilda Bowman | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23676 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23681 | Merinda Voigt | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23686 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23691 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23706 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23711 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23716 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23726 | Cynthia Nadai | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23731 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23736 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23741 | Claire Bettington | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23746 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23751 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23761 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23766 | Helen Kvelde | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23771 | Amelie Adkins | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23776 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23786 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23791 | Geoff Allshorn | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23796 | Katherine Kotarska | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23801 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23806 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23816 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23821 | Hayden Smith | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23826 | Mandy Gyles | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23831 | Catherine Turner | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23836 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23841 | Alannah Dair | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23846 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23851 | Sarah Fordyce | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23856 | Millie Jones | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23861 | Kristin Dawson | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23871 | David Allworth | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23876 | Yvonne Ingeme | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23881 | Rhys Tranter | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23896 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23901 | sharon Kinnison | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23906 | Beau Cummins | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23911 | Catherine Ciret | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23916 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23921 | Margaret Sewell | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23926 | Cosmin Luca | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23931 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23936 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23941 | Marisa Koszta | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23946 | Uzma Rayani | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23951 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23956 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23961 | Denise Turner | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23966 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23971 | Monika Maria Doepgen | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23976 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23981 | Leila Mangos | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23986 | Michelle Griffiths | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23991 | Vivian Harris | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23996 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24001 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24006 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24011 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24021 | Adrienne Murphy | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24026 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24031 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24036 | Harry Mangos | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24041 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24046 | Chantelle Leenstra | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24051 | Benjamin Patch | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24056 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24061 | Peter Bennett | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24066 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24071 | Calum Harvey-Scholes | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24076 | Helen Hudson | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24081 | Jann Dark | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24086 | Hayden McLean | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24091 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24096 | Amy Blain | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24101 | Catherine Errey | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24106 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24111 | Jo Thomas | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24116 | Elizabeth Weiss | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24121 | Leonard Hobbs | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24126 | Alana W | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24131 | Howard McCallum | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24136 | Deborah Stevenson | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24141 | Carmel McCallum | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24146 | Mrs Ritu Jain | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24156 | Pamela Evans | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24161 | Ruby Hardie | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24166 | Lincoln Turner | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24171 | Nadarajah Rajkumar | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24176 | Abigail Humphreys | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24186 | Carole Stanford | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24201 | Isabella Todd | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24206 | Amie Illfield | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24216 | Edie Griffin | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24221 | Christine Tapp | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24226 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24231 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24236 | Ben Cheetham | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24241 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24246 | Reed Mladenovik | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24256 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24261 | Lucia Smith | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24266 | Jack Brady | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24271 | Kim Gambrill | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24276 | Michael Rynn | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24281 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24286 | Yuktee Gupta | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24291 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24296 | Brent Hoare | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24301 | Jamie Harrison | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24306 | Johanna Lynch | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24311 | Janne Seletto | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24316 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24321 | Carina Griffin | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24326 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24331 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24336 | John Wurcker | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24341 | Janice Haviland | 17/02/2026 | |
| 24346 | Name Redacted | 17/02/2026 | |
| 23381 | Catherine Reynolds | 17/02/2026 | |
| 25091 | Rex Graham | 16/02/2026 | |
| 25096 | Jepke Goudsmit | 16/02/2026 | |
| 25101 | Gloria Foxley PhD | 16/02/2026 | |
| 25106 | Wayne Lavers | 16/02/2026 | |
| 25111 | S Whare | 16/02/2026 | |
| 25116 | Patrick Li | 16/02/2026 | |
| 25121 | Cath Ireland | 16/02/2026 | |
| 25126 | Isabelle Turpin | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22356 | Louise Taylor | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22361 | Catherine Desjarlais | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22381 | Richard Stuart | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22391 | Dr Nicola Ross | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22406 | Sharon Northage | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22421 | Ruth Ferrington | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22431 | David Hufton | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22436 | Nathalie Paul | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22441 | Seo Hee Choi | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22451 | Megan Quinn | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22456 | David O'Connell | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22461 | David Croft | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22471 | Judith Walker | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22476 | Camille Clinton | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22481 | Anne Ammann | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22516 | Lyndal Sullivan | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22521 | Dianne Craig | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22536 | M Ryan | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20231 | Simon Staines | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20381 | Talia Kinney | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20401 | steve robinson | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20461 | Peter West | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20531 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20536 | Mick Daley | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20541 | Meg Benson | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20566 | Martine Porret | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20571 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20586 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20591 | Andrew Town | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20606 | James Crowley | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20611 | Catherine Evangelista | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20616 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20621 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20626 | Tom Hunt | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20631 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20636 | Lorraine Bower | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20641 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20656 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20666 | Mara de Jongh | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20671 | Robert Skappel | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20676 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20681 | Mary Burke | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20686 | Dean Corcoran | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20691 | Wendy Kelton | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20696 | Ute Herzog-Hupfauf | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20701 | Joseph Zagari | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20706 | Nigel Howard | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20711 | Janet Murray | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20716 | Grant Norris | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20721 | Janet Mayer | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20726 | Mindy Carr | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20736 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20741 | TIM BAILEY | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20746 | Claudia Koller | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20756 | Tom Maughan | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20761 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20766 | Richard Weatherley | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20776 | Peter Cranston | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20781 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20786 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20801 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20811 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20816 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20821 | JOY Nason | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20826 | Damian Buck | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20831 | Brian Richter | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20836 | Rhonda Allen | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20841 | Peter Tilley | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20846 | Anne Quinlivan | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20851 | Dominic Case | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20856 | Helen Nugent | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20861 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20866 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20871 | Maggie Lawlor | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20876 | Mark and Lynda Bloxsome and Fletcher | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20881 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20886 | Marie Hensley | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20896 | Alan Glover | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20901 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20911 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20916 | Kate Miskin | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20921 | Dr Lindsay Sharp | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20926 | Philip vincent | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20936 | Tina Wilkie-Miskin | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20941 | Matthew Washington | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20946 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20951 | Julie Kolges | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20956 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20961 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20966 | Mark & Lynda Bloxsome & Fletcher | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20976 | Yvonne Wells | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20981 | Zoe Butler | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20986 | Alexander Betcher | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20991 | John Philpott | 16/02/2026 | |
| 20996 | Nicola Hensel | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21001 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21011 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21016 | John Turier | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21021 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21026 | Maggie Pressnell | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21031 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21041 | Carolyn Barlow | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21051 | Diane Westerhuis | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21056 | Gabrielle Asprey | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21061 | Jennifer Kent | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21076 | Antoinette Farrow | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21086 | Bill Jacobi | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21091 | Carolyn Barlow | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21101 | Stephen & Cheryl Russell | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21106 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21111 | Amanda Berlyn | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21116 | Rob Clifton | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21121 | Kati Watson | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21126 | Shaun Watson | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21131 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21136 | Gillian Leahy | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21146 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21151 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21156 | Ken Sewell | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21161 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21166 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21171 | george mercier | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21176 | Thomas Samuel Gledhill | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21186 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21191 | Campbell Goff | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21196 | Terry Howard | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21201 | Gisela Conechado | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21206 | Judith Ohana OAM | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21216 | Francis Breen | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21221 | Kathleen Maze-Neeley | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21226 | Paul Hannah | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21231 | Theodore Reimer | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21236 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21251 | Victoria Treole | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21261 | Pascale Osanz | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21266 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21276 | Phillip Bradley | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21281 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21286 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21291 | Michael Faulkner | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21296 | Barbara Briggs | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21301 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21316 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21321 | Bernadette Systa | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21326 | Janet Dawson | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21331 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21336 | Gerry Nucifora | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21341 | Jennifer Duncan | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21346 | Jenny Goldie | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21356 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21361 | Bron Powell | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21371 | Linda Delaney | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21376 | Kaama Joy | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21381 | Kaama Joy | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21386 | Maureen Beckett | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21396 | Sammy Nazam | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21411 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21416 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21421 | Rach Mangan | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21426 | GREGORY WALKER | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21436 | Rat Brodie | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21441 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21451 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21461 | Greg Beresford | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21466 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21471 | Diala Salim | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21476 | DAVID LACHLAN HUFTON | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21501 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21506 | Kimberley HORNER | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21531 | Dawn HORNER | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21546 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21556 | Penelope Stapleton | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21561 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21571 | Yatha Jain | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21576 | RICHARD M MILLER | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21581 | Elizabeth Milner | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21586 | Nina Fitzgerald | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21591 | Jennifer Abbo | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21596 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21601 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21611 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21621 | Phoebe REPETI | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21631 | Jackson McNulty | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21636 | Wendy Mitchell | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21651 | Shae Salmon | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21661 | Aakanksha Wadia | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21666 | SANDRA RYAN | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21671 | Nina Rose | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21681 | Lawrence Murphy | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21686 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21691 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21696 | Lydia Fagan | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21706 | Andrew Putnam | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21711 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21716 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21721 | Cynthia Harris | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21726 | Karlene Beahan | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21736 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21746 | Sarah Kensington | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21751 | Alanah Jeffries | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21756 | Rebecca Muir | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21761 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21766 | Alison Winn | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21771 | Elizabeth Day | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21776 | Megan Shooter | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21781 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21786 | Narelle Jarvis | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21791 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21796 | Frida Forsberg | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21806 | Cathy Gill | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21816 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21821 | Elizabeth Fuller | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21826 | Margaret Pickup | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21831 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21836 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21846 | Niko Leka | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21851 | Susan Lammiman | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21856 | Gretta Fuller | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21861 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21871 | Claudia Walters | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21881 | Poh Rodrigues | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21886 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21891 | Elizabeth Fuller | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21896 | Jean Osanz | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21901 | Garth Wimbush | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21906 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21911 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21921 | Peter Metcalfe | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21926 | Suzanne Taylor | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21931 | Judith Bourne | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21936 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21941 | christian Hjelte | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21946 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21951 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21961 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21966 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21971 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21976 | David Hughes | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21981 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21986 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21991 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 21996 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22001 | Cate Peterson | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22006 | Omid Sadeghpour | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22016 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22021 | Lucy Costas | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22026 | Ishbel Dunsmore | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22031 | Louise Appel | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22041 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22051 | Catherine Dobbie | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22056 | Sue Pridmore | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22061 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22066 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22071 | Lynette Allen | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22076 | Mora Main | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22081 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22086 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22091 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22096 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22101 | Barry Nivison-Smith | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22106 | Name Redacted | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22111 | Lai Heng Foong | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22116 | Fiona Bennett | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22121 | Melville Fernandez | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22126 | Ilona Renwick | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22131 | Rebecca Blowfield | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22136 | Neelesh Paravastu | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22141 | Maleeka Barat | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22146 | Susan Morley | 16/02/2026 | |
| 22151 | John Hill | 16/02/2026 | |
| 25086 | Jacqueline Buswell | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20356 | Julie Favell | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20366 | Barbara Hickson | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20376 | Ms Bodil Conroy | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20406 | Meg Benson | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20006 | Phyllis Setchell | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20011 | Phyllis Setchell | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20016 | David Anderson | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20021 | Name Redacted | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20026 | Name Redacted | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20031 | Name Redacted | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20041 | Ann Nielsen | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20046 | Name Redacted | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20056 | Karen Payne | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20061 | Name Redacted | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20066 | Jens Svensson | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20071 | Martin Borri | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20076 | Name Redacted | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20081 | Colin Imrie | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20086 | Name Redacted | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20091 | Peter Bryant | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20096 | Elizabeth Maddox | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20101 | Name Redacted | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20106 | Ann Finegan | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20111 | Jenny Day | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20116 | Name Redacted | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20121 | Name Redacted | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20126 | Angeal Bennett | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20131 | Jackie Davis | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20136 | Margaret Vautin | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20146 | Name Redacted | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20151 | Penny McMullin | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20161 | David Schwartz | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20166 | Astrid van Blerk | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20171 | Monique Koehler | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20176 | Angel Bennett | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20186 | NICOLE LUHRS | 15/02/2026 | |
| 20191 | Name Redacted | 15/02/2026 | |
| 25291 | Anne Kelly | 14/02/2026 | |
| 19856 | Name Redacted | 14/02/2026 | |
| 19876 | Mark Ferrington | 14/02/2026 | |
| 19896 | Angela Michaelis | 14/02/2026 | |
| 19916 | Name Redacted | 14/02/2026 | |
| 19926 | Emily Edwards | 14/02/2026 | |
| 19946 | Name Redacted | 14/02/2026 | |
| 19956 | Kay de Ridder | 14/02/2026 | |
| 25081 | Colleen Roche | 13/02/2026 | |
| 20301 | Therese Hanrahan | 13/02/2026 | |
| 20311 | Rosslyn Rix | 13/02/2026 | |
| 20321 | Michelle Cole | 13/02/2026 | |
| 20326 | Stephen Cole | 13/02/2026 | |
| 20331 | Derek Williams | 13/02/2026 | |
| 19571 | Merril Hillis | 13/02/2026 | |
| 19576 | Noni McDevitt | 13/02/2026 | |
| 19581 | Christine Carmichael | 13/02/2026 | |
| 19586 | Shirley Lewis | 13/02/2026 | |
| 19591 | Terry Morgan | 13/02/2026 | |
| 19596 | Merran Maclaren | 13/02/2026 | |
| 19671 | Marian Lorrison | 13/02/2026 | |
| 19686 | Ann-Maree McEwan | 13/02/2026 | |
| 19691 | Margaret Key | 13/02/2026 | |
| 19706 | Sharyn Munro | 13/02/2026 | |
| 19766 | Lyn Bevington | 13/02/2026 | |
| 19796 | Name Redacted | 13/02/2026 | |
| 19801 | Name Redacted | 13/02/2026 | |
| 19806 | Derek Williams | 13/02/2026 | |
| 19831 | Name Redacted | 13/02/2026 | |
| 20286 | Jeanette Hunter | 12/02/2026 | |
| 20291 | Dr Roy Tasker | 12/02/2026 | |
| 19096 | Name Redacted | 12/02/2026 | |
| 19261 | Graeme Tychsen | 12/02/2026 | |
| 19266 | Graeme Tychsen | 12/02/2026 | |
| 19286 | Name Redacted | 12/02/2026 | |
| 19326 | Name Redacted | 12/02/2026 | |
| 19331 | Anne McKenzie | 12/02/2026 | |
| 19376 | Name Redacted | 12/02/2026 | |
| 19401 | Billie Ayling | 12/02/2026 | |
| 19411 | Simon Salter | 12/02/2026 | |
| 19416 | Warren Adams | 12/02/2026 | |
| 19421 | Daniel Rooney | 12/02/2026 | |
| 19426 | Jocelyn Williams | 12/02/2026 | |
| 19431 | Name Redacted | 12/02/2026 | |
| 19436 | Laurie Strathdee | 12/02/2026 | |
| 19441 | Nat Cheney | 12/02/2026 | |
| 19446 | Cath Jackson | 12/02/2026 | |
| 19451 | Judith Finch | 12/02/2026 | |
| 19456 | Mary Waterford | 12/02/2026 | |
| 19466 | Yelena Bide | 12/02/2026 | |
| 19471 | Susan Ambler | 12/02/2026 | |
| 19476 | Name Redacted | 12/02/2026 | |
| 19481 | Lesley Sammon | 12/02/2026 | |
| 19486 | Patrick Vu | 12/02/2026 | |
| 19491 | Warren Adams | 12/02/2026 | |
| 19526 | Kerry Cooke | 12/02/2026 | |
| 19551 | Name Redacted | 12/02/2026 | |
| 19176 | Margaret L Hagan | 11/02/2026 | |
| 19191 | Rosalind Vaughan | 11/02/2026 | |
| 19196 | Gay Curtis | 11/02/2026 | |
| 19211 | Mia Floyd | 11/02/2026 | |
| 19231 | Dr Sorcha Cotter | 11/02/2026 | |
| 18766 | Diane Rooney | 11/02/2026 | |
| 18916 | Judy Lambert | 11/02/2026 | |
| 18946 | Linda Apps | 11/02/2026 | |
| 18951 | Stephanie Owen | 11/02/2026 | |
| 18966 | Anthea Nicholls | 11/02/2026 | |
| 18976 | Name Redacted | 11/02/2026 | |
| 18876 | Carol Kerstholt | 10/02/2026 | |
| 18881 | Regina Schien | 10/02/2026 | |
| 18886 | Councillor Jess Miller | 10/02/2026 | |
| 18891 | Allison Griffiths | 10/02/2026 | |
| 18901 | Jonathan Skinner | 10/02/2026 | |
| 18166 | Name Redacted | 10/02/2026 | |
| 18246 | Steve Wilson | 10/02/2026 | |
| 18426 | Peter Gyulay | 10/02/2026 | |
| 18436 | Name Redacted | 10/02/2026 | |
| 18491 | Katherine Allan | 10/02/2026 | |
| 18536 | Derek Bolton | 10/02/2026 | |
| 18696 | Name Redacted | 10/02/2026 | |
| 18701 | Madeline Hourihan | 10/02/2026 | |
| 18711 | MARK SEEMANPILLAI | 10/02/2026 | |
| 18716 | Tim Luckett | 10/02/2026 | |
| 18721 | Christina Hofmann | 10/02/2026 | |
| 18726 | Name Redacted | 10/02/2026 | |
| 18821 | Jeneane Wright | 09/02/2026 | |
| 18826 | Sue Tolley | 09/02/2026 | |
| 18831 | Megan Benson | 09/02/2026 | |
| 17641 | Ian McKinlay | 09/02/2026 | |
| 17646 | Karlene Beahan | 09/02/2026 | |
| 17681 | Jean Ellis | 09/02/2026 | |
| 17691 | Luke Mesterovic | 09/02/2026 | |
| 17701 | Peter Duggan | 09/02/2026 | |
| 17731 | Margaret MCDONALD | 09/02/2026 | |
| 17751 | Name Redacted | 09/02/2026 | |
| 17761 | Rebecca Reynolds | 09/02/2026 | |
| 17921 | Don White | 09/02/2026 | |
| 17986 | JIll Green | 09/02/2026 | |
| 18816 | Justine Cogan | 08/02/2026 | |
| 17451 | Rhonda Green | 08/02/2026 | |
| 17506 | Alan Tarlinton | 08/02/2026 | |
| 17526 | Marie Woolnough | 08/02/2026 | |
| 17556 | David Martin | 08/02/2026 | |
| 17576 | Dorothy Luther | 08/02/2026 | |
| 17246 | Name Redacted | 07/02/2026 | |
| 17341 | Valerie Kost | 07/02/2026 | |
| 17381 | Barry Hadaway | 07/02/2026 | |
| 17401 | Rachel Yerbury | 07/02/2026 | |
| 17426 | Name Redacted | 07/02/2026 | |
| 19166 | Mary Forbes | 06/02/2026 | |
| 16571 | Name Redacted | 06/02/2026 | |
| 16576 | PIPI QUINLAN | 06/02/2026 | |
| 16776 | Charlotte McCabe | 06/02/2026 | |
| 16826 | Penny Auburn | 06/02/2026 | |
| 16831 | Name Redacted | 06/02/2026 | |
| 17146 | Megan Hyatt | 06/02/2026 | |
| 17156 | Allan EVANS | 06/02/2026 | |
| 17161 | Name Redacted | 06/02/2026 | |
| 17171 | Niamh Murray | 06/02/2026 | |
| 17186 | Name Redacted | 06/02/2026 | |
| 16786 | Stacy Wake | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16796 | Scott Shade | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16801 | Jeanette and John Hammett | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16806 | Mick Boller | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16811 | Peter Coughlan | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16816 | Tony Caine | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16821 | Fiona Lee | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16836 | Name Redacted | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16841 | Grace Webster | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16096 | Name Redacted | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16126 | Name Redacted | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16186 | Name Redacted | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16216 | Sally Stockbridge | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16286 | Name Redacted | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16311 | Penny Davies | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16316 | Dr Eric van Beurden | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16326 | Name Redacted | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16336 | Susie Russell | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16351 | Stephanie Carrick | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16371 | Danny Briggs | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16396 | Name Redacted | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16401 | Melissa Barrass | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16421 | Kelli Tangney | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16426 | Julie & Desmond Croasdale | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16431 | Susan Dwyer | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16436 | Name Redacted | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16441 | Mathilda Freiheit | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16446 | Judy Rees | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16456 | Nicolas Sprauel | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16466 | Name Redacted | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16476 | Name Redacted | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16481 | Name Redacted | 05/02/2026 | |
| 16781 | Graeme Batterbury | 04/02/2026 | |
| 14921 | Name Redacted | 04/02/2026 | |
| 14961 | Louise Archer | 04/02/2026 | |
| 14966 | Name Redacted | 04/02/2026 | |
| 14971 | Name Redacted | 04/02/2026 | |
| 14976 | Nerissa Dowling | 04/02/2026 | |
| 14981 | Simon Wright | 04/02/2026 | |
| 14996 | Linda CHAPMAN | 04/02/2026 | |
| 15066 | Thea Ormerod | 04/02/2026 | |
| 15161 | Rupert Macgregor | 04/02/2026 | |
| 15181 | Name Redacted | 04/02/2026 | |
| 15221 | Virginia Woods | 04/02/2026 | |
| 15231 | John Dyer | 04/02/2026 | |
| 15251 | Name Redacted | 04/02/2026 | |
| 15336 | Name Redacted | 04/02/2026 | |
| 15396 | Clare O’Brien | 04/02/2026 | |
| 15666 | Leyla Barry | 04/02/2026 | |
| 15696 | Asuman Barry | 04/02/2026 | |
| 15841 | Aylin Barry | 04/02/2026 | |
| 15851 | Susan Whelan | 04/02/2026 | |
| 15856 | Julie Castles | 04/02/2026 | |
| 14686 | Pauline Dunne | 03/02/2026 | |
| 14691 | Anthony Lonergan | 03/02/2026 | |
| 14716 | rick mcgregor | 03/02/2026 | |
| 14746 | Name Redacted | 03/02/2026 | |
| 14806 | Rosie White | 03/02/2026 | |
| 14681 | Dr. Anthony Hull | 02/02/2026 | |
| 14266 | Cathy Stuart | 02/02/2026 | |
| 14296 | Kath Leahy | 02/02/2026 | |
| 14346 | Frances Steele, PhD | 02/02/2026 | |
| 14366 | Justine Dodd | 02/02/2026 | |
| 14396 | Name Redacted | 02/02/2026 | |
| 14451 | Ruth O'Reilly | 02/02/2026 | |
| 14491 | Ian Clarke | 02/02/2026 | |
| 14676 | Dianne Turner | 01/02/2026 | |
| 14121 | Reily Cubb | 01/02/2026 | |
| 14131 | Virginia Congdon | 01/02/2026 | |
| 14181 | Marian Haire | 01/02/2026 | |
| 14186 | Lani Imhof | 01/02/2026 | |
| 14201 | Ingrid Ralph | 01/02/2026 | |
| 14671 | Chris Doyle | 31/01/2026 | |
| 13951 | Name Redacted | 31/01/2026 | |
| 13956 | Gwenaelle Levasseur | 31/01/2026 | |
| 13996 | Lesley Clarke | 31/01/2026 | |
| 14001 | Name Redacted | 31/01/2026 | |
| 14011 | Name Redacted | 31/01/2026 | |
| 14021 | Grace Harrison | 31/01/2026 | |
| 14026 | Robin Murray | 31/01/2026 | |
| 14031 | Josie McElvogue | 31/01/2026 | |
| 14036 | Isadora Poole | 31/01/2026 | |
| 14046 | Justin Lund | 31/01/2026 | |
| 14056 | Name Redacted | 31/01/2026 | |
| 14061 | Name Redacted | 31/01/2026 | |
| 14356 | Warren Birkinshaw | 30/01/2026 | |
| 14361 | Name Redacted | 30/01/2026 | |
| 13626 | Sol Warburton Hughes | 30/01/2026 | |
| 13641 | Graeme Stuart | 30/01/2026 | |
| 13661 | Name Redacted | 30/01/2026 | |
| 13711 | Name Redacted | 30/01/2026 | |
| 13796 | Linda Thomas | 30/01/2026 | |
| 13821 | Julia Mitchell | 30/01/2026 | |
| 13861 | Name Redacted | 30/01/2026 | |
| 13871 | Liz Smith | 30/01/2026 | |
| 13881 | Ross Brown | 30/01/2026 | |
| 13891 | Jennifer Martin | 30/01/2026 | |
| 13896 | Joanne Bell | 30/01/2026 | |
| 13911 | Warren Birkinshaw | 30/01/2026 | |
| 13836 | Tori Bail | 29/01/2026 | |
| 13841 | Brian Stevens | 29/01/2026 | |
| 13846 | george mercier | 29/01/2026 | |
| 13851 | Marilyn Perkins | 29/01/2026 | |
| 12731 | Renee Hall | 29/01/2026 | |
| 12736 | Marion Giles | 29/01/2026 | |
| 12926 | Elizabeth Honey | 29/01/2026 | |
| 13011 | Megan Benson | 29/01/2026 | |
| 13306 | Julia Lee | 29/01/2026 | |
| 13386 | David Rowe | 29/01/2026 | |
| 13406 | Joanna Bowan | 29/01/2026 | |
| 13411 | Mark Marusic | 29/01/2026 | |
| 13486 | Dominique Jacobs | 29/01/2026 | |
| 13516 | Stephanie Luke | 29/01/2026 | |
| 13521 | Name Redacted | 29/01/2026 | |
| 13526 | Name Redacted | 29/01/2026 | |
| 12706 | Elizabeth Newell | 28/01/2026 | |
| 12711 | Donna Ross | 28/01/2026 | |
| 12721 | Angelika Treichler | 28/01/2026 | |
| 12726 | Andrew Zdenkowski | 28/01/2026 | |
| 12091 | Christine Clarke | 28/01/2026 | |
| 12166 | Gail Mensinga | 28/01/2026 | |
| 12321 | Name Redacted | 28/01/2026 | |
| 12366 | Sue Outram | 28/01/2026 | |
| 12401 | Alan Newbery | 28/01/2026 | |
| 12406 | Horst Thiele | 28/01/2026 | |
| 12061 | Anne Welch | 27/01/2026 | |
| 12066 | Philip Hammial | 27/01/2026 | |
| 12081 | Lee Amber | 27/01/2026 | |
| 12671 | Bev Atkinson | 26/01/2026 | |
| 12676 | Roderick John Lee | 26/01/2026 | |
| 12006 | J N Cuthbertson | 26/01/2026 | |
| 12651 | Gregory Peters | 25/01/2026 | |
| 12656 | Matt Moran | 25/01/2026 | |
| 12661 | Jeanette Dib | 25/01/2026 | |
| 12666 | Sharon Powell | 25/01/2026 | |
| 11871 | Warren Lloyd | 25/01/2026 | |
| 11876 | Anne Hodgson | 25/01/2026 | |
| 11881 | Dr Nerida Riley | 25/01/2026 | |
| 11941 | jepke goudsmit | 25/01/2026 | |
| 11946 | Name Redacted | 25/01/2026 | |
| 11956 | Name Redacted | 25/01/2026 | |
| 11406 | Name Redacted | 24/01/2026 | |
| 11591 | Sandra Reed | 24/01/2026 | |
| 11736 | Karen Taylor | 24/01/2026 | |
| 12621 | Sally Wilson | 23/01/2026 | |
| 12626 | Christine Moloney | 23/01/2026 | |
| 12636 | Victoria lewis | 23/01/2026 | |
| 12641 | Tony Edye | 23/01/2026 | |
| 11346 | Susan Barling | 23/01/2026 | |
| 11351 | Anna Mackiewicz | 23/01/2026 | |
| 11371 | Melissa Gray | 23/01/2026 | |
| 11381 | Janet Thompson | 23/01/2026 | |
| 12606 | Joy Nason | 22/01/2026 | |
| 11221 | Sandra Thompson | 22/01/2026 | |
| 11226 | Name Redacted | 22/01/2026 | |
| 11256 | Chris Ross | 22/01/2026 | |
| 11261 | Lindsay Keay | 22/01/2026 | |
| 11266 | Colin Burman | 22/01/2026 | |
| 11271 | Allan Medway | 22/01/2026 | |
| 11281 | Stephen Pfeiffer | 22/01/2026 | |
| 11286 | Jonathan Milford | 22/01/2026 | |
| 11321 | Steve Bruce | 22/01/2026 | |
| 11326 | Jonathon Dykyj | 22/01/2026 | |
| 13831 | Alison Hill | 21/01/2026 | |
| 12601 | Georgette Allen | 21/01/2026 | |
| 11116 | CRAIG SHAW | 21/01/2026 | |
| 11131 | Kirsty Fuller | 21/01/2026 | |
| 11136 | Alex Johnston | 21/01/2026 | |
| 11141 | Name Redacted | 21/01/2026 | |
| 11176 | Melissa Gray | 21/01/2026 | |
| 11186 | Sharon Tinant | 21/01/2026 | |
| 11051 | Name Redacted | 20/01/2026 | |
| 11056 | Jessica Keast | 20/01/2026 | |
| 11081 | Name Redacted | 20/01/2026 | |
| 11101 | Carolyn Martin | 20/01/2026 | |
| 11171 | Richard Smith | 19/01/2026 | |
| 10986 | Maree Holton | 19/01/2026 | |
| 10991 | Naomi Hodgson | 19/01/2026 | |
| 11001 | Name Redacted | 19/01/2026 | |
| 11006 | Name Redacted | 19/01/2026 | |
| 11011 | Jim Geddes | 19/01/2026 | |
| 11026 | Name Redacted | 19/01/2026 | |
| 11031 | Nicole Cooney | 19/01/2026 | |
| 11041 | Ross Brown | 19/01/2026 | |
| 10816 | Name Redacted | 18/01/2026 | |
| 10831 | Chloe Hyde | 18/01/2026 | |
| 10836 | Name Redacted | 18/01/2026 | |
| 10841 | Name Redacted | 18/01/2026 | |
| 10846 | Name Redacted | 18/01/2026 | |
| 10851 | Rachel Arthur | 18/01/2026 | |
| 10856 | Winston Liu | 18/01/2026 | |
| 10861 | AJ Gough | 18/01/2026 | |
| 10866 | Name Redacted | 18/01/2026 | |
| 10871 | Name Redacted | 18/01/2026 | |
| 10876 | Name Redacted | 18/01/2026 | |
| 10881 | Name Redacted | 18/01/2026 | |
| 10891 | Avani Bhojwani | 18/01/2026 | |
| 10896 | Name Redacted | 18/01/2026 | |
| 10901 | Name Redacted | 18/01/2026 | |
| 10906 | Kate Moffatt | 18/01/2026 | |
| 10911 | Mary Pilkinton | 18/01/2026 | |
| 10916 | Name Redacted | 18/01/2026 | |
| 10926 | Name Redacted | 18/01/2026 | |
| 10936 | Cliff Harris | 18/01/2026 | |
| 10941 | Colleen Wysser - Martin | 18/01/2026 | |
| 10946 | Tobias Walsh | 18/01/2026 | |
| 10951 | Name Redacted | 18/01/2026 | |
| 11156 | Roderick Weir Anderson | 17/01/2026 | |
| 11161 | Anna Harpley | 17/01/2026 | |
| 11166 | Anna Lorcan | 17/01/2026 | |
| 10711 | Rick Kilpatrick | 17/01/2026 | |
| 10786 | Sarah Brennan | 17/01/2026 | |
| 10791 | Timothy Carroll | 17/01/2026 | |
| 10796 | Marita Macrae | 17/01/2026 | |
| 10801 | Dan Vickers | 17/01/2026 | |
| 10806 | Name Redacted | 17/01/2026 | |
| 10811 | Jodie Hanson | 17/01/2026 | |
| 13826 | Ruth Bacchus | 16/01/2026 | |
| 10641 | Sophia Platthy | 16/01/2026 | |
| 10646 | Elizabeth Chase | 16/01/2026 | |
| 10651 | Name Redacted | 16/01/2026 | |
| 10656 | Name Redacted | 16/01/2026 | |
| 10666 | Craig Shaw | 16/01/2026 | |
| 10671 | Margaret MCDONALD | 16/01/2026 | |
| 10676 | Name Redacted | 16/01/2026 | |
| 10536 | Jennifer Valentine | 15/01/2026 | |
| 10551 | Name Redacted | 15/01/2026 | |
| 10556 | Fiona Sim | 15/01/2026 | |
| 10561 | Fiona Sim | 15/01/2026 | |
| 10566 | Name Redacted | 15/01/2026 | |
| 10591 | Ros Treloar | 15/01/2026 | |
| 10596 | Pierre Louys | 15/01/2026 | |
| 10601 | Rod Anderson | 15/01/2026 | |
| 10606 | Ben Rumble | 15/01/2026 | |
| 10611 | Kim Zegenhagen | 15/01/2026 | |
| 10616 | Name Redacted | 15/01/2026 | |
| 10621 | Mina Bui Jones | 15/01/2026 | |
| 10626 | Marie Belcredi | 15/01/2026 | |
| 10631 | Tibor Kovats | 15/01/2026 | |
| 10636 | ernest newman | 15/01/2026 | |
| 10321 | Maureen Harper | 14/01/2026 | |
| 10326 | Bradley Bliss | 14/01/2026 | |
| 10331 | Clive Woodworth | 14/01/2026 | |
| 10346 | sally Novak | 14/01/2026 | |
| 10351 | Name Redacted | 14/01/2026 | |
| 10356 | Dianne Thompson | 14/01/2026 | |
| 10386 | Jijo George | 14/01/2026 | |
| 10401 | Michelle Rice | 14/01/2026 | |
| 10406 | Brigid Prain | 14/01/2026 | |
| 10411 | Dorothée Heibel | 14/01/2026 | |
| 10416 | Name Redacted | 14/01/2026 | |
| 10456 | Alan Pursch | 14/01/2026 | |
| 10471 | Martin Scurrah | 14/01/2026 | |
| 10531 | Name Redacted | 14/01/2026 | |
| 10371 | Yvonne Lollback | 13/01/2026 | |
| 10376 | Rob Wildman | 13/01/2026 | |
| 10381 | Jeffrey Hamilton | 13/01/2026 | |
| 10391 | Joanne Stevenson | 13/01/2026 | |
| 10396 | Yvonne Fessler | 13/01/2026 | |
| 10156 | Peter Enge | 13/01/2026 | |
| 10166 | Name Redacted | 13/01/2026 | |
| 10171 | Craig Ling | 13/01/2026 | |
| 10181 | Martin Smith | 13/01/2026 | |
| 10186 | Name Redacted | 13/01/2026 | |
| 10191 | Rebecca Reynolds | 13/01/2026 | |
| 10201 | May May | 13/01/2026 | |
| 10211 | Name Redacted | 13/01/2026 | |
| 10221 | Christina Smith | 13/01/2026 | |
| 10226 | Don White | 13/01/2026 | |
| 10231 | Alex Mateer | 13/01/2026 | |
| 10236 | Quentin Dresser | 13/01/2026 | |
| 10241 | Allen Shrimpton | 13/01/2026 | |
| 10246 | Chris Ross | 13/01/2026 | |
| 10251 | Richard Holz | 13/01/2026 | |
| 10266 | Helen Evans | 13/01/2026 | |
| 10281 | Name Redacted | 13/01/2026 | |
| 10286 | CD ROBERTSON | 13/01/2026 | |
| 10291 | Name Redacted | 13/01/2026 | |
| 10301 | Name Redacted | 13/01/2026 | |
| 10361 | Andrena Gorman | 12/01/2026 | |
| 10366 | Chris Hughes | 12/01/2026 | |
| 9946 | Sylvia Cooper | 12/01/2026 | |
| 9951 | Name Redacted | 12/01/2026 | |
| 9956 | Name Redacted | 12/01/2026 | |
| 9961 | Felicity Davis | 12/01/2026 | |
| 9966 | Name Redacted | 12/01/2026 | |
| 9971 | Jane Morgan | 12/01/2026 | |
| 9976 | Kym Kilpatrick | 12/01/2026 | |
| 10011 | Douglas Williamson | 12/01/2026 | |
| 10016 | Rishab Nandagopal | 12/01/2026 | |
| 10021 | Name Redacted | 12/01/2026 | |
| 10031 | Jorj Lowrey | 12/01/2026 | |
| 10036 | david platt | 12/01/2026 | |
| 10041 | Kathy Sheehan | 12/01/2026 | |
| 10046 | Ruth O'Reilly | 12/01/2026 | |
| 10051 | Name Redacted | 12/01/2026 | |
| 10061 | Name Redacted | 12/01/2026 | |
| 10066 | Name Redacted | 12/01/2026 | |
| 10071 | Name Redacted | 12/01/2026 | |
| 10081 | Megan James | 12/01/2026 | |
| 10086 | Allan Medway | 12/01/2026 | |
| 10091 | Name Redacted | 12/01/2026 | |
| 10096 | David Bray | 12/01/2026 | |
| 10101 | Sylvie Constantine | 12/01/2026 | |
| 10106 | Michael Streatfeild | 12/01/2026 | |
| 10111 | Name Redacted | 12/01/2026 | |
| 10121 | Name Redacted | 12/01/2026 |
Hasmukh Chand
|
ID |
25076 |
|---|---|
|
Organisation |
Climate Action Network Australia |
|
Location |
|
|
Date |
20/02/2026 |
|
Submitter position |
Object |
|
Submission method |
|
|
Submission |
Dear NSW Independent Planning Commission, Please find attached Climate Action Network Australia's late submission to the above inquiry. Please accept our sincerest apologies for the lateness of this submission. We were awaiting internal sign off. This submission can be published online and we would urge this to be considered as the project is of vital importance to the organisation. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me directly. |
|
Attachments |
25076 - Hasmukh Chand.pdf (PDF, 172.9 KB) |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
24366 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
Redacted |
|
Date |
18/02/2026 |
|
Submitter position |
Object |
|
Submission method |
Website |
|
Submission |
Objection to the Moolarben OC3 Extension Project To the Independent Planning Commission of New South Wales, I am writing to formally lodge my objection to the proposed Moolarben Open Cut 3 (OC3) coal mine expansion. As a member of the broader New South Wales community, I believe this project is fundamentally inconsistent with the public interest and the state’s legislated environmental, health, and climate obligations. Inconsistency with NSW Climate Legislation The proposed expansion directly undermines the Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023, which enshrines the state's emissions reduction targets in law. Legislated Targets: This Act mandates a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 and 70% by 2035. Approving an expansion that locks in 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions (99% of which are Scope 3) places an unfair burden on other sectors of the NSW economy to accelerate their decarbonisation. Federal 2035 NDC: Furthermore, this project contradicts Australia’s 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which targets a 62–70% reduction. As open-cut coal mining is a major source of fugitive methane, this project specifically threatens Australia's commitment to the Global Methane Pledge. Duty of Care and Intergenerational Equity I urge the Commission to apply the principle of intergenerational equity as recognised in the landmark July 2025 Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). International Precedent: This ruling, championed by a student-led organisation from the Pacific Islands, confirmed that states have a legal obligation to prevent climate harm to protect the human rights of future generations. Moral Accountability: Approving a coal expansion in 2026, when the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone is already set to provide 2,000 new regional jobs, constitutes a failure of our duty of care to the youth of New South Wales. Human Health and Social Impacts Under the EP&A Act 1979, the Commission must consider the social impacts on the community, which includes public health. Air Quality and Particulate Matter: The expansion of open-cut mining increases the cumulative load of PM2.5 and PM10 dust particles in the region. Chronic exposure to coal dust is a documented risk factor for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The proximity of this mine to local communities raises significant concerns regarding long-term health outcomes. Mental Health and Solastalgia: The ongoing destruction of the local landscape and the loss of cultural heritage sites contribute to 'solastalgia' - the lived experience of negative environmental change. For the Wiradjuri People and local residents, the permanent fracturing of Country represents a significant psychological and social cost that has not been adequately mitigated. Destruction of Critical Biodiversity The proposal to clear 480 hectares of native vegetation is a substantial loss that cannot be recovered. Threatened Species: The destruction of 113 hectares of documented koala breeding habitat and 80 hectares of Regent Honeyeater habitat is unacceptable. Biodiversity offsets are an insufficient mitigation strategy for the loss of these established, high-value ecosystems. Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve: Mining within 100 metres of the reserve boundary exposes sensitive wildlife to noise, dust, and blasting. A 500-metre buffer zone should be a non-negotiable requirement. Water Security and Groundwater Risks The predicted 2–6 metre groundwater drawdown poses a severe risk to Moolarben Creek, an essential drought refuge. Yancoal’s proposal to defer comprehensive monitoring until after approval is an inadequate safeguard. Under the EP&A Act 1979, the Commission must promote the "proper management and conservation of resources." Allowing potential irreversible damage to groundwater without rigorous baseline data fails this legislative objective. Procedural Integrity and Late Amendments The recent amendments introduced by Yancoal do not reduce the mine's clearing footprint. Proposing 'habitat enhancement' elsewhere is a tactical move that disrupts the transparency of the community consultation process. I request that the Commission reject these amendments and evaluate the project based on its significant direct environmental impacts. Conclusion For the reasons stated above (specifically the irreversible loss of biodiversity, the risks to human health, and the clear conflict with state and federal climate target) I urge the Independent Planning Commission to refuse this application. |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
24391 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
Redacted |
|
Date |
18/02/2026 |
|
Submitter position |
Object |
|
Submission method |
Website |
|
Submission |
I am concerned that if this coal mine is extended, the continued detrimental impact on the environment and local biodiversity demonstrates the NSW Government is not actually committed to transitioning to a renewable energy sector and remains stagnated in the energy sector. To continue mining rather than actively transitioning to renewable technologies signals the NSW Government does not value the renewable sectors as it does the coal industry, that the NSW Government does not value or plan to actually achieve the committed and legislated target to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. There are plentiful evidence and research of the impacts of mining and coal powered electrical generation, why and how, in the face of the evidence is this application deemed appropriate to even consider? How does this expansion fit into the NSW Government's Coal Innovation Program to reduce emissions from the mining and use of coal that was promised in the Net Zero Plan? |
|
Attachments |
net-zero-plan-2020-2030-200057.pdf (PDF, 6.59 MB) |
Zoe Wall
|
ID |
25131 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
|
|
Date |
17/02/2026 |
|
Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
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|
Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, I email as I am gravely concerned about the expansion of coal mining in NSW, due to the climate impacts being felt in my area. Climate change has resulted, for example, in more frequent and sudden flooding of the Ourimbah Creek catchment area on the Central Coast (thus damaging/eroding). This in turn damages Platypus habitat for instance. I thus write to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee. I am concerned that this project would cause irreversible Environmental harm, affecting climate and my community, and should not be approved. This unique biodiverse area would best be added to the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and, actually be protected not exploited. My reasons are :- Threatened species and habitat loss due to clearing of 113+ hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining (blasting etc) proposed in extremely close proximity of 100 metres of the reserve. Water / Groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown risking Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems; these are critical drought fauna refuges. Climate impacts - an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions exacerbating the fact NSW will not meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. No clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining around Mudgee, where renewable energy development is the priority. Overall, our NSW Government cannot afford to approve expanding coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. Therefore, I seek the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for your consideration. Yours Sincerely, Zoe Wall |
Lulu Littler
|
ID |
25136 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
|
|
Date |
17/02/2026 |
|
Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
|
|
Submission |
yaama Please see attached my submission and confirm received by receipt. Regards Lulu Littler |
|
Attachments |
Sovereign Objection to Moolarben OC3 Coal Mine expansion on Wiradjuri Country– Country, Law and Cultural Survival.pdf (PDF, 65.45 KB) |
Yvonne Butterfield
|
ID |
25141 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
|
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
|
Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
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|
Submission |
To whom it may concern I am an almost-ninety retired high school teacher. I come from a long family line of environmentalists, before there was such a word for their love of the land and all its wonderful fauna and flora. I strongly object to the proposed extension of the Moolarben coal complex oc3. As an environmentalist myself, I am funding replanting of degraded rainforests and wildlife protection initiatives. This project would destroy valuable habitat of threatened species, further pollute the area, and adversely impact the local community. What benefits would this project bring to either the area or the country? Its sole aim is to enrich the associated company at a time when Australia is not meeting its climate targets As a world traveller I have stood on retreating glaciers, breathed polluted air in Beijing, walked in the dust of Africa, and endured colossal dust storms in the Riverina and outback NSW. I have seen first-hand what the burning fossil fuel is doing to our planet. This project will not benefit the warming planet. It will certainly not benefit the next generation which will be facing more extreme weather and life-limiting diseases. Australia must do more to help the planet and its people, starting by refusing to extend thermal coal projects and concentrate on renewable energy. I am a city-dweller, but my heart is in the country which my ancestors have farmed for nearly 200 years. Yvonne Butterfield |
Janet Kossy
|
ID |
25146 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
|
|
Date |
17/02/2026 |
|
Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
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|
Submission |
Dear Commissioners Yancoal has made an unprecedented move to have the Independent Planning Commission hearing postponed and to interrupt the community consultation on the Moolarben Open Cut 3 expansion, by making more minor amendments to its proposal. The Department of Planning now needs to decide whether to accept or reject this amendment. In my view the amendment should be rejected and the public hearing should not have been postponed in the first place. The changes do not reduce the footprint of the mine at all but merely propose to manage more areas of vegetation outside the mine area for so-called ‘habitat enhancement’. This amendment won’t make any difference to the direct and indirect impact on threatened wildlife and ecosystems, and it completely disrupts the community consultation process that is underway. It’s a farcical attempt at greenwashing a very damaging project and the change at this stage makes a mockery of community consultation processes. The amendments just proposed by Yancoal do not reduce the clearing of native vegetation at all and are far too late in the process for consideration now. This valley should be managed jointly as part of a whole conservation landscape with the magnificent Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, not turned into an open cut coal mine. The mine will clear 480 hectares of native vegetation and mine right up to 100m from the boundary of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. The area has incredible importance for biodiversity and there have been 23 threatened wildlife species recorded in and around the site, including habitat that is critical to the survival of the Koala in a uniquely resilient population. The mine will also destroy habitat and is likely to cause serious and irreversible impact to threatened wildlife like the Large-eared Pied Bat, Eastern Cave Bat and Regent Honeyeater, and will also clear endangered Box Gum Woodland. It will also lead to water drawdown of up to 5m in the alluvium of Moolarben Ck, which runs into the Goulburn River, and represents a risk to deep-rooted vegetation that uses that water. The mine will cause serious harm to cultural heritage - there are 55 Aboriginal heritage sites within the mine footprint that will be directly impacted and a further 12 that may be indirectly impacted. The mine will also harm NSW by contributing to runaway climate change, with the NSW Net Zero Commission stating clearly in their recent Coal Mine Emissions Spotlight Report that any further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with achieving NSW climate targets or with a safe climate. Further, the assessment of the project has not quantified the economic costs of the downstream greenhouse gas emissions, even though it is now effectively legally required following the Court of Appeal decision on the Mt Pleasant coal mine. This project should not be approved. Koalas Koalas have been recorded in and around the proposed mine site, including a record of a mother and her joey recorded by Lock the Gate with a thermal drone just over a year ago. The Biodiversity, Conservation and Science Group (BCS) at NSW DCCEEW has highlighted the threat the project poses to the Koala, nothing that: • The Koala habitat present is ‘critical to the survival of the species’ and that • It is a climate-robust population which “has survived recent and historical temperature increases, drought and bushfires successfully”*. Threatened wildlife and vegetation The mine will clear habitat for multiple threatened wildlife species and also clear 401 hectares of the nationally endangered Box Gum Woodland ecosystem. The project has not avoided or minimised impacts on biodiversity and is likely to cause serious and irreversible impacts to a number of entities, including the Koala, Large-eared Pied Bat, Eastern Cave Bat, Regent Honeyeater, Broad-headed Snake, Squirrel Glider and Box Gum Woodland. There are vital sandstone cliffs and rocky habitat right along the edge of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, which are key habitats for the bat species especially. Blasting and noise represent a major threat to those species. The department agency said there should be at least a 500m buffer from Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve to better protect those species, but the mining company refused to accept that. Biodiversity offsets are deeply flawed and simply justify habitat destruction when in fact, impacts on native vegetation must be avoided if we are to avoid further species extinctions. Water impacts The project will cause drawdown of the alluvium by up to 5m along Moolarben Ck, and put at risk deep-rooted trees that use that water. The company has not done proper baseline monitoring of water, and it has a very poor history elsewhere in the mine complex, by failing badly to do ongoing water monitoring required. Climate change DPHI in their assessment report has ignored a key finding of the Net Zero Commission in its Coal Mine Emissions Spotlight Report released in December - that any further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act. They do not make any reference to Finding 4, which states that “Continued extensions or expansions to coal mining in NSW are not consistent with the emissions reduction targets in the Climate Change Act or the Paris Agreement temperature goals it gives effect to”. The project will produce an estimated 64.6Mt of total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions - which is equivalent to 58% of total annual emissions from all sources in NSW. As the NZC has stated, any such emissions are not consistent with NSW climate change targets or the Paris temperature goals. The assessment report also fails to mention that the NSW Government is not on track to achieve either the 2030 or 2035 emissions reduction targets. The proponent has also failed to apply the Court of Appeal decision in the Denman case, which found that the local environmental, social and economic impacts of climate change, including downstream greenhouse gas emissions, need to be considered by decision makers. It’s impossible for the decision maker to consider those matters for the Moolarben expansion, because there has been no attempt to quantify the full economic costs of downstream emissions to NSW and the locality, even though they make up 99% of all emissions from the project. Cultural heritage The project will destroy 55 cultural artefacts, including two shelters, one of which contains grinding grooves. The CHCP recommended protection of that site, but the mining company refused. Cumulative impacts The cumulative impacts of this proposal in terms of other current and proposed coal mines in the Mudgee region has not been assessed. Both the Ulan and Wilpinjong coal mines also have major expansions proposed, and collectively the three existing coal mines and all their proposed expansions have enormous impacts on biodiversity, water, cultural heritage and our climate. Regional impacts and jobs There are numerous alternative job opportunities available in the region because Mudgee is part of the Central West Renewable Energy Zone and there is a boom in jobs available in renewable projects, with close to 2,000 new jobs predicted over the next decade. Further, the existing Moolarben coal complex will continue to operate until 2038 regardless of whether this expansion goes ahead or not. WE MUST STOP WRECKING THE CLIMATE! Janet Kossy |
Margaret Rice
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ID |
25151 |
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17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
My name is Margaret Rice. I am a 66 year old resident of North Sydney and I am very concerned about the expansion of coal mining in NSW, due to the climate impacts that all coal mining imposes, collectively. It is irresponsible in this age and at this time for NSW to approve a new one, especially when we are attempting to lower emissions to reach Net Zero by 2050. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. Thank you, Margaret Rice |
Sheila McInnes
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ID |
25156 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, Yancoal’s Moolarben Open Cut 3 expansion should not be given approval. My name is Sheila McInnes, retired and very 'senior' at 86 years old. However, I hope you will consider my submission as I have several points I feel are extremely important. 1. We, in NSW and Australia, committed to reducing our carbon footprint in the hope of ameliorating climate change and reducing environmental habitat destruction. Despite assurances from Yancoal, their remedies on this project are totally ineffectual. 2. NSW is already off-track for meeting our commitments. NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023. 3. An expanded mine footprint involves clearing habitat that is essential for native species to survive. These habitats can not be 'moved' elsewhere. Off-site 'habitat enhancement' are weasel words - there is no re-habilitation that can be undertaken to renew destroyed areas within a reasonable time-frame. AND no money to complete attempts for rehabilitation. 4. The Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve is adjacent to the proposed expansion - this area should be expanded - not crowded out. 5. The Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone is encouraging renewable energy projects which will provide employment for workers losing jobs at the coal-mine. That means there is no public benefit from creating local jobs. Habitat destruction for no advantage. 6. Groundwater draw-down. This is such an important part of my submission. I was a flower-farmer and a reliable source of water was essential. If a neighbour starts using groundwater in an unsustainable way it affects the whole neighbourhood. The world, I understand, is using more water now than the amount that falls as rain. Totally unsustainable. I hope you will please consider the points above and decide against the Moolarben Open Cut 3 expansion. Yours, Sheila McInnes |
Steve Rogers
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ID |
25161 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Please find attached my objection to the proposed mine extension. Steve Rogers |
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Attachments |
25161 - Steve Rogers_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 62.67 KB) |
Trish FitzSimons
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ID |
25166 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I have known the beautiful land around Mudgee for nearly 50 years. I was last there in 2016 and was shocked by how the coal mine then operating between Mudgee and Cassilis was despoiling the landscape. Coal has taken millions of years to be formed in swamps and wetlands. It is a travesty to destroy some of Australia's finest arable land to mine coal for export, when right now what the world needs is to transition away from coal. This is an issue that impacts on the way that I vote Sincerely Trish FitzSimons |
Jann Dark
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ID |
25171 |
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17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission re the proposed Yancoal Moolarben Open Cut Coal expansion. Dear Sir/Madam, I am a resident of Northern Sydney and a member of the Lane Cove Bushland and Conservation Society and previously the Lane Cove Coal and Gas Watch. I am very concerned about global warming and despair every time I see a proposal for more thermal coal mines and expansions of coal mines. For this reason I am writing to you to express my opposition to the proposed expansion of the Moolarben Coal mine near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. We are all affected by coal mining and the greenhouse gasses emitted by burning coal, no matter where we live. I suffer during heat waves in Sydney, my energy bills grow, my cost of living rises as food becomes more expensive due to the pressure extreme weather events put on farming. My mental health also worsens as I see governments continue to ignore the science and allow coal mining to continue, and I see here and around the world, people suffering from climate related disasters and environments destroyed. Every time a new or expansion of a coal mine is approved we delay transition to safer cleaner renewable energy, both here and overseas. Too many people in Australia and around the world are suffering, and dying, from the impacts of global warming. Estimations are that this expansion will add 64 tons of climate pollution into the atmosphere. NSW and Australia, have no hope of achieving climate targets at this rate. Too much land in the Hunter Valley and surrounds has been destroyed for coal mining. This mine expansion endangers 113 hectares of Koala habitat as well as Regent Honeyeater and the micro bats that live in the area. Indigenous cultural heritage is also at risk, as well as ecosystems and water sources and the beautiful Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. Mudgee is situated within a growing renewable energy zone that promises to provide around 2,000 jobs. Any jobs claims made by Yancoal cannot be taken seriously. Sales forecasts for coal show falling demand. According to The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, "renewable energy has overtaken coal in global electricity generation for the first time in history …” Future jobs in coal look risky and what is the point of destroying land, habitat and water resources, and polluting the planet for an industry that faces serious downsize risks. For the sake of future generations, and present Australians, who are routinely on the frontline of climate disasters, please do not approve this coal mine extension. Kind regards, Jann Dark |
Pamela French
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ID |
25176 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Commission Secretariat With respect, I am submitting my objection to the extension to the Moolarben Open Cut Mine3 Hearing as a representative of a community group - Transition Towns Maroondah. I understand that Yancoal is currently seeking state and federal approval for a proposed expansion of the mine, Moolarben OC3, which would extract an additional 40 million tonnes of thermal coal until 2034 I submit that the proposed extension Project by Yancoal is but a ploy to interrupt the Independent Planning Commission Hearing. ... Not an uncommon idea from large companies. I submit that the proposed amendments do not address the risks to the - *55 Wiradjui cultural sites, *Waterways, *the BoxGum Woodland, *the 23 threatened wildlife species - especially the habitat of the very special endangered koalas. When species are endangered it behoves the whole society of the time to take all care, take no risks and act responsibly. It would be impossible for the designated area of !00 metres from the critical habitat not to destroy it. This is not a time to play with the unpredictable and changing environment by extracting 40 million tonnes of thermal coal until 2034. Pamela French, [redacted] I understand that Yancoal is currently seeking state and federal approval for a proposed expansion of the mine, Moolarben OC3, which would extract an additional 40 million tonnes of thermal coal until 2034 |
Robyn Godfrey
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ID |
24721 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
SUBMISSION AGAINST THE EXPANSION OF THE.pdf |
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Attachments |
SUBMISSION AGAINST THE EXPANSION OF THE_0.pdf (PDF, 62.48 KB) |
Cathy Gill
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ID |
24731 |
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Organisation |
Sydney Knitting Nannas |
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Location |
New South Wales 2024 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Please see attached PDF submission on behalf of the organisation, the Sydney Knitting Nannas. I sent one through the portal on 16.2.26 but I think maybe the document attachment failed as I did not receive a reply. Please add the attached submission, which objects to the approval of Moolarben OC3 Coal Mine Extension Project, Project Number SSD33083358. Thanking you, Cathy Gill, on behalf of the Sydney Knitting Nannas |
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Attachments |
Moolarben submission.pdf (PDF, 79.95 KB) |
Murray S
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ID |
24446 |
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
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Submission method |
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Submission |
See attached |
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Attachments |
24446 - Murray S.pdf (PDF, 429.81 KB) |
Brigid Dowsett
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ID |
24451 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2111 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To: Independent Planning Commission Re: Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project SSD 33083358 I am writing to object to the proposed expansion of Yancoal’s existing Moolarben OC3 thermal coalmine near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. As there was a late request from Yancoal for further amendments which has disrupted the community consultation process, extra time has been given to submit objections to the proposal. Due to this request, the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) indicated they will wait for an amendment report from Yancoal before they decide whether to accept or reject a revision. The DPHI advised that the Independent Planning Commission postpone the public hearing which was initially scheduled for 10 February while it reviews Yancoal’s requested proposed amendments which, if accepted, would require a revised development application. The Mudgee District Environment Group views this last-minute action by Yancoal as an unprecedented interference with the community consultation process through the IPC. They state that “Yancoal’s proposed changes will not reduce the size or impact of the mine, but merely make promises to ‘enhance’ areas of vegetation outside of the mine footprint - the full 480 hectares of native vegetation planned for clearing will still be cleared”. I would agree that the minimal changes being proposed by Yancoal will in fact do nothing to mitigate the mine’s impacts, assist in protecting the existing biodiversity or prevent the destruction of the extremely critical habitat for native wildlife such as the currently flourishing koalas, Regent Honeyeaters and microbats. The planned 480 ha of native vegetation will still be cleared up to 100 metres of the boundary of the highly valued Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. At least 23 threatened species have been recorded in the area in addition to the critical habitat providing for their survival. The site of the proposed coal expansion must remain intact and be fully protected and integrated into a single conservation landscape combined within the boundaries of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve to protect this beautiful valley with its irreplaceable bushland and environmental values. I can see no sense in irreversibly disturbing this significant landscape, thereby placing a precious ecosystem drastically at risk through this proposed unjustifiable project with all its disbenefits. Moorlaben is already the largest producing coal mine in NSW. The expansion would create no new jobs locally as up to 2000 jobs are planned to come from regional renewable energy projects. But going ahead with this detrimental expansion will create even more negative health, social and local community impacts, harm cultural heritage, threaten water and groundwater sources, permanently destroy essential biodiversity and dangerously increase our climate risk. The NSW government’s own Net Zero Commission report confirmed that mine expansions like Moolarben will prevent NSW from reaching our 2030 & 2035 climate targets. The currently permitted extent of mining already potentially provides coal processing for Yancoal’s mine until 2038 - despite the fact that the NSW Government has adopted a policy framework that acknowledges a gradual phase-out of thermal coal mining and is actively planning for the transition of coal-dependent regions. Thus it seems extraordinary that we could be about to approve yet another polluting fossil fuel proposal, whether it be for a new project or an expansion of an existing one. We must respect nature and ensure we conserve our precious biodiversity into the future. Achieving the goals of ecological sustainability must be paramount and the means seen to be clearly embedded into our planning systems to guide decisions on all land use and development. I fully support the community’s request that the Department of Planning rejects Yancoal’s late proposed amendment and continues with the community consultation process that was already underway. I also urge the IPC to recommend that this major expansion to an already damaging coal mining project is refused. Thank you for receiving my submission. I had some issues using the IPC website. Brigid Dowsett |
Ludo McFerran AM
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ID |
24456 |
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is Ludo (Catherine) McFerran AM. I care for one hundred acres on the far south coast of NSW near Bermagui. This country has been badly affected by the impact of European settlement: the river is clogged with sediment from clear-fell logging, the native bush is overgrown with invasive weeds and bushfires have visibly reduced birdlife and other diversity. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I know that you will have received many submissions outlining the harm this project will cause. So I want to add a very personal note of disbelief that a Labor Government is even considering new and expanding coal projects. Every day I work in the Conservation Area on this property to protect native habitat. The NSW Biodiversity Trust assists with a grant to help with bush regeneration. Why with one hand is tax payer money being used to protect habitat while destroying it with another? For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. |
Virginia Handmer
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ID |
24461 |
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Please find my submission below. If you have any trouble opening please let me know. Virginia Handmer |
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Attachments |
24461 - Virginia Handmer.pdf (PDF, 38.63 KB) |
Julie-Anne Geddes
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ID |
24466 |
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I wish to object to the Moorlarben OC3 Coal Mine Extension, Project Number SSD-33083358. I object because the valley needs to be conserved, not converted into an even larger open-cut coal mine that would encroach very close to the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. I object because 480 hectares of native vegetation will be cleared. I object because this habitat is needed to keep alive and thriving 23 threatened wildlife species, including Koalas, Large-eared Pied Bats, Eastern Cave Bats and Regent Honeyeaters, and will also clear the endangered Box Gum Woodland. The Bats use the sandstone cliffs and rocky habitat right along the edge of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, and the mine expansion will be 100 metres from their habitat. They will have to contend with noise and light pollution; they are a threatened species. I object because Moorlarben's water drawdown will discharge into the Goulburn River, which will also negatively impact vegetation and the environment. I object because the Aboriginal sites and the cultural heritage in the area will be harmed. I object because coal mine expansions are inconsistent with having a safe climate. Can you guarantee that there will be no harmful emissions into the atmosphere? I have been told that according to the Net Zero Commission, expansions are inconsistent with the NSW law - the NSW Climate Change Act. Is this true? If this is true, why is Moorlarben allowed to expand? The project will produce an estimated 64.6 Mt of total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to 58% of NSW's annual emissions from all sources. The Net Zero Commission has stated that such emissions are inconsistent with NSW climate change targets and the Paris temperature goals. I also object because of the contribution that coal mine expansion and their emissions have to the climate crisis the world is experiencing, and because of what this does to the mental health of people. As a psychologist, I see people who are anxious, depressed and feeling powerless about the ignoring of global warming on our planet due to increasing emissions. This project should NOT be approved. Kind Regards, Julie-Anne Julie-Anne Geddes (she/they) |
Annee Lawrence
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ID |
24476 |
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To: NSW Independent Planning Commission Please see below my objection to the proposal by the Yancoal mining company to expand their existing mine into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve by: 1. clearing 480 hectares of native vegetation 2. mining right up to 100m of the Reserve. Yancoal's mine expansion project should not be approved because: 1. It contravenes the express advice of the NSW Net Zero Commission's Coal Mine Emissions Spotlight Report that any further coal mine expansions in the State are inconsistent with achieving NSW climate targets for a safe climate. 2. It would destroy critical habitat for koalas and have significant detrimental impacts on biodiversity including on other plant and animal wildlife in the Box Gum Woodland, and in the sandstone cliffs in the vicinity. 3. It would impact water drawdown (by up to 5m) in the Moolarben Creek. 4. It would destroy 55 Indigenous cultural projects. The coalmine is one of three in the area (Yancoal, Ulan and Wilpinjong) that are proposing to expand, despite it being clear that all coal mine expansions are inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act for NSW to meet its emissions reduction targets, and inconsistent with the Paris Agreement's temperature goals. NSW is already not on track to achieve its 2030 or 2035 emissions reduction targets; and this expansion, if approved, would produce an estimated 64.4Mt of total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions -- equal to 58% of total annual emissions from all sources in NSW. I understand that Yancoal will argue that the mine's expansion will bring jobs to the region. I find that argument dubious. This expansion is about profits, not jobs, and Mudgee already has more than 2000 jobs in the pipeline over the next decade as part of the Central West Renewable Energy Zone. What matters most? What matters most is that we do NO HARM to the land, soil, existing habitat, the climate, or precious future populations of koala, and other threatened wildlife and vegetation in the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. Save the koala habitat. Save the Box Gum Woodland Ecosystem & protect its biodiversity. Stop the increase in climate emissions. Stop the negative impacts on water in and around the Moolarben Creek. Yancoal's proposed Moolarben Coal mine expansion should NOT be approved. Yours sincerely -- Annee Lawrence |
Judith Christie
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ID |
24481 |
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I strongly object to the extension of the Moolarben coal OC3 project. I knew this country before it was an open cut mine. It was my back road to my family home where I could stop for picnics and birdwatching. No longer. To expand mining to the very boundaries of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve is unacceptable. This further harm to threatened species and ecosystems cannot be offset. Biodiversity loss is a loss for everyone. Please do not approve this extension Yours faithfully, Judith Christie |
Andrew McGlashan
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ID |
24486 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Victoria 3793 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, Andrew's my name; I'm a resident of Monbulk, Victoria, and an advocate for our environment. I wish to state my objection to Yancoal’s proposed expansion of Moolarben OC3 coal mine near Mudgee, on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this expansion would cause irreversible harm to the environment, would contribute to global warming, and would place at risk Wiradjuri cultural heritage and community. For these reasons it ought not be approved. The rich biodiversity of this land should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, and protected, whilst Indigenous cultural artefacts and sacred sites must be preserved for all time. Regarding Yancoal's amendments to the proposal; these do not scale back the clearing of native vegetation or the injury to Wiradjuri culture, are too late to be considered, and the proposal overall still risks severe impacts to biodiversity and Indigenous heritage. I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Yours sincerely, Andrew Charles McGlashan |
Anthony Amis
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ID |
24491 |
|---|---|
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Organisation |
Land Use Researcher Friends of the Earth Australia |
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am writing on behalf of Friends of the Earth Australia. We object to the proposed expansion of the Moolarben Open Cut 3 Mining Extension near Mudgee. Project Number SSD-33083358 We object to the expansion due to the high likelihood of severe impacts on koalas in the area. We understand that almost 500 hectares of native vegetation, including endangered Box Gum Woodland. Koala habitat will be destroyed for this mine expansion. Another 23 threatened species have also been recorded at and near the proposed site. Impacts on wildlife include the Large-eared Pied Bat, Regent Honeyeater and Eastern Cave Bat The mine will also contribute to global heating through the mining, transport and burning of coal. It will also impact and destroy Aboriginal heritage sites as well as use vast quantities of water. It is beyond comprehension that the NSW Government would support a 19th century form of resource extraction in the 21st century. Yours sincerely Anthony Amis - Land Use Researcher Friends of the Earth Australia |
Anne Reeves, OAM
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ID |
24496 |
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission MOOLARBEN OC3 COAL MINE EXPANSION Thank you for receiving submissions: please consider my comments as below:- I am opposed to the Moolarben 0C3 coal mine expansion because: 1 it will result in the release of additional climate changing emissions from currently buried fossil fuel beds; 2 the operation will destroy the integrity of the existing onsite landscape and irreversibly damage nearby lands including important remaining natural habitat in the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and the wildlife it sustains. UN Secretary General Anthony Gueterres has stated “Climate action is not optional. It's an imperative.” It would be irresponsible to approve further mobilisation of fossil fuels that exacerbate climate warming. Given the increasingly fraught global warming situation and the consequences for life into the future, it is imperative to think globally while acting locally. A Sydney based resident, I have visited the Munghorm Gap area many times, and have previously written to oppose the impact of coal mining activities in the area. I am happy for my submission but not my contact details to be made public. Anne Reeves, OAM. |
Renee Willemsen
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ID |
24501 |
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Dear Sir/ madam Please find attached my Submission re: Moolarben OC3 Coal Mine Extension Project, Project Number SSD-33083358. Protecting native wildlife, particularly our native koalas should be a national and NSW state priority. Kind regards Ms Renee Willemsen |
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Attachments |
Renee Willemsen - Submission rejecting Moolarben OC3 Coal Mine Extension Project (SSD-33083358)_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 287.03 KB) |
Anastasia Murray
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ID |
24506 |
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Kind Regards Anastasia Murray |
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Attachments |
24506 - Anastasia Murray.pdf (PDF, 26.18 KB) |
Bronwyn Couch
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ID |
24511 |
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
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Submission method |
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Submission |
For submission to independent Planning Commision My name is Bronwyn Couch, I live on Darug and Gundungurra lands adjacent to the beautiful Wiradjuri land of Moolarben Creek, Goulburn River and the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. I would like to express my deep concern about the proposed expansion to the Moolarben Coal Mine. It has been pointed out to me that this is already the largest coal mine in NSW. This privileged state should be leading the way in addressing the enormous need to retreat from this emission producing project, rather than adding to it. This is so important for the country and our planet . This expansion extends planned use to continue operation until 2038. That is so preposterous, so wrong for us, so wrong for our children, so wrong for the children of this world. A child born in Wollen today will be 12 years old, just beginning to understand what we have done. How can we look that 12 year old in the eye and say that we had the choice to put more effort and resources into renewable energy ( for which this region is known and lauded, and where more current and future jobs are likely than in coal mining) we had that choice and were negligent and short sighted. We have zero emissions targets in NSW due to mature at this time. This target will be a joke if we admit that this expanded mine will produce 58% of total emissions from all sources in NSW. This is so obviously the site to reduce, not to expand. In the past we have been so reckless with encroachment and destruction of indigenous cultural heritage. We can no longer ignore our First Nations voices when they implore decision makers to protect rather than destroy. That alone should be enough- artefacts, shelters and grinding grooves. Surely we know better and care more. This project should not be approved Bronwyn Couch |
Louise McFadden
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ID |
24516 |
|---|---|
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission method |
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Submission |
To the decision makers at the Independent Planning Commission, The koala populations under threat from this project can NOT afford to lose 113 more hectares of their habitat. Have we learned nothing in the last 12 months? We are encroaching more and more into our wildlife’s homes and it’s getting to the point where they have nowhere to go! I’d challenge any of your employees to drive into the outback, into the mountains, into the bush. I see a LOT of roadkill, a LOT of logging, and a LOT of habitat destruction, and it’s truly gut wrenching. Or try listening to a fire service pilot, talking about the thousands of kangaroos and possums and koalas he saw when the Grampians were on fire. They were closed in and trapped with nowhere to go, and there were too many of them because we keep edging in further and further, taking just a little bit more here, a little bit more there. Lend Lease wants to convince us their property developments aren’t impacting koalas because it’s not in their habitat zone, but residents of these monopoly home villages tell otherwise! (I should know, my sister lives in one of them and it’s not just koalas, it’s emus too that they had to enclose into protected habitat zones). The bottom line is, coal is still needed but it’s on the way out. And no matter what it is, blue gum farms or coal mines, money and power should NEVER justify destruction of our native wildlife’s homes and habitats. EVER. People are sick of the bullshit, sick of the excuses, sick of the innocent and vulnerable always paying the price for corporate greed and political influence and lean. Do the right thing! Don’t approve harmful plans! Don’t think progress is something that kills living things and will be abandoned in 50 years time. Coal has an expiry date, a habitat is something that takes DECADES to grow and develop. It’s part of an ECOSYSTEM and the flow on effect is damaging to many other species, not just koalas, as well as the effect on land temps in the region. A coal mine isn’t part of an ecosystem, it’s depleting the land and killing the creatures who live on it. Enough! Sincerely, Louise McFadden |
Alex Oonagh
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ID |
24521 |
|---|---|
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
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Submission |
TO. THE INDEPENDENT PLANNING COMMISSION I am AlexOonagh Redmond ,an 83 yr old female ,living inner city Sydney,passionate about Australia’s Country side and Bush/ Outback. Having the joy to have travelled and worked around this huge country. It’s important to have an identity and not an ANONYMOUS “ opinion”. Iam unable to write a submission . But I will speak of my anger ,disappointed and concern on what will,happen further To the Evironment and the Threatened Species that require the habit around ,over and under it . I CAN NOT believe that the Mine owners and the Government consider having any mine is ok,let alone an EXPANSION. Ofcourse you are aware of CLIMATE CHANGE. and its effect on so much of our Land and our Peoples and their Homes. But I am aware it suits Big Business and Government to say but jobs are necessary and “Third World Countries “ need Electricity.? But we Australians receive NOTHING .Its a Win/ Win for the Mines and their SHARE HOLDERS, and OUR wonderful landscape and EVERTHING around DISAPPEARS. As well as Polluting the Atmosphere ,that we have to breath in,there is the run off from Mine,polluting the water Basins and the beautiful creek,in this case of the village of WOLLAR ,the MANGARUIN . But these big Foreign Businesses will probably not have travelled or lived outside our Cities . So they will not be familiar how our Country was built around our Bush communities ,and the contribution in each area to the appropriate Farming required to meet our food needs and exports . The various STOCK will also be affected by the pollution To the FEED and water as well as bird and wild life.many of which are facing extinction . So with regard to the Community ofWOLLAR ,it’s has its community possibly halved by folk selling their homes to the Mine ,which Im told are just left to rot. They have to leave due to Health reasons due to the pollution ,the smell, the constant noise of the trucks etc. and seeing their loved environment disappear. The rest who love their homes ,and generations of their families have lived there.They DO NOT WANT TO SELL OUT AND LEAVE. This is THEIR HOME and they love it and the lifestyle they have created . They are proud of the Nature Reserve and its special HONEYEATER and the Iconic Kolola breeding and so much more that is left? This Reserve will LOOSE a part of its land. BUT OFCOURSE, this won’t affect the Bird and wild life??? I ask you ,what would you Feel if this was your HOME and LIFESTYLE .? Thank you AlexOonagh Redmond I believe our Federal Government hand over [redacted]. ( what about Us TAX PAYERS ?) Sent from my iPad |
Trevor Jennings
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ID |
24526 |
|---|---|
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Organisation |
Clemton Park Uniting Church |
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
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Submission |
Dear Madam/Sir, I am writing in opposition to the proposed expansion of the Moolarben Coal Mine - Project Number SSD-33083358. At a time that the whole earth is increasingly experiencing the effects of climate change, caused mostly by CO2 emissions, it seems ludicrous to me and a great crime against the earth and future generations, that any further coal expansion be allowed in Australia. We do not need to rely on the burning of fossil fuels for our electricity needs in Australia nor should we be supplying cheap fuel to foreign countries where it is burned and produces CO2 emissions. These emissions do not just effect the countries in which they are burned, the effects are felt in every part of the earth. I quote the following from the 'Moolarben OC3 Extension Project State Significant Development Assessment Report (SSD-33083358)' The project would generate approximately 64.6 million tonnes (Mt) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e) emissions. Most of these emissions (ie around 99%) would be scope 3 emissions associated with the combustion of coal by end users. Yancoal’s attempt to make minor amendments to its proposal on the Moolarben Open Cut 3 expansion is like someone landscaping their back garden while a bush fire is encroaching their property. It may make the garden look prettier but the real threat of damage being done is not being addressed. We do not need to destroy the earth for short term gain, nor for greed, nor even to provide local employment. There are many more jobs in renewables. As a minister of religion, the members of my congregation are very concerned about rising sea levels and storms effecting their homelands. Most of my congregation come from the Pacific Islands. Any expansion is a greater threat to all Islanders and to all Australians. It is heart breaking for them to see the destruction to their islands while at the same time seeing governments in Australia allow the expansion of coal mining and burning. You have the power and the responsibility to stop this expansion not only the sake of local ecology but also for the sake of the earth. Thank you for considering my petition against this proposal. Regards, Rev. Trevor Jennings. Minister - Campsie, Earlwood, Clemton Park Uniting Church |
Janet Burstall
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ID |
24531 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2040 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
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Submission |
TO: NSW Independent Planning Commission I wish to register my objection the environmental destruction that will be caused if this project is approved. It is ONLY for the benefit of Yancoal, and not for anyone else, not for jobs, not for koalas, for other local species, not for native habitat, not for water, and not for limiting global warming, which threatens quality of life for all of us. Because Mudgee is part of the Central West Renewable Energy Zone, there is a boom in jobs available in renewable projects, with close to 2,000 new jobs predicted over the next decade. Further, the existing Moolarben coal complex will continue to operate until 2038 regardless of whether this expansion goes ahead or not. So the jobs supposedly on offer are not needed by the community. We know that koalas as a species in NSW are officially endangered. The habitat of the koala population in this area is "critical to the survival of the species”. It is a population that “has survived recent and historical temperature increases, drought and bushfires successfully” according to the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Biodiversity, Conservation and Science Group. If the mine proceeds, there will be clearing of habitat for multiple threatened species, along with 401 hectares of the nationally endangered Box Gum Woodland ecosystem. The department agency said there should be at least a 500m buffer from Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve to better protect those species, but the mining company refused to accept that. "Biodiversity offsets” will not avoid the damage in this area, which means that the mine must be stopped in order to avoid further species extinctions. Water flows and quality would be damaged by this mine. Climate change DPHI in their assessment report has ignored a key finding of the Net Zero Commission in its Coal Mine Emissions Spotlight Report released in December - that any further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act. They do not make any reference to Finding 4, which states that “Continued extensions or expansions to coal mining in NSW are not consistent with the emissions reduction targets in the Climate Change Act or the Paris Agreement temperature goals it gives effect to”. The project will produce an estimated 64.6Mt of total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions - which is equivalent to 58% of total annual emissions from all sources in NSW. As the NZC has stated, any such emissions are not consistent with NSW climate change targets or the Paris temperature goals. The assessment report also fails to mention that the NSW Government is not on track to achieve either the 2030 or 2035 emissions reduction targets. The proponent has also failed to apply the Court of Appeal decision in the Denman case, which found that the local environmental, social and economic impacts of climate change, including downstream greenhouse gas emissions, need to be considered by decision makers. It’s impossible for the decision maker to consider those matters for the Moolarben expansion, because there has been no attempt to quantify the full economic costs of downstream emissions to NSW and the locality, even though they make up 99% of all emissions from the project. The cumulative impact of applications for mine expansion in the Mudgee area should also be considered, for Ulan and Wilpinjong, as well as Moolarben. Janet Burstall |
Carole Helman
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ID |
24536 |
|---|---|
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
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Submission |
Please find my submission below. Carole Helman |
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Attachments |
24536 - Carole Helman_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 53.3 KB) |
Scott Marshall
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ID |
24541 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2258 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, I email as I am gravely concerned about the expansion of coal mining in NSW in general due to the recognised effects of carbon dioxide on the climate, as ratified by a recent scientific investigation by OregonState University and collaborators. In addition, the supposed benefits of biodiversity offsets are illusory. Offsetting land that is to be destroyed with biodiverse active land still results in the net loss of land. And of course the ecological characteristics will be lost. I thus write to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee. I am concerned that this project would cause irreversible Environmental harm, affecting climate and my community, and should not be approved. This unique biodiverse area would best be added to the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and, actually be protected not exploited. My reasons are :- Threatened species and habitat loss due to clearing of 113+ hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining (blasting etc) proposed in extremely close proximity of 100 metres of the reserve. Water / Groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown risking Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems; these are critical drought fauna refuges. Climate impacts - an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions exacerbating the fact NSW will not meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. No clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining around Mudgee, where renewable energy development is the priority. Overall, our NSW Government cannot afford to approve expanding coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. Therefore, I seek the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be rejected. Yours Sincerely, Scott Marshall |
Scott Marshall
|
ID |
24551 |
|---|---|
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, I email as I am gravely concerned about the expansion of coal mining in NSW in general due to the recognised effects of carbon dioxide on the climate, as ratified by a recent scientific investigation by OregonState University and collaborators. In addition, the supposed benefits of biodiversity offsets are illusory. Offsetting land that is to be destroyed with biodiverse active land still results in the net loss of land. And of course the ecological characteristics will be lost. I thus write to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee. I am concerned that this project would cause irreversible Environmental harm, affecting climate and my community, and should not be approved. This unique biodiverse area would best be added to the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and, actually be protected not exploited. My reasons are :- Threatened species and habitat loss due to clearing of 113+ hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining (blasting etc) proposed in extremely close proximity of 100 metres of the reserve. Water / Groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown risking Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems; these are critical drought fauna refuges. Climate impacts - an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions exacerbating the fact NSW will not meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. No clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining around Mudgee, where renewable energy development is the priority. Overall, our NSW Government cannot afford to approve expanding coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. Therefore, I seek the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be rejected. Yours Sincerely, Scott Marshall [redacted] Kind regards Scott Marshall Professional Multi-Asset Securities Analyst and Fund Manager. |
Donna Patterson
|
ID |
24556 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2095 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, I am Donna Patterson, a 64 year old retired speech pathologist from Manly. Particularly as a grandmother, I am appalled at the prospect of the expansion of coal mining in our state for its impact on climate, biodiversity and water. I am objecting to this expansion in the interests of our future and the world we are leaving for our children. Such an expansion would work directly against the goals to mitigate climate change that this state has championed. We cannot continue to ignore the extreme weather events causing deaths from heat, flooding, fire, loss of property. These events correlate directly with increased insurance and food costs for individuals, not to mention the overall cost to our economy of repair and rebuilding. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause further serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Donna Patterson |
Diane Willman
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ID |
24561 |
|---|---|
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
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Submission |
My submission re the above is attached below. Thank you. Diane Willman |
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Attachments |
24561 - Diane Willman.pdf (PDF, 58.98 KB) |
Deborah Kuras
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ID |
24566 |
|---|---|
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is Deborah Kuras, I am a retired woman from North Sydney and I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in our states, due to the climate impacts. My mother was affected by both the “ once in 500 year flood in Taree and the 2019/2020 bushfires. We are all being affected heatwaves, drought and extreme weather events. I know communities across NSW are facing the same struggles. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife.• Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, Deborah Kuras Cammeray 2062 |
Gerhard Kuras
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ID |
24571 |
|---|---|
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is Gerhard Kuras, I am a retired mam from North Sydney and I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in our states, due to the climate impacts. My mother was affected by both the “ once in 500 year flood in Taree and the 2019/2020 bushfires. We are all being affected heatwaves, drought and extreme weather events. I know communities across NSW are facing the same struggles. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife.• Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, Gethard Kuras |
Tony Lewis
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ID |
24576 |
|---|---|
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
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Submission |
Dear Sir/Madam As an individual member of the community who strongly supports the replacement of fossil fuels such as coal by renewable resources, I wish to voice my objection to this proposed expansion going ahead. Our community continues to recognise the harm to the environment caused by greenhouse gasses and to individuals exposed to the harmful effects of particulates derived from the burning of coal. Expanding a coal mine simply adds to both. Yours sincerely, Dr. Tony Lewis |
Roslyn Burge
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ID |
24581 |
|---|---|
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
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Submission |
My name is Roslyn Burge, I am a retired historian living Inner West Sydney and I frequently visit Ulan and Mudgee and environs and have witnessed the terrible environmental impact of coal mining in this area. I am shocked at the extent of expansionary coal mining in this state and the nation. As a historian I have read, written about and travelled the Goulburn River and surrounding landscapes and object to the environmental damage caused by the activities of Moolarben Coal and Yancoal. I write now to object strongly to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. The proposed amendments by the mining company do not reduce clearing of native vegetation, are far too late to be considered, and the proposal still would have severe impacts on biodiversity. The World Economic Forum publishes an annual Global Risks report and in 2025 that report identified the global risks of biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse - as Moolarben and Yancoal are progressing in the environment in the wider vicinity of Ulan - a retrograde step - as #2 (up from #37 in 2009). WEF_Global_Risks_Report_2025.pdf I am deeply opposed to any expansion by Moolarben Coal ... on a number of grounds **Serious and long-lasting risks to groundwater and creeks - including The Drip and Goulburn River. I understand the mining company has failed to undertake adequate baseline water monitoring and has a poor track record of complying with requirements elsewhere in the mine complex. The Yancoal proposal to conduct 12 months of water monitoring is putting the cart before the horse and is absurd - this should be required before any application by the mining company. **The expansion will irreversibly harm Wiradjuri cultural heritage - this nation is long overdue in recognising the First National people, including the Wiradjuri nation. Nearby is one of the most remarkable "industrial" Evidence of Aboriginal presence in the area - During an archaeological survey undertaken between 1965 and 1967 by the Australian Museum in the vicinity at Bobadeen (approx. 2 kms north west of The Drip, beside Queens Creek, near the watershed of the Great Dividing Range); at Sandy Hollow (on the Goulburn River, west of Denman); and at Milbrodale (south of Singleton, on Wollombi Brook, a tributary of the Hunter River), Dr Moore, Curator of Anthropology at the Museum, describes the Bobadeen site as a highly efficient, productive ‘industry’ site, where the predominance of quartz and the “extraordinary quality of the quartz-working ... surprised all those excavating”. Hugely impressed by the finesse of workmanship, Dr Moore continued: “The quartz crystal geometric microliths, many less than a centimeter in length could scarcely be believed to be man-made, until placed under … a microscope to view the secondary work.” Reference below. I had great difficulty downloading the links - apologies I am sending to this email and appreciate this alternative method. Roslyn Burge |
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Attachments |
WEF_Global_Risks_Report_2025_Full_Report (4).pdf (PDF, 19.69 MB) |
Barbara Anderson
|
ID |
24586 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2060 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
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Submission |
I am writing to object to the plans of mining giant Yancoal to expand the Moolarben coal mine, an existing thermal coal mine near Mudgee in mid-western NSW, on Wiradjuri Country. The mine will clear a major area of native vegetation if it extends right up to the boundary of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, an area of incredible importance for biodiversity. The mine will not only destroy habitat but also threaten wildlife including destruction of habitat critical to the survival of the koala. The mine will also cause serious harm to cultural heritage, especially the many Aboriginal heritage sites within the mine footprint. It is tragic to think the mine expansion will significantly clear hectares of the nationally endangered Box Gum Woodland ecosystem. Continued expansions to coal mining in NSW are inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act and its emissions reduction targets. The proposed Moolarben Coal Mine expansion must be rejected. Barbara Anderson |
Catherine Millard
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ID |
24591 |
|---|---|
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben Open Cut 3 (OC3) Extension Project near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am deeply concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to biodiversity, water systems, climate stability and Wiradjuri cultural heritage. It should not be approved. I am also concerned about the late amendments submitted by Yancoal in January 2026, which resulted in the postponement of the IPC hearing. These proposed amendments do not reduce the mine footprint or the clearing of native vegetation. They rely on off-site “habitat enhancement” measures that do nothing to lessen the significant impacts on threatened species and ecosystems. Introducing amendments at this late stage undermines the integrity of the consultation process and appears to be an attempt to greenwash a damaging proposal. These amendments are far too late to be considered and should be rejected. 1. This landscape should be protected, not mined The proposal would clear approximately 480 hectares of native vegetation and push mining to within 100 metres of the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, one of the oldest conservation reserves in NSW. At least 23 threatened species have been recorded in the area, including a uniquely resilient koala population. This beautiful and biodiverse valley should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected as part of a connected conservation landscape, not converted into an open-cut coal pit. The expansion creates no new mine and no essential public benefit, but would permanently destroy irreplaceable habitat. 2. Serious and irreversible harm to threatened species The expansion would destroy: • 113 hectares of koala habitat where breeding koalas have been recorded • 80 hectares of Regent Honeyeater habitat, including areas with breeding females • Up to 401 hectares of nationally endangered Box Gum Woodland Threatened species including the Regent Honeyeater, Broad-headed Snake and microbats face severe impacts. The NSW Environment Department has warned the project could lead to long-term population declines and affect habitat critical to species survival. Noise and blasting impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve were poorly assessed, and Yancoal has refused to adopt the recommended 500-metre buffer to protect the reserve and its wildlife. No offset or enhancement proposal can replace habitat that is currently supporting threatened species. 3. A massive climate cost inconsistent with NSW law The OC3 extension is estimated to generate 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its life. Around 99 percent of these emissions would be downstream emissions from burning the coal overseas. This is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. NSW is already off track to meet its 2030 and 2035 targets. The Department’s assessment fails to properly consider the Denman Court of Appeal decision, which requires full consideration of downstream emissions and their local climate impacts. The economic and social costs of these emissions have not been properly quantified or addressed. 4. No compelling employment or economic justification The Moolarben mine will continue operating until at least 2038 regardless of this expansion. The proposal does not deliver meaningful new employment. Meanwhile, the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone is projected to create around 2,000 jobs over the next decade. With thermal coal demand forecast to decline in key export markets such as China and South Korea, the long-term economic case for expansion is weak. The project would impose lasting environmental costs while delivering minimal public benefit. 5. Serious groundwater risks The project is expected to cause groundwater drawdown of 2 to 6 metres, potentially lasting up to 25 years after mining. This places Moolarben Creek, an important drought refuge, at significant risk. Groundwater-dependent ecosystems and riparian trees may be affected by drawdown of up to 5 metres. Yancoal’s proposed amendment to conduct 12 months of groundwater monitoring before mining begins is inadequate. Baseline monitoring must occur before approval, not after. 6. Irreversible harm to Wiradjuri cultural heritage The expansion would destroy 55 Aboriginal cultural artefacts and potentially impact many more. All are considered to have high cultural value by Registered Aboriginal Parties. Further fragmentation of this landscape contributes to the cumulative degradation of Wiradjuri Country and undermines cultural connection, heritage protection and intergenerational responsibility. 7. Poor assessment of cumulative impacts The cumulative impacts of this proposal alongside expansions at Ulan and Wilpinjong mines have not been adequately assessed. Together, these projects threaten connected landscapes, water systems, biodiversity and cultural heritage on a regional scale. ________________________________________ We are facing a climate and biodiversity crisis. Projects that lock in further coal extraction and habitat destruction are inconsistent with the public interest and with NSW’s legislated climate commitments. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to reject the proposed Moolarben OC3 Extension Project and to reject the late amendments that attempt to weaken community scrutiny. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, Catherine Millard |
Patricia Giannotto
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ID |
24596 |
|---|---|
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is Patricia and I'm a retired community member living on Sydney's lower north shore. I am writing because I am very concerned about the expansion of coal mining in our state, due to its impacts on climate and biodiversity. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and our communities, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, Patricia Giannotto Kirribilli, NSW |
John Smith
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ID |
24601 |
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Location |
Australian Capital Territory 2615 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I write to OBJECT to the expansion of Yancoal’s Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion Project Number SSD-33083358. Approving this mine expansion when we are in a climate emergency, with heat waves, floods, and fires ravaging the country is madness. The science tells us that we must stop burning fossil fuels if we wish to have any hope of stopping runaway climate heating. I have four grandchildren under 14 and I refuse to see their future destroyed for a fistful of dollars for a mining company to tear up the earth and our biodiversity and pollute the atmosphere with greenhouse gases. There are many reasons to refuse permission for this mine to proceed, some of which I have listed below. If this mine goes ahead, it will: - Clear 113 hectares of endangered koala habitat, where breeding has been recorded, and destroy critically endangered Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. Protecting the Regent Honeyeater habitat will also protect the habitat of many other species such as the Eastern Cave Bat, Squirrel Glider and Box Gum vegetation. - Bring mining within 100 metres of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, a particularly important nature reserve for its many bird species. Industrial mining so close will adversely impact this reserve and inevitably lead to its decline over time. - Add an estimated 64 million tonnes of climate pollution — at a time when NSW is already failing to meet its legislated climate targets, and communities here in NSW and across the world are facing climate-fuelled disasters. - Lead to water drawdown of up to 5m in the alluvium of Moolarben Creek, which runs into the Goulburn River. Water is a scarce resource and the drawdown of water in the landscape contributes to climate warming and the resultant increase in atmospheric instability leading to reduced rainfall frequency and increased rainfall volatility. It dries out the land, reducing evaporative cooling, and stresses vegetation even further into a downward spiral. - Directly impact and cause serious damage to 55 Aboriginal cultural heritage sites. The loss of these sites, especially two shelters, one with grinding grooves, is of great significance to the local First Nations people, the Wiradjuri. - Undermine the transition away from coal mining already underway in the region. The Moolarben coal mine is within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone. It is not as if there are no alternative jobs available in the area. Finally, the cumulative impacts of all the various coal mines and coal mine extensions and expansions in the area such as the Ulan and Wilpinjong projects have not been properly assessed or taken into account. It is my firm conviction that this project should not be given approval to proceed. Yours sincerely John Smith |
Michelle Packett
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ID |
24606 |
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is Michelle Packett and I am a resident of Sydney. I am writing to object to the proposed expansion of the Moolarben Coal Complex in Mudgee. Given the unprecedented climate change impacts we are experiencing in Australia and our commitment to the Paris Agreement, it is unfathomable to me that we would consider granting an expansion of a coal mine that will result in a targeted loss of critical habitat, impact the water table and damage and contaminate waterways. The UN has stated that we have already gone over 1.2 degrees Celsius in global temperature rise and as a country we have already seen the devastation across Australia caused from flooding, fires, droughts, algae blooms, extreme heat impacts on wildlife, farmland and people. We know for a fact that our lack of commitment to meeting our Paris Agreement targets has put us on track to exceed the 1.5 degree Celsius global warming cap in the next 4-5 years. Whilst no-one can say for sure what the impacts of that will be, based on current evidence we know that our extremes in weather are going to get worse, with economic impacts into the billions of dollars. The Moolarben Coal Complex Expansion would create not just an local environmental impact, but would contribute to an increase in CO2 emissions globally, which is in direct opposition to our Paris Agreement targets. From a local economic impact to Mudgee and the surrounding area, there will be no increase in jobs from this expansion and if anything it will create unhealthy competition for the investment into renewables that is planned for the area, which is estimated to create up to 2000 jobs. Furthermore the impact to threatened species, such as koala’s, honeyeaters and microbats would decrease our biodiversity at a time when conservation is critical given the devastating impacts from fires, floods and heatwaves to these populations throughout Australia. I do not believe that the NSW Government can afford to approve such an economically and environmentally unsound proposal, when the damaging impacts it will cause far out way any good that will come from this expansion. For the sake of our economic prosperity and that of our children, I urge the Independent Planning Commission refuse this proposal. Kind Regards, Michelle |
Bryan Purcell
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ID |
24611 |
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To: NSW Independent Planning Commission Shown below are my objections to the proposal by the Yancoal mining to expand their existing mine into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve by clearing 480 hectares of native vegetation and mining up to within 100m of the Reserve. I consider the expansion should not be approved as it : A) Contravenes the advice of the NSW Net Zero Commission's Coal Mine Emissions Spotlight Report that any further coal mine expansions in NSW are inconsistent with achieving the states climate targets for a safe climate. B. It would destroy critical habitat for koalas and have significant detrimental impacts on biodiversity including on animal wildlife and flora in the Box Gum Woodland, and also impact the sandstone cliffs in the vicinity. C. It would impact water drawdown by up to 5m in the Moolarben Creek. D. The expansion would also destroy 55 Indigenous cultural projects. The coalmine is one of three in the area (Yancoal, Ulan and Wilpinjong) that are proposing to expand. This is despite all coal mine expansions are inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act for NSW to meet its emissions reduction targets. The proposal is also inconsistent with the Paris Agreement's temperature goal of 1.5 degree warming. Even without this expansion the chances of meeting our Paris agreement targets are impossible as the States emissions continue to rise. This expansion, if approved, would produce an estimated 64.4Mt of total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions -- equal to 58% of total annual emissions from all sources in NSW. Yancoal may argue the expansion will bring jobs to the region however this should not be at the expense of our children and grandchildren. I consider the expansion is about profits, not jobs. It is my understanding Mudgee has more than 2000 jobs in the pipeline over the next decade as part of the Central West Renewable Energy Zone and the expansion is incompatible with Net Zero goals. It is critical we prevent any further damage to the land, soil, existing habitat, the climate and protect our precious koala populations and other threatened wildlife and vegetation in the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. We must save the koala habitat,the Box Gum Woodland Ecosystem & protect its biodiversity. Additionally we must stop the increase in CO2 emissions and eliminate the risk of Climate Trigger Points which will exacerbate an already warming planet. As the United Nations has declared we are in a Climate Emergency and it is incumbent on us all to act accordingly. Having regard to the above the proposed Moolarben Coal mine expansion should be rejected outright. Yours sincerely, Bryan Purcell |
Stan Buckman
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ID |
24616 |
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To: The Independent Planning Commission (IPC) Subject: Objection to the Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project (SSD-33083358) I am writing to formally object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion. As a concerned member of the public, I believe this project poses unacceptable risks to our environment, climate, and cultural heritage. My primary reasons for objection are: • Climate Impacts: This project would extract an additional 30 million tonnes of coal, producing an estimated 64 to 86 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. Approving this expansion is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. • Biodiversity Loss: The proposal involves clearing over 113 hectares of Koala habitat and 80 hectares of habitat for the Critically Endangered Regent Honeyeater. Recent records confirm breeding activity for both species on-site; habitat offsets cannot replace these vital breeding grounds. • Threat to Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve: The project proposes mining within just 100 metres of this significant reserve. Noise, dust, and blasting will severely disrupt wildlife and the amenity of this sensitive area, ignoring recommendations for a 500-metre precautionary buffer. • Water Resources: The expansion is predicted to cause groundwater drawdown of up to 6 metres in Moolarben Creek alluvium, threatening vital drought refuges and groundwater-dependent ecosystems for at least 25 years post-mining. • Cultural Heritage: The project would destroy 55 Aboriginal heritage sites and damage sacred Wiradjuri cultural landscapes. This represents an permanent loss of First Nations' connection to Country. • Alarmingly the current US Government has placed a great and destructive stress on the world's remediation efforts, AUSTRALIA must do more to counteract this madness. In light of the ongoing climate and biodiversity crises, the NSW Government cannot afford to approve new coal expansions. I urge the Commission to reject this proposal in its entirety. Sincerely, Stan Buckman |
Deborah Stevenson
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ID |
24621 |
|---|---|
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Good Evening Please find attached my submission on this State Significant Development Project. Yours sincerely |
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Attachments |
Submission on the Moolarben OC3 Extension Project D Stevenson Feb 2026.doc (DOC, 34.5 KB) |
Jennifer Fitzgerald
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ID |
24626 |
|---|---|
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Hello to the Independent Planning Commission, My name is Jennifer Fitzgerald, I am urgently writing this submission to express my grave concerns about the Moolarben OC3 Coal EXPANSION. As a Mother and Grandmother, I am deeply concerned for the well being of my family and their immediate future with the effects of climate change increasing in frequency and intensity; with higher temperatures never seen before, with drought and bushfires, flooding caused by global warming. With the Moolarben OC3 Coal Expansion, 64 million tonnes of climate pollution will be added at a time when NSW is failing to meet its legislated climate targets as communities in NSW and across the World are facing climate fuelled disasters. I am also concerned about : Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded. Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat would be destroyed with the mine extension. NO BIODIVERSITY OFFSETS CAN REPLACE HABITAT THAT IS ALREADY SUPPORTING THREATENED SPECIES. Impacts on the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve from noise, blasting and vibration impacts have not been adequately assessed. Water and drawdown groundwater risks harm to Moolarben Creekand groundwater ecosystems that are crucial drought refuges for wildlife. There is no public benefit , with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons and with the future lives of our children at risk, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to refuse the Approval of the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project. PLEASE MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION , PRIORITISE RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS. Yours sincerely, Jennifer Fitzgerald / Bushcarer Gunnamatta Park, Cronulla |
Andrew Lenart
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ID |
24631 |
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Location |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Dear Independent Planning Commission, Please accept my submission in relation to SSD-33083358, the Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project. I am an individual, making this submission on my own behalf, not for a group. I don’t live near Wollar, and my legal consent for the project is not required. I object to the proposed project. I agree with the Terms and Conditions published at <https://www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/form/moolarben-coal-complex-oc3-extension-project>. Andrew Lenart (Redacted) |
Name Redacted
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ID |
22166 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
While not a resident of NSW, I am deeply concerned about projects Australia-wide that reduce endangered species habitat, destroy biodiversity, and increase carbon emissions. Clearing native vegetation and delays in increasing renewable energy production effect us all. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
22171 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To whom it may concern, I am a 22 year old law student based in New South Wales. I am writing to strongly oppose the proposed expansion of Yancoal's Moolarben coal mine. I am profoundly concerned about the expansion's climate impact -- in 2025, when the science is crystal clear and renewable technologies are available and advancing at plummeting cost, we should be scaling back fossil fuels and investing in a sensible, science-based renewable future. In previous state and federal elections, I preferenced Labor under the impression that the party's stated commitments to progressive environmental policy would in reality produce a managed transition away from fossil fuels. It is horrifying to discover that dirty projects like this one are even being considered for approval. I am also disturbed by the influence on local bat and koala populations near Mudgee. Please consider my submission. |
Sandra Reed
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ID |
22176 |
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Location |
Western Australia 6112 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the independent Planning Commission. I am deeply concerned that despite the scientific FACT that we are in a climate crisis, government and industry are continuing to even propose both new coal mines as well as expansion of existing ones. People have already died, livelihoods wiped out and ecosystems destroyed and we are just at the beginning of the crisis. Destructive weather extremes and record temperatures will continue to increase in intensity and frequency. Wildfires will destroy vs areas and will become more and more ferocious and frequent. All fossil fuels need to be phased out - not expanded. And this area needs to be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected for all time. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. It takes hundreds of years before "rehabilitated areas" become viable - we don't have that time. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. The project is expected to cause significant groundwater drawdown of 2–6 metres, potentially lasting up to 25 years after mining, placing Moolarben Creek at serious risk as a critical drought refuge for wildlife. Independent experts have warned that groundwater-dependent ecosystems along the creek, including deep-rooted riparian trees, are likely to be affected by drawdown of up to 5 metres in the alluvium. These risks are compounded by the proponent’s failure to undertake adequate baseline water monitoring and its poor track record of complying with water monitoring requirements elsewhere in the mine complex. Yancoal are proposing an amendment to conduct 12 months of groundwater monitoring studies before they commence mining - this is inadequate, baseline groundwater monitoring studies should occur before a project is approved, not after. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW, and indeed much of Australia, is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. |
Suzanne Duyster
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ID |
22181 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2447 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Dear sirs, madams I am writing this objection to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal expansion. Why? Firstly: I deserve a long, happy and healthy life! Secondly: if the expansion would be approved, it would clear another 113+ hectares of koala habitat (after so much has been cleared for the existing mine and the species being on the endangered species list (nothing to be proud of)), where breeding has been recorded! It would also destroy the habitat of the Regent Honeyeater and microbat (another two species on the endangered species list of even on the brink of extinction, also absolutely nothing to be proud of)! It will also bring mining within 100 metres of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, heightening pollution on all levels! And it would add an estimated 64 million tonnes of climate pollution — at a time when NSW is already failing to meet its legislated climate targets, and communities here in NSW and across the world are continuously facing climate-fuelled disasters! This country is Australia. To the world, Australia thinks it poses itself as a modern and democratic first world country, where people live good lives. Nothing could be further away from the truth than that!! Because the only people in Australia that live good lives, are rich and more than rich Australians. Australians: - Who seem to live on top of hills/mountains, far away from the "commoners", that don't get affected by floods, bushfires and destructive storms. - Who can afford gigantic electricity bills because of the many air-conditioning systems, or who can afford many, many solar panels and batteries to store the solar power. In the case of the latter, many "commoners" would call them hypocrites. - Who can afford thousands of litres of bottled water, if natural and council water systems are polluted or drying up. - Who can even afford to import it from other countries, although so many other countries are facing the same water poverty as Australia is, making prices far from affordable. Water is becoming the next oil!!! - Who can afford gigantic water bills so that they are the only ones who can keep their lawns green and their gardens bright and colourful. - Who can afford to drive in expensive electric cars. - Who simply just don't care about the "commoners", about clean air and the production of rain and oxygen, and who don't care about Australia's unique flora and fauna! Basically, these richer than rich people don't care about other Australians or whomever lives on the land that has been named Australia! All they care for is the amount of money in their bank accounts and therefore their own lavish lifestyles!!!! Oh, but most likely...these richer than rich people don't even live in Australia. They live far away from the damage they are causing, far away from the truth and reality! And I'm not only talking about the owners of the mine!! Lastly: this is Wiradjuri Country. No one else owns it but the Wiradjuri People. It's bad enough the existing coal mine got pushed through, without thinking about the Wiradjuri People, the pollution of their land and people and the destruction of so much habitat for their beloved fauna. It hasn't exactly been developed in the desert now, has it? But: what also has seemed to have been forgotten is people power! And that there are many more voting "commoners" than there are those richer than rich people!! People power exists due to people standing up for themselves, their communities, their unique flora and fauna, and the right to live a happy, healthy life!!! They stand up and say: "Enough is enough, no more new mines or expansion of existing mines". "Previous generations have destroyed so much, doing whatever they wanted and as they pleased. We now only have the small amount that is left, and we will fight for it. Although it is a shame that we have to and can't enjoy it as previous generations have"!!!!!! IF WE ARE ALL AUSTRALIAN, THEN WE ALL DESERVE LONG, HAPPY AND HEALTHY LIVES! Thank you for your time. Sincerely... Suzanne Duyster |
Kate Buchanan
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ID |
22186 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2049 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in our states, and the climate impacts being felt across the country. People are already sitting through extreme heatwaves, energy bills are going up due to the added cost of air conditioning, and communities across NSW are facing the same struggles. I object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. This beautiful valley should be protected, not made into an open cut coal mine pit. The proposal would clear around 480 hectares of native vegetation, and push mining to within 100 metres of the reserve, putting an area of high biodiversity at risk. At least 23 threatened species have been recorded in the area, including critical habitat for a koala population, where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. There is simply no justification for disturbing this significant landscape and ecosystem for a project that creates no new jobs, and is permanently going to destroy biodiversity, all to make profit for a company, majority-owned by the Chinese-based Yankuang Energy Group and primarily serving the Asian market. Problems with the expansion: • inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown, that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Regards, Kate Buchanan |
Name Redacted
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ID |
22191 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Dear Independent Planning Commission, I am writing to object to Yancoal's proposed expansion of the Moolarben coal mine on Wudjeri Country. I am a university student from Victoria and I am concerned about the impacts that this mining expansion will have on our environment. In a time where we are experiencing record levels of heat it feels highly inappropriate to entertain this idea, when we know for a fact that CO2 emissions are the primary and unequivocal driver behind global warming. This summer, my energy bills were higher than ever before due to the number of heatwaves we have been experiencing. It is reaching a point of being unaffordable to me and for many other students who are already living on very low budgets. I personally know many students who do not have access to air conditioning at home and rely on public spaces. However, we aren't even the ones bearing the brunt of it. The impacts of the global warming from the 64 million tonnes of greenhouse gases produced over the lifetime of this project will have overwhelming effects on the pacific islands and developing nations who have fewer resources to deal with the increasing temperatures of our climate. Furthermore, NSW is already falling behind on energy targets for both 2030 and 2025. How can we possibly achieve net zero if more and more mining expansions are being approved? This proposal does not align with the goals stated in the Paris agreement and other commitments Australia has made to achieving net zero. We are in a climate crisis and rather than working to resolve it we are debating whether or not we should make it worse? As a young person, it has been extremely frustrating and disheartening to see the lack of change in Australia's systems despite there being clear decisions we should be making to reduce our emissions our impact on the environment - decisions which will eventually benefit all of us in the long run. It is long past the time to be thinking about economical value when climate change is putting our survival at risk. I urge you to recommend that this expansion proposal be rejected. |
Jim Cassel
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ID |
22196 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2447 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I strongly object to the approval of the Molarben coal project. Mining companies have proven to be dishonourable to the contracted conditions causing negative effects to communities and the environment. |
Lulu Littler
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ID |
22201 |
|---|---|
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Organisation |
Gamilaroi Peoples |
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Location |
New South Wales 2541 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Monday 16th February 2026 To the Independent Planning Commission, I make this submission as a sovereign Gamilaroi woman, a cultural woman, a writer and a midwife. I do not consent to the proposed Open Cut 3 expansion at the Moolarben coal mine by Yancoal. This mine operates on stolen land. Sovereignty was never ceded. The authority of First Nations law continues, whether recognised by the colonial state or not. Your assessment process does not extinguish our law, our custodianship, or our obligation to protect Country. Country is not a “resource.” Country is a living ancestor. Country holds law. Country holds birth, death, memory and spirit. As a midwife, I know that birth is ceremony. There are birthing trees and women’s places across this landscape. There are healing places where people go to grieve, to sing, to reconnect. When you blast and clear this land, you are not just removing vegetation — you are committing cultural violence. Destroying Country is femicide. It is the destruction of the life-giving body of the earth. It is the desecration of women’s sacred sites. It is the silencing of future generations before they are even born. The proposed amendments do nothing to change this reality. They do not reduce the mine footprint. They do not reduce the clearing of native vegetation. They do not prevent the severe impacts on threatened species. They are far too late in the process and undermine meaningful community consultation. Offsite “habitat enhancement” cannot replace ancient, living ecosystems. You cannot offset sacred ground. The expansion would push mining to within 100 metres of the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and destroy critical habitat for koalas, Regent Honeyeaters and other threatened beings. These animals are not collateral damage. They are part of our kinship system. They hold totems, stories and responsibilities within First Nations law. When their habitat is destroyed, our law is disrupted. The project would also cause significant greenhouse gas emissions, worsening climate instability that disproportionately harms First Nations communities. Approving further coal expansion in the era of the Paris Agreement is an act of wilful negligence toward future generations. This is a continuation of a long colonial pattern: extract, export, profit — and leave Indigenous people to carry the damage. The majority of this coal will be shipped overseas. The cultural loss will remain here. The poisoned water will remain here. The fractured Country will remain here. If governments insist on continuing to extract natural resources from Indigenous lands without treaty or true consent, then the Federal Government must at minimum dramatically increase taxation and royalties on what is taken. Australia gives away coal at cut-rate returns while First Nations peoples bear the permanent cost. This is economic injustice layered upon dispossession. But taxation does not solve the core issue. Consent does. Under First Nations law, this project does not have free, prior and informed consent. It does not have cultural legitimacy. It does not have moral authority. I call on the Commission to: Reject the Moolarben Open Cut 3 expansion in its entirety. Refuse to legitimise last-minute amendments that fail to reduce harm. Recognise the ongoing sovereignty of First Nations peoples. Place the protection of Country, culture, water and future generations above corporate extraction. You have a choice: continue the colonial legacy of sacrificing Indigenous lands for profit, or take a stand that honours Country and acknowledges that some places are too sacred to mine. I stand for Gamilaroi lore. I stand for women’s lore. I stand for Country. I do not consent. Sincerely, Lulu Littler Gamilaroi Woman Nowra, 2541 Monday 16th February 2026 |
Raman Jain
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ID |
22216 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2194 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission (IPC), Time is running out to act against climate change, an existential crisis which is impacting us all: unpredictable weather patterns, rising sea levels, impacts to the biodiversity, the air we breathe, the food that we eat and more. With coal projects operating, expanding and being proposed around the world it just means that the responsibility to resist climate change falls on all of us. As a NSW resident, that means resisting the largest coal-producing mine in NSW which is the Moolarben Coal Mine. The mine is on-track for expansion of its OC3 section. NSW’s current coal mine expansions are not aligned with the NSW Climate Change Act and Paris Agreement. If things continue the way they are, NSW won't achieve its 2030 and 2035 climate targets. To put into perspective how much of a detriment the extension of this coal mine will have on CO2 emissions, this extension alone will produce 64 million tonnes of CO2 emissions over the mine’s lifetime (which ends in 2038) which is equivalent to 58% of NSW’s annual CO2 emissions. In addition to the climate impacts, there is extensive biodiversity impact the project has on local habitats. Devastation of 100s of hectares of lands to native wildlife such as koalas, regent honeyeater birds and snakes will be irreversible, and will risk long-term population decline as per the NSW Environmental Department. This is only worsened by the significant groundwater drawdowns which will risk existence of refuges for wildlife during droughts. Poor assessment of the noise and blasting impacts of the mine expansion, inadequate baseline water monitoring and refusal of compliance with recommendations for wildlife and reserve protection are just testament to Yancoal’s total disregard for environmental concerns. When it comes to coal mines, their justification is always pointed to their ability to create jobs. However, despite the Moolarben mine expected to operate till 2038, coal jobs in the region remain vacant for years. Mudgee as a community is diverse and beautiful but is also suffering from a huge cost of living crisis and unemployment crisis. Instead of realising the potential benefits of creating around 2,000 jobs in renewable energy projects, since the Mudgee lies within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, thermal coal from Moolarben is being mined which won’t even be used by Australians. The coal will be exported out to China, South Korea, Thailand and other countries. Furthermore, with demand for thermal coal in China and South Korea forecasted for decline, the economics for this coal mine sound even more non-sensical. It goes to show that coal mine projects like these are rooted in short-sighted profit margins that hinder for not just an environmentally sustainable but economically sustainable future. It should also be pointed out that the Moolarben coal mine has destroyed the Wollar community by buying up land which was previously owned by families and locals which previously brought life and vibrancy to a regional heartland of the NSW. With all these reasons, I urge the IPC to reconsider and recommend the rejection of the OC3 extension of the Moolarben coal mine. Thank you for spending the time to read this. I hope you consider my concerns. Sincerely, Raman Jain (redacted) NSW 2194 |
Robert McLaughlin
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ID |
22221 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2800 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
Submission to the NSW Independent Planning Commission Re: Moolarben Coal Complex – OC3 Extension Project I write to object to the approval of the Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project. I request that the Independent Planning Commission refuse consent for this project on the basis that it is inconsistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development, presents unacceptable environmental and health impacts, threatens regional water security and agricultural productivity, and is contrary to the long-term public interest of New South Wales. ________________________________________ 1. Inconsistency with Climate Policy and the Public Interest The project would enable continued and expanded extraction and export of thermal coal at a time when both Australia and NSW have committed to significant emissions reduction targets. While the proponent may argue that exported emissions are not counted within NSW inventories, the planning system is required to consider downstream (“Scope 3”) emissions when assessing public interest and environmental harm. Combustion of the coal extracted from the OC3 extension will produce very large quantities of greenhouse gases over the life of the project. Approval would therefore: • undermine NSW emissions reduction commitments, • conflict with Australia’s obligations under the Paris Agreement, • and lock in decades of additional global emissions. The NSW Land and Environment Court (Rocky Hill decision, Gloucester Resources Ltd v Minister for Planning) established that the climate impacts of exported coal are a relevant planning consideration. The OC3 extension clearly fails this test because it expands — rather than phases down — fossil fuel production during a period of urgent decarbonisation. ________________________________________ 2. Unacceptable Air Quality and Health Impacts Coal mining in the Mudgee–Ulan region has already resulted in cumulative particulate pollution from multiple existing mines. The OC3 extension would significantly increase: • PM10 and PM2.5 dust pollution • blasting emissions • diesel exhaust exposure • coal handling and transport particulates Fine particulate matter is linked to: • cardiovascular disease • respiratory illness • asthma exacerbation • premature mortality Rural communities have limited access to specialist health services. The burden of disease therefore falls disproportionately on residents of the region. The project adds to an already high cumulative exposure environment and fails the precautionary principle. Approval would effectively shift private economic benefit onto public health cost. ________________________________________ 3. Water Security and Groundwater Impacts The project presents significant risk to both surface and groundwater systems. The Moolarben mine operates in a region where: • groundwater supports agriculture, • aquifers recharge slowly, • and rainfall is highly variable. Longwall and open-cut mining can cause: • aquifer depressurisation • permanent drawdown • fracturing of geological strata • loss of baseflow to creeks Predicted “make-good” provisions do not restore aquifers. Water systems that take centuries to form cannot be replaced through compensation agreements. Given increasing drought frequency in NSW, approval would represent a short-term industrial use overriding long-term regional water security. ________________________________________ 4. Agricultural and Land Use Conflict The Central West and Upper Hunter regions are strategically important agricultural areas. Mining expansion creates: • land sterilisation • dust deposition on crops and pasture • reduced livestock productivity • loss of soil quality • property devaluation Agriculture provides sustainable, intergenerational employment. Coal mining does not. The project therefore represents a direct land-use conflict in which a finite extractive industry displaces a permanent food-producing landscape. Once mined, agricultural capability cannot be restored to its original state, despite rehabilitation claims. ________________________________________ 5. Biodiversity and Ecological Impacts The project area contains remnant woodland ecosystems and habitat for threatened species. Even where offsetting is proposed, biodiversity offsets do not replace ecological function. Mature ecosystems cannot be recreated within human timeframes. Cumulative biodiversity loss across the Western Coalfields is significant. Approval of the OC3 extension would contribute to incremental ecological degradation and habitat fragmentation across the region. ________________________________________ 6. Economic Considerations and Employment Claims Employment benefits are often overstated in mining assessments. Coal mining is increasingly mechanised and provides relatively limited long-term employment compared with: • agriculture • renewable energy development • regional tourism Furthermore, approval risks creating stranded assets and economic instability as global demand for thermal coal declines. The project therefore exposes the regional economy to future shock rather than supporting economic transition. ________________________________________ 7. Failure of the Precautionary Principle Under ecologically sustainable development principles, where there is scientific uncertainty but potential for serious environmental damage, approval should not proceed. There remains uncertainty regarding: • cumulative dust impacts • groundwater behaviour • rehabilitation success • long-term climate effects Because impacts may be irreversible, the Commission must err on the side of environmental protection. ________________________________________ Conclusion The Moolarben OC3 Extension is not a neutral development decision. It is a long-term commitment to expanded fossil fuel extraction with permanent environmental consequences and limited regional benefit. The project: • increases greenhouse gas emissions, • threatens water resources, • harms community health, • damages agriculture, • degrades biodiversity, • and conflicts with NSW’s long-term public interest. For these reasons, I respectfully request the NSW Independent Planning Commission refuse consent for the Moolarben OC3 Extension Project. Yours sincerely, Robert McLaughlin [redacted] |
|
Attachments |
RMcL Submission to the NSW Independent Planning Commission_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 142.14 KB) |
Alison farrell
|
ID |
22226 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2011 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
Coal is not an environmental option anymore. Please dont expaned a coal mining operation in Mudgee . The enviroment is already under great stress from human activity. |
AnneMaree McLaughlin
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ID |
22231 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2800 |
|
Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
|
Submission |
Submission to the NSW Independent Planning Commission Re: Moolarben Coal Complex – OC3 Extension Project I write to object to the approval of the Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project. I request that the Independent Planning Commission refuse consent for this project on the basis that it is inconsistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development, presents unacceptable environmental and health impacts, threatens regional water security and agricultural productivity, and is contrary to the long-term public interest of New South Wales. ________________________________________ 1. Inconsistency with Climate Policy and the Public Interest The project would enable continued and expanded extraction and export of thermal coal at a time when both Australia and NSW have committed to significant emissions reduction targets. While the proponent may argue that exported emissions are not counted within NSW inventories, the planning system is required to consider downstream (“Scope 3”) emissions when assessing public interest and environmental harm. Combustion of the coal extracted from the OC3 extension will produce very large quantities of greenhouse gases over the life of the project. Approval would therefore: • undermine NSW emissions reduction commitments, • conflict with Australia’s obligations under the Paris Agreement, • and lock in decades of additional global emissions. The NSW Land and Environment Court (Rocky Hill decision, Gloucester Resources Ltd v Minister for Planning) established that the climate impacts of exported coal are a relevant planning consideration. The OC3 extension clearly fails this test because it expands — rather than phases down — fossil fuel production during a period of urgent decarbonisation. ________________________________________ 2. Unacceptable Air Quality and Health Impacts Coal mining in the Mudgee–Ulan region has already resulted in cumulative particulate pollution from multiple existing mines. The OC3 extension would significantly increase: • PM10 and PM2.5 dust pollution • blasting emissions • diesel exhaust exposure • coal handling and transport particulates Fine particulate matter is linked to: • cardiovascular disease • respiratory illness • asthma exacerbation • premature mortality Rural communities have limited access to specialist health services. The burden of disease therefore falls disproportionately on residents of the region. The project adds to an already high cumulative exposure environment and fails the precautionary principle. Approval would effectively shift private economic benefit onto public health cost. ________________________________________ 3. Water Security and Groundwater Impacts The project presents significant risk to both surface and groundwater systems. The Moolarben mine operates in a region where: • groundwater supports agriculture, • aquifers recharge slowly, • and rainfall is highly variable. Longwall and open-cut mining can cause: • aquifer depressurisation • permanent drawdown • fracturing of geological strata • loss of baseflow to creeks Predicted “make-good” provisions do not restore aquifers. Water systems that take centuries to form cannot be replaced through compensation agreements. Given increasing drought frequency in NSW, approval would represent a short-term industrial use overriding long-term regional water security. ________________________________________ 4. Agricultural and Land Use Conflict The Central West and Upper Hunter regions are strategically important agricultural areas. Mining expansion creates: • land sterilisation • dust deposition on crops and pasture • reduced livestock productivity • loss of soil quality • property devaluation Agriculture provides sustainable, intergenerational employment. Coal mining does not. The project therefore represents a direct land-use conflict in which a finite extractive industry displaces a permanent food-producing landscape. Once mined, agricultural capability cannot be restored to its original state, despite rehabilitation claims. ________________________________________ 5. Economic Considerations and Employment Claims Employment benefits are often overstated in mining assessments. Coal mining is increasingly mechanised and provides relatively limited long-term employment compared with: • agriculture • renewable energy development • regional tourism Furthermore, approval risks creating stranded assets and economic instability as global demand for thermal coal declines. The project therefore exposes the regional economy to future shock rather than supporting economic transition. 6. Biodiversity and Ecological Impacts The project area contains remnant woodland ecosystems and habitat for threatened species. Even where offsetting is proposed, biodiversity offsets do not replace ecological function. Mature ecosystems cannot be recreated within human timeframes. Cumulative biodiversity loss across the Western Coalfields is significant. Approval of the OC3 extension would contribute to incremental ecological degradation and habitat fragmentation across the region. ________________________________________ 7. Failure of the Precautionary Principle Under ecologically sustainable development principles, where there is scientific uncertainty but potential for serious environmental damage, approval should not proceed. There remains uncertainty regarding: • cumulative dust impacts • groundwater behaviour • rehabilitation success • long-term climate effects Because impacts may be irreversible, the Commission must err on the side of environmental protection. ________________________________________ Conclusion The Moolarben OC3 Extension is not a neutral development decision. It is a long-term commitment to expanded fossil fuel extraction with permanent environmental consequences and limited regional benefit. The project: • increases greenhouse gas emissions, • threatens water resources, • harms community health, • damages agriculture, • degrades biodiversity, • and conflicts with NSW’s long-term public interest. For these reasons, I respectfully request the NSW Independent Planning Commission refuse consent for the Moolarben OC3 Extension Project. Yours sincerely, AnneMaree McLaughlin (redacted) NSW 2800 (redacted) (redacted) |
|
Attachments |
AM McL Submission to the NSW Independent Planning Commission_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 180.57 KB) |
Cornelia Harris
|
ID |
22236 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2085 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I am owner of a property in (redacted). I am a GP who treated many patients for climate change related conditions. These range from cardiovascular to mental health affects and their number is increasing. Human health should be on top of your lists for opposing the extension of this coal mine. However all other points of biodiversity loss, habitat destruction, impact of water resources and greenhouse gas emissions are also within their own enough reason to object this extension. Regarding particle pollution, please remember the worst particles the very fine ones that enter our lungs deeply and can’t be removed do usually travel happily up to 150 km until they come down and do their great harm. Neighbours should include those within that radius. |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
22241 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2481 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
This beautiful valley should be protected as part of a single conservation landscape with the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, not made into an open cut coal mine pit. It proposes clearing around 480 hectares of native vegetation there are at least 23 threatened species recorded in the area, including critical habitat for a uniquely resilient koala population. There is no merit in this project it creates no new jobs, all it does is permanently destroy biodiversity. It threatens water supplies, adds to climate change and enriches yet another large corporation paying little to no tax while destroying the environment. At a time when renewable energy is being embraced this is a backwards step. I fear for my grandchildren’s future if this rampant destruction of our natural environment continues. |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
22246 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2550 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I have been a concerned voter in New South Wales since 1975. During this time, I have watched the development of accurate, scientifically rigorous information about the impacts of burning fossil fuels. Increasingly, it is obvious that voters understand the links to climate change and the wider deleterious effect on our planet. Increasingly, they are demonstrating their objections to decisions which cause damage to our environment. Increasingly, they expect their elected representatives to transmit those objections into action to protect the state’s natural assets. I believe the Independent Planning Commission has the responsibility to implement the intent of the law to protect our natural environment. It is clear that the NSW government is now the organisation responsible for that protection. The fact that the mine continues to operate as a long-term entity is greatly concerning. The concept that the mine may be expanded is not just dangerously short-sighted, it is contrary to the expressed wishes of increasing numbers of voters. The deleterious effect of burning fossil fuels has been evident for a very long time and the impacts are now increasing exponentially. All governments, but in this case specifically the New South Wales government, has the responsibility to diminish the impacts not only of burning fossil fuels but the immediate impacts on the Mudgee region. The mine site itself, the destruction of the local habitat, the impact on the region’s health and it’s community are well-documented. Most alarmingly, any damage to the water systems in the area are highly likely to be irremediable. I object to the proposed expansion of the Yancoal Moolarben Mine. |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
22251 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I object to the proposed amendments as they do not remove the clearing of native vegetation. The loss of this vegetation will have lasting environmental consequences and reduce habitat for local wildlife and this irreversible damage on biodiversity is unacceptable. |
Michael Webb
|
ID |
22271 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2541 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I am a New South Wales elector who has made study of the environmental impacts of coal mining and burning a careful concern. The proposed Moorlarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension currently under your consideration is a threat to the welfare of New South Wales residents as a whole and in a number of ways. Obviously, and most importantly, the primary object of the applicant is to bring more coal to market. Wherever in the world it is burned, coal threatens the prosperity, health and, if not retired rapidly, the survival of humans and most life forms worldwide. Open cut mining is known to expel methane and thus add multiples of risk over those modes releasing mainly CO2. Continuing the narrative of coal extraction as a viable source of wealth and employment stymies the transition focus that the New South Wales economy urgently needs to accelerate. The local environmental effects have also been carefully documented by the local residents and it seems Yancoal would need to accept responsibility not just for atmosphere global warming effects but also direct damage to Koala habitats and groundwaters [were their application approved]. New South Wales has chosen a path to net zero but this expansion runs entirely counter to that goal. It also appears incongruous with respectful dealings on first nations concerns. The last minute amendments brought by the company are transparently designed as a salve and a disruption to the orderly consideration of the known and threatening impacts of their proposals. It is for these reasons I urge the Independent Planning Commission recommend refusal of this extension project. Sincerely, Michael Webb (redacted) 2541 |
Valeska Detto
|
ID |
22286 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2037 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I am writing to voice my objection regarding the proposed Moorlaban coal mine expansion. I am deeply concerned about the impact to the surrounding community and ecosystems. The area is a known koala habitat and the expansion would destroy 480 hectares of koala habitat, resulting in habitat loss and making it harder for koalas to move, breed and survive. This land clearing would also impact other biodiversity in the area, including birds, insects and flora. I am also deeply concerned about the increased production of greenhouse emissions this would cause, which would severely impact our climate future. Australia should be moving away from fossil fuels and invest in clean energy. Thirdly, the project will be a huge drain on our precious water resources. Again, endangering local wildlife populations, as well as the local community and our countries commitment to sustainable water use. I hope the commissions listens to the community concerns regarding the opposition of this coal mine extension and opposes the planned submission. |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
22316 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
To the Department of Planning Commission, I am writing to you today to strongly object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project on Wiradjuri Country. This project with have detrimental impacts on Wiradjuri Country by destroying over 55 cultural artefacts, as well as degrading the land. This is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to happen. If approved, this expansion of this mine will have absolutely devastating environmental impacts on wildlife, water systems and the climate - with an estimated 64 million tonnes of green house emissions being produced. The amendments recently made by Yancoal will not reduce the destruction that the coal mine will wreak on the land, waterways and native habitats - this project must not go ahead. With this reasons, I deeply urge the Planning Commission to reject the Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension project. Thank you. |
marc kiho
|
ID |
22326 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee. I am concerned that this project will cause further incremental and irreversible damage to the adjoining Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • The ongoing and ever-expanding industrial scale plundering of the landscape by mining and the subsequent ongoing loss of suitable habitat and loss of habitat connectivity for endangered native species. • The Mughorn Gap Nature Reserve, The Drip Gorge and adjoining Goulburn River National Park have lost connectivity for native wildlife by the existing mining operations stretching from Ulan to Wollar in the valley. Further expansion of the mine will only make the current bad situation even worse. • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. To think that a 100m buffer is suitable is ridiculous. You only have to look at aerial photos of the industrial mine complex stretching from Ulan to Wollar to see that the current setbacks are totally irresponsible and completely ignorant of the impacts on the adjoining native vegetation areas. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. The loss of natural groundwater within this landscape will be devastating for native vegetation, ecosystems and endangered wildlife that are already at critical levels. • At some point you have to say ‘enough is enough’. Moolarbin coal mine has reached that point. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
22376 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2320 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
As a wildlife carer I OBJECT to the planned submission, and I DO NOT support this planned coal expansion. |
Hunter Williams
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ID |
22401 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Victoria 3102 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
Hello, My name is Hunter Williams, I am an Environmental Science and Environmental Engineering student at (redacted). The proposed Moolarben coal mine is a disastrous proposed development for the local environment and climate as a whole. As we trend further and further into catastrophic warming, we are nearing climate tipping points which will devastate our Australia's precious ecosystems such as the irreversible slowing of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. This tipping point will cause dramatic rises in sea temperatures leading to the destruction of the Great Barrier Reef. It is absolutely necessary that this coal mine is not developed. The threat to groundwater and creeks is a disastrous threat as fresh water becomes ever more precious with the development of large data centres. Thank you for you're time. I hope you see how this decision plays into the well-being of generations to come, and right now, we can decide on a better future for our planet and our grand children. Hunter Williams |
Ashlee Todd
|
ID |
22411 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2323 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
The amendments proposed by Yancoal do not reduce the clearing of native vegetation. 23 threatened wildlife species have been recorded in and around the site, including habitat critical to Koalas. |
Tom Nicholson
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ID |
22416 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2456 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is Tom Nicholson. I’m a 51 year old father of 2. I’m a geologist, living and working in northern NSW. I work primarily helping communities recover from natural disasters. My field of expertise is natural disaster recovery, and am formally educated as a geologist. I have a history of working in mining, but now work helping our communities recover from natural disasters. I fix landslides to help people recover from disastrous circumstances. For the last 5 years I have been overwhelmed with work. Natural disasters and extreme weather events have been destroying communities more often. It’s clear that we have changed the climate, both our specific local environment and the wider environment have suffered from our burning of fossil fuels. This is not a question of belief, but simple understanding of facts – the science is simple and evidence based. It’s abundantly clear that burning fossil fuels has led us to this point. In response, given I can’t control what governments do, but I can control what I do, I have converted my families energy system to electric. We power all our needs from the sun. We drive in excess of 100,000 km a year and export 3 times what we use annually – we are a net green power exporter. It’s clearly possible for us to pivot away from coal rapidly and without disrupting our lifestyles and incomes. My family is better off personally, financially and we no longer cause irreversible damage to the wider community from pollution of the atmosphere with CO2. I bring this viewpoint to the Yancold Moolarben coal mine expansion. I fundamentally object to Yancolds proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion. The expansion of the coal mine is not needed. We do not need more coal. We do not need to export coal. There is no community good to come from mining more coal. Far from it – the costs to our specific community and the world wide community are clear and detrimental. The expansion of the coal mine clearly contradicts the NSW climate goals. The area for the expansion should be protected and brought into the Mughorn Gap Nature Reserve to provide a buffer from the open pit. Yancold has refused to adopt the 500m buffer zone from the reserve. This will lead to serious affects on the threatened species that inhabit the area. Its clear that this expansion of the mine will lead to unacceptable harm to threatened species and ecosystems. The expansion of the mine is not needed for jobs and prosperity of the community – mining of the expansion is predicted to be completed by 2034. This is a short term employment prospect for workers. Alternate jobs in our new energy future are more urgent and profitable. More coal workers are just more workers who will be out of work as the economic isssues of supply and demand catch up to coal miners. Renewable energy is now clearly cheaper than coal fired energy. All coal workers are in the end going to need to retrain in other roles. Lets upskill our workforce now in new expanding areas of expertise, and not entrench more people in jobs that have a use by date. Lastly, coal mining will cause serious and long lasting damage to groundwater systems. This is unnecessary and not required. In summary I respectfully, but fundamentally, object to Yancolds proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion. Regards, Tom Nicholson (redacted) NSW 2456 |
Paul Schimmel
|
ID |
22426 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2087 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
To The Independent Planning Commission I am a psychoanalyst, now retired and I wish to register my opposition to the proposed Moolarben Coal Mine expansion proposal. In my lifetime I have witnessed the relentless degradation of the world's natural environment, and today we are faced with the reality of rampant climate change which is already beginning to create destruction for the environment and for human beings. Such destruction is largely driven by human greed, and politicians, with their often limited perspectives do not seem to have the motivation to address the problem of climate change effectively, so it is left to individuals and environmental organisations to campaign against such policies as opening new coal mines or expanding existing ones. That the proposed expansion should not go ahead is a 'no brainer' as we say in Australia, but it does rely on people with foresight and the capacity to think, in the true sense of the word, to oppose it. Please do so. Thank you for considering my views. Dr Paul Schimmel |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
22446 |
|---|---|
|
Organisation |
ACF |
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Location |
New South Wales 2167 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I think this proposed expanson will significantly affect Australia's image for promissed responsibility of reducong immition, while makes no sense to our national benifits. |
Louise Archer
|
ID |
22466 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2750 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
Just STOP with all your interference of the Natural World! Find another way to make your filthy money Shame on you 😕 |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
22486 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2780 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I object to the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mine Extension Project, Project Number SSD-33083358. |
Catherine Lane
|
ID |
22491 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2483 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
To the independent Planning Commission, My name is Catherine and I am an artist and recently retired adult educator. I am writing to voicve my opposition to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. My family came as free settlers to Australia and settled on Wiradjiri country as pastoralists, so although I don't live there now, I have a deep connection with the place. The first nations Wiradjiri people suffered terribly from the effects of colonisation and still deal with that trauma. What is left of their cultural heritage in location, should be protected without question. My dear late friend Jennifer Newman, an academic from UTS and the university of Western Sydney was a Wiradjiri woman so I got to know country intimately through her. It's country that is irreplaceable and I don't understand why millions of years of biodiversity has less value than a dirty substance that has maybe a 30 year life span. It's a no brainer. Please don't do this. Notably: * in this time of dramatic climate change it's astonishing to me that a project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions is being pushed at a time when emission targets are currently not even being met * when we are in the middle of a global extinction crisis and Labor said there would be no more extinctions on their watch, this would be iinexcusable. To clear 480 hectares of native vegetation which is currently habitat for 23 threatened and endangered species including the Regent Honeyeater and the koala is madness. Koalas have been recorded breeding there and every opportunity must be taken to look after these animals who now face unprecedented danger. This beautiful valley should instead, be added to the adjacent Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve to secure protection in perpetuity for these animals that cannot speak for themselves. It is not empty scrub. * The impacts of increased blasting, noise, vibration from major plant equipment and industrial scale activity within 100m of the Munghorn Nature Reserve have not been adequately assessed and must also be taken seriously. The consequences would be disastrous for wildlife. * There are serious potential water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems. The water monitoring and impact studies must be done BEFORE any development application, not after. These are critical drought refuges for desperate wildlife. * From an economic perspective, there is no justification for expansion of a coal mine and the arguments don't stack up. It won't mean more jobs because there is a clear priority being given to renewable energy nationwide and globally. Australia should be leading the way forward with this, not pushing outdated energy models. * further to that last point, Yancoal has indicated that 65% of coal from Moolarben will go to China, 10% to South Korea, 10% to Taiwan, 5% to Thailand, 5% to Japan, and 5% to anyone else who wants it. Australia must stop ruining it's biodiversity for foreign money - once it's gone, it's gone. Please stop the expansion of the Yancoal mine. Yours sincerely, Catherine Lane |
Sylvia Ray
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ID |
22541 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2289 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is Sylvia, I am a 59 year old grandmother of two small children. I am deeply concerned about the relentless expansion of coal in NSW and the rest of Australia. The impacts on our climate are becoming more extreme. The heatwaves we have faced during this last month have been devastating for communities. And they are predicted to worsen the more emissions that are produced. I object to the Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. It is not justified and will exacerbate the already dire situation we face. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Please consider the devastating impacts this expansion will cause would it be approved. Sincerely Sylvia (redacted), NSW 2289 |
Jenny Andrews
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ID |
22551 |
|---|---|
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Organisation |
Friends of Aranda Bushland |
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Location |
Australian Capital Territory 2614 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
We object to any expansion of coal mining in Australia. It is out of date when new, clean ways of achieving what coal used to do are available. That's the general feeling of our group |
Raelene Narraway
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ID |
22556 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Hello, My name is Rae Narraway and I have the privilege of owning 30 acres of land at (redacted), near Mudgee. I am writing to voice my objection to the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mine Extension Project, Project Number SSD-33083358. As the stewards of undisturbed land in the region I see first hand how critical and delicate the biodiversity of the area is. Natural challenges take a very long time to repair in the environment, and man-made distruption even longer. I am begging you to do all you can as an gatekeeper, to stop the degradation of our unique natural spaces. There is no plan or submission that can adequately repair the damage that large mining does to our region. I thank you sincerely for your time. kind regards, Raelene Narraway |
Peter Judge
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ID |
22566 |
|---|---|
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Organisation |
Blayney Eco Hub |
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Location |
New South Wales 2799 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Blayney Eco Hub Inc are opposed to Yancoal’s proposal to expand its Moolarben Coal Mine (OC3) near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. We are a community centre at the headwaters of the Belubula River who care about future resilience of our region. We educate community members on how to build a stronger community together by supporting local food growing, water security, and possible threats from disaster induced by climate change. Participants in our education programs come from all over the Central West NSW, including Mudgee and surrounds. We therefore voice our concerns about this mine expansion which would significantly impact ecological communities both in the immediate vicinity near Mudgee, but also around us through its climate impacts. Our key concerns include: • Water impacts: In times of heating and drying, water is more precious than coal. This project could cause groundwater drawdown up to and exceeding 2–6m for more than 25 years post mining significantly altering stream, spring and groundwater dependent ecosystems and potentially Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. This puts Moolarben Creek and Spring Creek at risk, a vital drought refuge for wildlife. • Cultural significance: Mining expansion would damage Wiradjuri cultural landscapes, including sacred sites. • Disturbance to the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve: As one of the oldest and most diverse reserves in the state, we are concerned that the 675 ha destruction from clearing and mining activities will leave only a 100 m buffer between the mine and the reserve. We join with those calling for a 500m buffer minimum. • Coal extraction and its climate cost: this project will add an extra 30 million tonnes of coal produced over the life of the mine to 2038. An additional 64.6 million tonnes of GHG emissions will be produced. This impacts us all through increasing extreme weather events and must be phased out. • Native species impact: Yancoal is proposing to clear 113ha of Koala habitat with breeding Koalas on site, as well as 80ha of Regent Honeyeater habitat, also with breeding females recorded on site. We also note the documented presence of microbats and Broad-headed Snakes, within the 401ha of nationally endangered Box Gum Woodland, for which the NSW Environment Department has warned would be in serious decline. Local landcarers have put in many years of work to build up these habitats and we do not have the luxury of going backwards in these efforts. For all of these reasons we call upon the Independent Planning Commission to reject the OC3 expansion of Yancoal’s Moolarben mine. Sally Neaves (Secretary) on behalf of Peter Judge (President) Blayney Eco Hub Inc. |
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Attachments |
22566 - Peter Judge_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 158.07 KB) |
Louise Stokes
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ID |
22571 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2330 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
For over 30 years scientists have been warning about the need for fossil fuels to power energy to cease in order to prevent dire climate change. My husband and I, as 4th generation farmers in the Upper Hunter Valley, are already feeling the effects of the climate crisis, having to fork out thousands of dollars to mitigate the damage from unprecedented flooding. Already some days it is too hot to farm, and our livestock, feed and trees are demonstrating signs of heat stress. If Australia is going to have food security in the future, and our sons (who will be 5th generation farmers on a productive farm which has been in the Chapman family since 1913) are going to have a viable farm to nurture, Governments, state and federal must protect farmers, not cause more damage. Protection includes stopping the effects of climate change, which means phasing out economic and energy reliance on fossil fuels. I completely oppose the expansion of this mine. |
Thomas Ebersoll
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ID |
22576 |
|---|---|
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Organisation |
Lithgow Environment Group Inc. |
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Location |
New South Wales 2790 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To The Independent Planning Comission Ref.: Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project Lithgow, 16 February 2026 Lithgow Environment Group has been advocating environmental issues since 2005 and we welcome the opportunity to contribute to the above inquiry. We are a member of the Central West Environment Council (CWEC) and as such are concerned about environmental issues in the greater Central West. We are opposed to the proposed mine extension for the following reasons: We consider the proposed “off-site habitat enhancement” as ‘Greenwash’ and an afterthought in the application process. It will do nothing to reverse the total destruction of the environment by open cut mining locally and the destruction of our climate from burning the coal globally. The NSW Government has officially committed to reducing emissions with the introduction of the NSW Climate Change Act 2023. This proposal contravenes that act. The expansion comes too close to Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve which should be protected and enhanced instead of being compromised by an open cut mining operation next to it. The clearing of 480ha of native vegetation is too much a price to justify a few jobs, royalties and profits for the Yancoal corporation. There is no economy without an environment. Water, the most precious resource in our drying continent will be compromised. Both surface and underground water will be affected and vital riparian environments lost. We urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you Thomas Ebersoll Secretary LEG |
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Attachments |
22576 - Thomas Ebersoll_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 186.13 KB) |
Sandra Santacruz
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ID |
22581 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2259 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
You're threatening the endangered spices in the area. |
Shelley McFarlane
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ID |
22586 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2026 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
We ALL have a responsibility to protect our environment, Protect the health of those affected nearby and tourism and that of the surrounding Towns. School children and animals. |
Julie Hunter
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ID |
22591 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2849 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, I have a long-standing connection to Rylstone and the Central West and operate a business in the region. I am actively involved in environmental and community initiatives focused on protecting local landscapes and waterways. Through my professional work in sustainability and climate strategy, I understand the broader policy, economic and environmental implications of decisions relating to fossil fuel expansion. Decisions about large-scale mining projects directly shape the environmental future and economic direction of this community. I write to formally object to the proposed **Moolarben Open Cut 3 (OC3) Extension. There are several reasons why this proposal should not proceed. I highlight four of them below. 1. The proposal places the ecological integrity of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve at risk. Munghorn Gap is a landscape of recognised environmental value and an important wildlife corridor in the Mudgee region. It supports remnant woodland ecosystems, including Box-Gum Woodland communities, and provides habitat for species such as koalas, powerful owls, gliders, microbats and woodland birds. Extending large-scale open cut mining in close proximity to this reserve risks habitat fragmentation and ongoing disturbance from noise, dust and light. Woodland corridors are critical for wildlife movement and breeding. Once fragmented, their ecological function is significantly weakened and cannot simply be reinstated through rehabilitation. 2. The extension will accelerate the loss of native habitat. OC3 requires further clearing of native vegetation in a region already heavily impacted by mining. Groups including Lock the Gate Alliance and the Mudgee District Environment Society have raised consistent concerns about cumulative biodiversity loss across this mining precinct. Incremental clearing across successive expansions compounds long-term ecological decline. This is not consistent with the protection of remaining habitat or with responsible environmental decision-making. 3. The proposal is inconsistent with the renewable energy transition. Expanding coal extraction during a national and global shift toward renewable energy is fundamentally at odds with stated climate commitments. The scientific evidence is clear that fossil fuel combustion is a primary driver of climate change. Approving new or expanded coal projects locks in decades of additional emissions at a time when Australia is investing heavily in renewable infrastructure. There should be no further extensions to coal mines during an active transition away from fossil fuels. 4. The proposal does not support a sustainable future for the Central West. The Central West is positioned to play a significant role in Australia’s renewable energy future. Continuing to expand coal mining prolongs dependence on an industry that is incompatible with long-term environmental stability. Incremental approvals such as OC3 create substantial and lasting impacts without a full and transparent assessment of the region’s future direction. For these reasons, I request that the Moolarben Open Cut 3 extension be refused. Planning decisions in this region should prioritise ecological protection, climate responsibility and a sustainable economic transition for the Central West. Thank you for considering this submission. |
Nick King
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ID |
22596 |
|---|---|
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Organisation |
Environmentall Concerned Citizens of Orange (ECCO) |
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Location |
New South Wales 2800 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
The submission from ECCO has been sent as an attachment. It opposes the project on the grounds of unacceptable greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity impacts, impacts on groundwater and those of aboriginal heritage. Further, ECCO submits that there is no economic advantage to the proposal. |
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Attachments |
22596 - Nick King_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 617.88 KB) |
Name Redacted
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ID |
22601 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Australian Capital Territory 2602 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
No new coal mines are required in Australia, renewable energy is the way to go. The mine will negatively impact biodiversity, ground water, wildlife and add tons of Co2 to the atmosphere and no doubt move profits off shore. Heading for 2030, we had better set an example and stand for Earth Health. Your concerned citizen [name redacted] |
Name Redacted
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ID |
22606 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is [name redacted], I am a 25-year old PhD student and research in Sydney and I am writing to express my significant concerns and objections regarding Yancoal’s proposed expansion of Moolarben OC3 coal mine near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I deeply object to the proposal on the grounds of the substantial adverse impact this project would have on cultural sovereignty, biodiversity, environmental health, community welfare, and our state’s achievement of climate goals. The land proposed for expansion should rightfully be considered part of the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected accordingly. While Yancoal has made proposed amendments following rightful community backlash, I believe this amendments do not adequately reduce the negative impact of the proposal, and moreover have been submitted far too late for meaningful consideration. Cultural Sovereignty The proposed expansion involves the desecration or destruction of numerous irreplaceable Wiradjuri cultural artefacts, as well as the land to which Wiradjuri People have an intrinsic and inextricable cultural connection. The proposal contributes to a long history of cultural destruction that causes irrevocable harm to First Nations Peoples, undermining cultural sovereignty by violating connection to Country. Biodiversity and Environmental Health Environmentally, the project threatens significant species and habitat loss, including the destruction of land on which koalas, Regent Honeyeaters, and microbats live and breed. Biodiversity offsets are an insufficient solution in the face of this destruction of threatened species’ land. Ecosystems are also at risk of long-term groundwater drawdown, which could harm the Creek and the surrounding flora and fauna. Additionally, the project would involve additional greenhouse gas emissions, worsening our state’s impact on the ongoing climate crisis and undermining our ability to protect future generations from climate impacts. Community Welfare This project threatens the welfare of the surrounding community, with proposed expansion contributing to noise pollution, vibration impacts, and worsened air quality. This damage is not balanced out with job justification or a clear contribution to public safety and prosperity. Climate Goals Finally, the NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For the above reasons, I strongly urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you in advance for your consideration of my submission. Sincerely, [name redacted] |
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Attachments |
22606 - MacKenzie McCowan_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 90.68 KB) |
Jada Parsons
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ID |
22611 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2830 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, I am writing to you from Dubbo to voice my strong opposition to the Moolarben coal mine extension. Decades ago, the Dubbo region supported a healthy population of koalas, so I understand the loss of no longer living alongside these beautiful animals. I have been following the news about this Moolarben project, and I am horrified to learn about the devastating impact it will have on the local koala population. These are not just any koalas. This is a healthy, breeding population that has shown incredible resilience, surviving droughts and bushfires. To destroy 480 hectares of their critical habitat, including a known breeding area, is simply unconscionable. The fact that the mine's own reports acknowledge the 'significant impact' and that the habitat is 'critical to the survival of the species' makes this proposal even more outrageous. We are in the midst of an extinction crisis, and koalas in NSW are on a path to disappearing forever by 2050. Approving this mine extension would be a death sentence for this important koala colony and would make a mockery of any government commitment to protecting this iconic species. We should be protecting places like the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, not allowing a coal mine to encroach to within 100 metres of its boundary. Please listen to the experts and the community. Please choose to protect our precious wildlife over the profits of a coal company. Please reject this destructive project. Sincerely, Jada Parsons |
Joanna de Burgh
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ID |
22616 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Tasmania 7004 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
How many floods, fires, droughts record numbers of cyclones, will it take for some people to realise that there are things which exist which can't be bought with money. It is so disappointing that this project has gone as far as it has. We need vegetation. I live in Tasmania and my local bushland and my Mount Field bushland are dying as I watch with the changes in weather patterns. What happens in NSW affects climate locally and globally. Assessors, bring yourselves up to date with the state of our climate. I have grandchildren: think of them too. We can make decisions on emotional grounds other than greed. I openly own and acknowledge my emotion, as well as the evidence. |
Bob Hill
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ID |
22626 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2798 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Commissioners, I have been a resident in Central West NSW for 50 years during which time I have been a member of my local fire brigade, environment groups and have volunteered at my local museum. I oppose the proposed extension to the Moorlaben coal mine for the following reasons. Firstly it seems crazy to clear 480 hectares of endangered boxwood gum habitat for koalas and threatened bats, birds and reptiles when Australia’s record for species extinction is among the worst in the world. We need a strong buffer zone around the Munghorn Gap Reserve, not a coal mine. Secondly, the project makes no sense when the region is building a reputation for sustainable tourism, focussing on food, heritage and nature. The recent developments around the Garden of Stone Conservation area near Lithgow represent a good example of a community transitioning from fossil fuels. But my main objection is the projected64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from the extension. The predictions of the IPCC, & most of the world’s climate scientists, for droughts, floods, fires, heatwaves and coastal erosion of increasing frequency and intensity have proven correct. The recent fires, heatwaves and droughts in Australia are evidence of this frightening global trend. There is no way at present, or in the foreseeable future, that the emissions from the extension can be captured and stored, The costs of capture and storage attempts to date massively, exceed any income that might come from the extension. The local, national and global consequences from the current expansion of coal mining in NSW will be catastrophic. Massively unprecedented weather changes produce lots of victims. The phase out of coal mining should have started long ago. The Moorlaben extension should not be approved. |
Jim McIlroy
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ID |
22636 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2008 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am writing as a concerned citizen of NSW to express strong opposition to the proposed Moolarben coalmine expansion project. If approved, the Moolarben OC3 expansion would clear 113 hectares of koala habitat, where breeding has been recorded, destroy Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat, and bring mining within 100 metres of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. It would add an estimated 64 million tonnes of climate pollution — at a time when NSW is already failing to meet its legislated climate targets, and communities here in NSW and across the world are facing climate-fuelled disasters. The Moolarben coal mine expansion would be a step backwards in ensuring we meet our climate goals. The NSW government needs to act with the climate crisis in mind. The area where Moolarben wants to dig for coal, is also set to become an REZ (renewable energy zone). We need to shift the focus of the government to building up REZ areas, as we cannot simultaneously be expanding new fossil fuel projects. Having visited the area around Mudgee where the mine is situated, I appreciate the beautiful scenery there and want to re-emphasise my opposition to the Moolarben mine expansion project going ahead. Thank you, Jim McIlroy |
Name Redacted
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ID |
22641 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2800 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee. I am concerned that this project will cause further incremental and irreversible damage to the adjoining Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • The ongoing and ever-expanding industrial scale plundering of the landscape by mining and the subsequent ongoing loss of suitable habitat and loss of habitat connectivity for endangered native species. • The Mughorn Gap Nature Reserve, The Drip Gorge and adjoining Goulburn River National Park have lost connectivity for native wildlife by the existing mining operations stretching from Ulan to Wollar in the valley. • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. You only have to look at aerial photos of the industrial mine complex stretching from Ulan to Wollar to see that the current setbacks are totally irresponsible and completely ignorant of the impacts on the adjoining native vegetation areas. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. The loss of natural groundwater within this landscape will be devastating for native vegetation, ecosystems and endangered wildlife that are already at critical levels. • At some point you have to say ‘enough is enough’. Moolarbin coal mine has reached that point. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
22646 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I object to this development!! |
Name Redacted
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ID |
22656 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Queensland 4211 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, I would like to bring to your attention my objection and concerns about the Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. As a society, we are facing significant impacts due to global rising temperatures. There are actions we can take to minimise damage and in fact we have many opportunities to maintain and create micro-climates. We have a choice of living in deserts or an oasis. I’m not anti coal mines. However, I believe that the priority with every decision must be based on the short and long term impacts on our environment. We can and are moving to energy sources that are more sustainable, and these projects will eventually eliminate the need for coal mines. In the meanwhile, any damage to the environment causes significant harm that in many cases is irreversible. It is arrogant to act in ways that do not allow the rights of other lifeforms to exist in peace. The clearing of approx. 480 hectares of native vegetation for this coal mine expansion is to me unacceptable. All levels of government have a responsibility to act in the interests of the Australian people. That is your function. Acting in the interest of corporations does not mean you are acting in the interests of the people. Energy from coal may bring minor benefits to some people for a very short period of time. The damage done to the flora and fauna is long term and, in the case of a coal mine, usually irreversible. Potential harm and contamination to our water must be avoided at all costs, not avoiding this potential harm is simply irresponsible and definitely not in the interests of Australians. These 480 hectares of native vegetation need to be made a protected nature reserve. This area could join with the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. I believe that there has been identified at least 23 threatened species in this area. Koalas, an Australian icon and known worldwide, live in this area. Koala populations were devasted in the 2020 fires in NSW and I believe there was a commitment from government to do all they could to protect koalas. This area needs to be protected. As human beings we need biodiversity to survive. Here, you would be destroying it. This destruction would include: • The clearing of approx.113 hectares of koala habitat where breeding koalas have been recorded • The clearing of approx. 80 hectares of Regent Honeyeater habitat with breeding females recorded • The clearing of approx. 401 hectares of the nationally listed endangered Box Gum Woodland ecosystem • Loss of habitat for approx. 23 threatened species including the Regent Honey Eater, the Broadheaded snake and microbats • Significant impacts on the adjacent Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve • Significant long term impacts on groundwater and creeks in the area • Serious risk of causing drought conditions within the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve – another significant and avoidable impact on these ecosystems • The destruction of 55 First Nation cultural artefacts – which will directly cause harm to the Wiradjuri people's ability to engage in their cultural practices and their connection to Country Australia needs to vastly improve its level of protection of native flora, fauna and habitats. We do not have a good global image in this area and we are experiencing a climate and biodiversity crisis. I believe it is in the best interests of the Australian people that the NSW Government should not approve to expand any existing coal projects or to approve any new ones. Additionally, this proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely Concerned Australian |
Name Redacted
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ID |
22661 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2087 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To The Independent Planning Commission I wish to register my opposition to the proposed Moolarben Coal Mine expansion proposal. In my lifetime I have seen the aggressive, thoughtless and greedy degradation of the world's natural environment. We are already facing the reality of the effects of scientifically verified climate change which is beginning to create destruction for the environment and for human beings. It is also extremely costly with huge governmental subsidies being required to support farmers and residents who are dealing with the effects of prolonged droughts and other extreme weather events. The destruction is largely driven by human greed and short sightedness. Politicians do not seem to have the motivation and courage to address the problem of climate change effectively, so it is left to individuals and environmental organisations to campaign against such short sighted, destructive policies as opening new coal mines or expanding existing ones given all the evidence we have of their destructive impacts for the environment and human life. Surely vast employment opportunities can be created within green energy projects and the electrification of our beautiful country, so unique in this world. The proposed expansion should not go ahead, but this decision would rely on people with foresight and a true capacity to think and protect. Thank you for considering. [redacted] |
Name Redacted
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ID |
22666 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is [redacted] and I have retired we have 2 Grandchildren and I am deeply concern about the climate impacts of any expansion of any coal mine in NSW. We have seen the impacts of climate change, Victorian flash Floods 10 cars washed in the ocean, Record heat waves this summer, Queensland floods. Over heated oceans coursing Algal Blooms killing wildlife. Loss of species in local areas. I my local park we have seen many birds disappear this summer. I am writing to voice my concerns over the Yancoal’s proposed expansion Moolaeben OC3 Coal mine near Mudgee NSW. Carbon Dioxide and methane are a record high amounts in the Atmosphere. I am concerned over the loss of habitat for Koala, gliders and rare bird habitats. Groundwater will be affect and we are losing water everywhere. We can’t keep exporting coal to be burnt overseas. I am urging the Independent Planning Commission to reject any expansion plans. Thank you for considering my submissions. [redacted] |
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Attachments |
22666Redacted.pdf (PDF, 431.15 KB) |
Jane Crosskill
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ID |
22676 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2850 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion. The mine is located near Mudgee and is the largest producing coal mine in NSW with permission to operate until 2038. At the same time Mudgee sits within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone which will provide alternative employment opportunities over the next decade. The mine expansion is not needed for jobs and regional prosperity and will cause lasting environmental damage. As a Mudgee resident I do not understand why this project is being considered when it is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act and the Paris agreement. The proposed expansion would encroach within 100 metres of Munghorn Gap Reserve threatening critical ecosystems, water sources and Aboriginal cultural heritage. Not to mention the massive climate cost because it would generate millions of tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. There needs to be a planned transition not additional, destructive and irreversible harm to the beautiful Mudgee region. I urge the IPC to recommend that this project is refused. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
22691 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
As a freelancer who teaches young people and adults, I am deeply concerned about the effects that this development will have on people's wellbeing and the wellbeing of wildlife in NSW. I am particularly concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. There has been poor assessment of the cumulative impact of this proposed Moolarben Mine expansion combined with the proposed expansions of neighbouring mines. All proposed expansions have impacts on a similar set of threatened species listed as likely to have Serious and Irreversible Impacts due to clearing and loss of habitat.The Ulan Coal Mine Modification 6 and 8 and the Wilpinjong Coal Mine Modification 3 will impact an additional large area of similar landscape, connected water sources, rich biodiversity and cultural heritage values. As an artist and theatre maker and historian I am concerned that the development will destroy Aboriginal artefact and items of historical value and importance. The project will destroy 55 irreplaceable Aboriginal cultural artefacts, and potentially impact dozens of others. They are all considered to have high cultural value by the Registered Aboriginal Parties consulted on the proposal. This expansion contributes to the fracturing of the landscape, and to the cumulative degradation of Country from ongoing mining, undermining the Wiradjuri people’s ability to practice culture, maintain connection to Country, and preserve sacred sites of immense and irreplaceable significance. This beautiful valley should be protected as part of a single conservation landscape with the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, not made into an open cut coal mine pit. The proposal would clear around 480 hectares of native vegetation and push mining to within 100 metres of the reserve, putting an area of high biodiversity at risk. At least 23 threatened species have been recorded in the area, including critical habitat for a uniquely resilient koala population. There is simply no justification to disturb this significant landscape and ecosystem - this project creates no new jobs, all it does is permanently destroy biodiversity. This development threatens wildlife and protected species. It will cause irreversible damage to the environment and should be stopped ASAP. |
Bronwen Evans
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ID |
22701 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2036 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
1. As a practicing Veterinarian I am well versed in animal welfare. The stress caused to the animal life, which would be only 100m away in the reserve, due to noise, blasting vibrations, dust and unnatural lighting, especially at night, is unacceptable. This is already well documented by the local community, many of whom have subsequently moved away. The proposed area includes 113 ha of koala habitat which is of great breeding importance for this now endangered iconic species 2. The DPHI has recommended that ground water baselines are measured for 1 year. This will only be possible with the installation bores due to the IEAPM recommendation. That the MCO wants to start mining according their own self determined time line is not an adequate reason to not impose these very important means to accrue scientifically proven data on the impacts of the mine proposal on water. Water is the basis of life and should have top priority. Moolarben Creek is a critical drought refuge for wildlife and must be protected. The project has an expected drawdown of up to 6 which will affect deep rooted trees and riparian life. 3. With regards to habitat enhancement I find it impossible to understand its effectiveness. It is not yet fully understood the complexity of any ecosystem. Therefore any proposed enhancement cannot guarantee it will be the correct balance for any one species let alone the 23 threatened species. The increase of this area from 160ha to 188ha is a mere 28ha, hardly a significant area compared to the area of 480 ha to be cleared by the proposal. Revegetating cleared land to its former ability to provide habitat is a long term project, which can not be fulfilled during the time line proposed, especially as the environment will be so devastatingly changed. Once the 401 ha of the endangered Box Gum forest is cleared it will be gone forever The report itself talks of remnant woodland and remnant riparian vegetation. Any further affects on these remnants is unacceptable. 4. The local First Nations people, the Wiadjuri have noted places of high cultural significant in the area. 5. The high mechanisation of this industry does not provide significant local financial advantage. Renewable energy projects are far more beneficial locally and to the world environment 6. The impact of this mine needs to be assessed in combination of the effects of all the mining in the area Australia has a Net Zero Commission and agreed to the Paris agreement. Allowing this expansion is not in agreement with either of these. |
Glenda SHOULDER
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ID |
22711 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am concerned about the expansion of coal mining in this area of NSW. It will destroy the habitat of many animals which are under threat already from climate changes, including the current drought in NSW,. As a member of the community, I am aware that habitat clearing has destroyed many places for our native creatures that we as humans enjoy as well. This enjoyment can be passive in the sense of enjoying the appearance of the landscape, or in being involved with the natural environment by walking, or sensitively using the area for a commercial end, such as tourist activity, even painting a picture that gives pleasure to people who cannot access the place. From my observations while traveling in regional areas, I consider that Coal mining is not a clean industry. Dust clouds can occur, and water resources can be polluted. Downstream areas can be affected by toxic run off. There are other possible ways to create electricity, and I believe they should be pursued before further environmental damage is inflicted by further mining of coal. When the damage is done it is difficult and sometimes impossible to repair. Future generations will wear the cost of repairs, if possible, the loss of amenity of a valuable resource for recreation and environmental sustainability. Please do not do this coal mine development. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
22716 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2072 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
The proposed development threatens the survival of 23 threatened wildlife species including the regent honeyeater. This is very harmful to the future of our wildlife and biodiversity. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
22721 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2204 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I strongly object to the Open Cut 3 Extension Project. Expanding coal operations will worsen environmental impacts, including air and water pollution, and contribute to climate change. The ongoing expansion of fossil fuel extraction is incompatible with urgent action on climate and the health and safety of local communities. |
heather mclean
|
ID |
22726 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2330 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
I object to the proposed extension of Moolarben Coal Mine OpenCut3 (OC3). This coal complex proposal has no justification to proceed and many reasons to NOT be approved. The pit named OC3 and its impact on the environment has already been approved until 2038 but this proposal to extend it and also dig more pits further in to Moorlarben Valley as a so-called extension of OC3 and destroy a further 475 hectares of native vegetation should not be approved. The State Significant Development Assessment Report (SSD-33083358) provided to the IPC by DPHI records, in the section Strategic Context, that “ The project has been considered in accordance with key relevant Commonwealth, State and regional strategies including Australia’s Long-Term Emissions Reductions Plan, NSW Climate Change Policy Framework, Strategic Statement on Coal Exploration and Mining in NSW and Mid Western Regional Local Strategic Planning Statement”. However, it has obviously failed to consider the findings of the Net Zero Commission. NSW is already not on track to meet our 2030 and 2035 greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. The expansion of coal mining is not consistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) 2023 Act and our commitment under the Paris Agreement. Historically, the argument that coal mining is vital for energy production and to provide regional jobs has been the basis for the industry to proceed, despite the cost to the environment and the consequences for future generations. This is no longer the case. The Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone will support many new jobs. The market for coal diminishes as renewable energy production increases. The true cost of the impact of coal mining on the local communities of people, plants, animals, water, air quality and ecosystems becomes ever more apparent. Government decisions to do what we can to limit global heating must be made. There is now legislation in place that the IPC must have regard to. I submit to the IPC that Yancoal should not be permitted to extend their open cut mine to within 100metres of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. Yancoal have provided no basis to not accept the buffer recommendation made by DEECCW. It seems to me that would have been Yancoal’s main reason to fail to adequately assess the noise and blasting impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. In June 2024, the NSW Department of Energy Environment Climate Change and Water wrote to NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure stating : We also recommended a minimum setback of at least 500 metres from the geological features within Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve to significantly reduce direct loss of habitat and commensurately reduce blasting vibration impacts. This same report ( link to doc ) to Dept PHI advises that there is likelihood of Serious And Irreversible Impacts on Box Gum Woodland CEEC, and the nationally endangered species Regent Honeyeater, Broad-headed Snake, Eastern Cave Bat and Large-eared Pied Bat . Also, the proponent itself reports that the proposal includes clearing 113 hectares of habitat critical to the survival of the local koala population. The loss of populations leads to the extinction of endangered species. There is drone footage of a koala with a baby koala in vegetation slated to be cleared for an open cut mine pit. It is not in the public interest to continue to fuel climate change and contribute to species extinction. Also at risk is known breeding habitat of Regent Honeyeaters! There is believed to be as few as 300 of these birds remaining in the wild. Successful breeding is vitally important to the Recovery Program. The recent submission by Yancoal of minor amendments has resulted in the indefinite postponement of the planned public hearing on Feb 10 2026 but does little, if anything, to alter the impact of the proposal. The expansion of mining of Moolarben Open Cut Coal Pit 3 only provides profit to the corporation at great cost to the environment and the future. This is not Ecologically Sustainable Development. It is not in the public interest to approve the expansion of coal mining and contribute to further greenhouse gas emissions. I submit that the IPC should recommend that this proposal be refused. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
22731 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2135 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
I am a concerned citizen and I do not think there is reasonable grounds for this project to proceed. Yancoal’s proposed expansion would cause serious and irreversible damage to nature, clearing irreplaceable native bush that cannot be offset. The project would destroy 113 hectares of koala habitat where breeding koalas have been recorded, including in the middle of one of the proposed mine pits. It would clear 80 hectares of Regent Honeyeater habitat with breeding females recorded on site, and up to 401 hectares of the nationally endangered Box Gum Woodland ecosystem. Impacts on threatened species such as the Regent Honeyeater, Broad- headed Snake and microbats are expected to be severe, a risk acknowledged by the NSW Environment Department, which warned the project could lead to long-term population declines and affect habitat critical to species survival. Despite this, noise and blasting impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve were poorly assessed, and Yancoal has refused to adopt a recommended 500-metre buffer to protect the reserve and its wildlife. This incredibly rich valley should never be up for mining and should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. I am also concerned about the consequences of emissions from the extracted coal. The proposed OC3 extension would generate an estimated 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its life, equivalent to around 58% of NSW’s total annual emissions, making its climate impact enormous. Yet DPHI’s assessment ignores clear findings of the Net Zero Commission that any further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act and the Paris Agreement, and fails to acknowledge that NSW is already off track to meet its 2030 and 2035 targets. The assessment also does not apply the Denman Court of Appeal decision, which requires decision-makers to consider emissions (including downstream emissions (99% of its emissions) and the local climate impacts they cause, leaving the true climate and economic costs of the project unquantified and unaddressed. The economic and social costs of these emissions have not been addressed by Yancoal. For these and many other reasons I object to this proposal. |
Judy Cole
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ID |
22736 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2088 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
We are racing against time to reduce carbon emmissions and coal is only making it worse. We need to shut down the coal mines and focus on renewable energy together with upgrading the grid. This is harmful to the environment and wasted money that can be used for renewable energy systems instead. |
Leigh Naunton
|
ID |
22746 |
|---|---|
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Organisation |
Move Beyond Coal Kooyong |
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
See attached file |
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Attachments |
22746 - Leigh Naunton_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 434.5 KB) |
Bernadette Hobbs
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ID |
22751 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2204 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
In a time of both climate and biodiversity crises it beggars belief that the state’s largest producing coal mine seeks permission to increase NSW TOTAL emissions by almost 60% by clearing 480 hectares of habitat essential for endangered species! That is the opposite of what any responsible government which is committed to meeting its emissions and biodiversity targets should be doing! The Net Zero Commission in December 2025 states that any further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act. The NSW Govt is not on track to achieve either it’s 2030 or 2035 emissions reductions target. This alone should spell the end of Yancoal’s proposed new site which would convert a richly biodiverse valley into an open-cut coal mine. But there are so many other reasons for this proposal to be rejected. BIODIVERSITY: The government’s own Biodiversity, Conservation and Science Group (BCSG) has highlighted the threat that the project poses to our now endangered Koala: - The habitat present is critical to the survival of the species - This population is one of the few to have survived the recent onslaught of climate challenges - high temperatures, drought and bushfires. We cannot risk this critical population for the sake of offshore profit. In addition to koalas, several other endangered species of animals (regent honeyeater, bats, broad-headed snake, squirrel glider) and plants (the nationally endangerd Box Gum Woodland) are likely to endure serious and irreversible impacts! And the disregard for biodiversity in the proposal is further evidenced by the vastly inadequate 100m buffer from the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. The BCSG said a minimum buffer of 500m was needed to better protect the at-risk species. WATER: The mine would likely to lead to a water drawdown around Moolarben Creek of up to 5m. This seriously risks our deep-rooted trees which rely on that water. Yancoal has a deservedly bad reputation for water quality monitoring – it simply doesn’t do it. And there’s no proper baseline monitoring of the water in this case. CULTURAL HERITAGE: At least 55 cultural artefacts will be destroyed by this project, including a significant shelter which contains grinding grooves. The CHCP recommended protection of this site but Yancoal refused. Honestly, is nothing more important than their profits??? ECONOMY: Job creation is certainly not an excuse for approving this project. Even without any extension the Moolarben coal complex will continue until 2038. And an additional 2000 future-proofing jobs in the state’s Central West Renewable Energy Zone (which includes Mudgee) are predicted over the next decade. I want to thank all of the people who have provided me with the detailed analysis of this proposal so I can make an informed submission. To my mind, the habitat destruction and massive increase in emissions alone are ample reason to reject this proposal. But from all I’ve read and learned there is so much more at risk. I urge the IPC to reject this proposal. |
Dave Rowe
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ID |
22761 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2477 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
See attached file. |
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Attachments |
22761 - Dave Rowe.pdf (PDF, 287.96 KB) |
Sarah Daniel
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ID |
22766 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2778 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
This beautiful valley should be managed jointly as part of a whole conservation landscape with the magnificent Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, not turned into an open cut coal mine. The mine will clear 480 hectares of native vegetation and mine right up to 100m from the boundary of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. This area has incredible importance for biodiversity and there have been 23 threatened wildlife species recorded in and around the site, including habitat that is critical to the survival of the Koala in a uniquely resilient population. The mine will also destroy habitat and is likely to cause serious and irreversible impact to threatened wildlife like the Large-eared Pied Bat, Eastern Cave Bat and Regent Honeyeater, and will also clear endangered Box Gum Woodland. The more we learn about biodiversity the more we see that biodiversity is an ecosystem driver, population depletion has flow on effects to climate, water security and even food security. It will also lead to water drawdown of up to 5m in the alluvium of Moolarben Ck, which runs into the Goulburn River, and represents a risk to deep-rooted vegetation that uses that water. Threats to water in a county with fragile water security and continuing drought as dangerous as it affects livelihoods, the ecosystems capacity to maintain itself, draw down carbon and clean water and air, these are essential ecosystem functions we all benefit from. The mine will cause serious harm to cultural heritage - there are 55 Aboriginal heritage sites within the mine footprint that will be directly impacted and a further 12 that may be indirectly impacted. This is unconscionable behaviour that disrespects and disregards the oldest continuous culture in the world. A fact all Australians should be working hard to uphold and protect. We are already experiencing the effect of climate change. In the past 5 years we have lived through catastrophic fires, floods and drought. It takes generations to remove carbon from the atmosphere. It is too little to late already for our children. Sincerely, Sarah Daniel |
Name Redacted
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ID |
22771 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2795 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
I object to Yancoal’s application for Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project (SSD-33083358). The plans would mean blasting, dust and noise from open cut mining right up to 100m of Munghorn Nature Reserve. This disregards the high importance and quality of the adjoining Nature Reserve, with which it shares a boundary several kilometres long. For instance, think of 100m from your own house being a noisy, dusty operating coal mine. The effects on koalas, bats, plants and birds would be many. Regarding Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions, there are continued worldwide calls and scientific consensus on the great urgency to stop fossil fuel burning because it exacerbates climate change. Our NSW Government is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. With over 30Mt of coal involved in this application, burning it would release a huge amount of GHG, and allowing this SSD application is directly opposed to reducing GHG emissions. I drive through the Ulan area a couple of times of year, and several times have enjoyed camping and spending time in Munghorn Gap NR. I call for this expansion to be rejected. |
Cathy Gill
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ID |
22786 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2024 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
Submission is in attached PDF file |
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Attachments |
Personal Moolarben submission.pdf (PDF, 85.51 KB) |
Name Redacted
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ID |
22791 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, I am writing to strongly object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am deeply concerned about the serious and irreversible harm this project would cause to biodiversity, water systems, cultural heritage, and the climate. This expansion would destroy critical habitat for threatened species, including over 113 hectares of koala habitat, 80 hectares of Regent Honeyeater habitat, and up to 401 hectares of endangered Box Gum Woodland. Mining is proposed within 100 metres of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, one of the oldest conservation reserves in NSW, putting species and ecosystems at severe risk. Offsite “habitat enhancements” suggested in recent amendments do nothing to reduce the clearing of native vegetation and come far too late in the consultation process, they just cannot replace the habitats that already exist. The climate impact of this project is enormous. The OC3 extension would produce around 64 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its life, which is equivalent to more than half of NSW’s annual emissions. Approving this mine expansion contradicts the Net Zero Future Act 2023, the Paris Agreement, and NSW’s climate targets, while locking in destructive emissions for decades. Water risks are also significant. Groundwater drawdown of 2–6 metres could last 25 years, threatening Moolarben Creek and the ecosystems it supports, which are critical drought refuges for wildlife. Proposed post-approval monitoring is entirely inadequate, baseline studies need to happen before mining, not after, when the damage has been done. The expansion would also destroy irreplaceable Aboriginal cultural heritage, including 55 significant artifacts, further fracturing the landscape and undermining Wiradjuri connection to Country. Finally, the economic justification is weak. Coal jobs in the region have been chronically unfilled, most production is for export, and the region is better served by renewable energy projects that can provide sustainable local employment. The environmental, social, and cultural costs of this expansion far outweigh any claimed benefits. I urge the IPC to reject Yancoal’s OC3 expansion. This biodiverse valley should be protected and incorporated into Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve as a token of honour to preserve this amazing habitat. Approving this project would be a devastating step backwards for biodiversity, climate action, and cultural heritage. Thank you for considering my submission. |
darshil shah
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ID |
22796 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2131 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
I would like to object to this coal mine expansion. This expansion will impact sensitive environments around this area that a number of endangered and important native species (Koalas, 20+ other native species) rely on their stability and availability. 480 hectares of native vegetation being removed does not seem like a good deal AT ALL for the expansion of a mine that offers no benefits other than economic greed. I urge discovery of a better site that has does not impact the surrounding biodiversity in such a drastic way by introducing unnecessary strain on an already fickle biodiverse ecosystem. |
Liz Millen
|
ID |
22801 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2193 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I am a retired health worker living in Sydney, and am writing to register my strong objection to Yancoal's proposed expansion of the Moolarben coal mine, and the irreversible harm it will cause, both to the local environment and through the enormous additional greenhouse gas emissions that will be caused. Not only will this expansion cause clearances that will have a devastating impact on the habitat of local threatened species such as koalas and Regent honey-eaters, it is also estimated to impact adversely on the groundwater that sustains Moolarben Creek and local ecysystems. I am also concerned that the proposed expansion has not been considered in the context of proposals to expand other mines in the area. There is so much well established science showing that we cannot keep up current levels of fossil fuel extraction and usage, let alone continually expanding production, and on such a scale, if there is to be any chance of keeping our planet within the temperatures recommended for a liveable future for our children and the generations to come. We insist that our doctors are trained to follow scientifice evidence, that there is an evidence base and accountability for all spending of public money - how come when it comes to climate and the environment, science appears not to count? NSW is already not on track to meet its own goals on emissions reductions. It is now five years since the IEA (International Energy Agency) warned that there could be no new coal or gas projects if the goal of staying within 1.5 degrees has a chance of succeeding. In a region in which I understand the development of renewable energy and creation of next-generation jobs is a priority, expansion of this mine would be a clear backward step. Any short term economic gain is likely to be eclipsed by future costs of mitigation of climate change impacts, not to mention the destruction of important Aboriginal cultural artefacts and loss of threatened species, which can never be recovered. For all of these reasons, I believe that the Independent Planning Commission should recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining extension Project be refused. Thank you for the opportunity to make a submission Yours sincerely Liz Millen |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
22806 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2041 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I am particularly concerned about the impact of the proposal on Koala populations, water tables and impact on aboriginal cultural heritage |
Suzanne Bessell
|
ID |
22811 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2090 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, I am writing to lodge an objection to Yancoal’s proposed expansion of the Moolarben coal mining operation near Mudgee. I am a business woman and mother of two young adults. As a NSW resident, I am already experiencing the impacts of more frequent heatwaves, fires and floods. I am deeply concerned that this development would add to ongoing environmental, climatic and social harm, with consequences that could be lasting and irreversible. For these reasons, I believe the expansion should not be approved. Instead, the highly diverse natural landscape within the proposed expansion footprint should be preserved and incorporated into Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. Protecting this area would safeguard important ecosystems rather than sacrificing them for further extraction of fossil fuels that contribute to global warming. My specific concerns include: a) Water resources - There is a risk of significant and prolonged groundwater drawdown that could adversely affect Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that provide vital drought refuge habitat for wildlife. b) Climate consequences - The project is projected to generate approximately 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is already struggling to meet its legislated emissions-reduction commitments. c) Biodiversity impacts - The proposal involves clearing more than 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding activity have been recorded, along with habitat for threatened bird and bat species. Habitat currently supporting threatened wildlife cannot realistically be replaced through offsets. The late amendments submitted by Yancoal do not meaningfully reduce vegetation clearing, were introduced too late for proper scrutiny, and do not resolve the serious biodiversity consequences from the expansion. d) Effects on nearby protected land - Mining is proposed within 100 metres of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, yet the assessment of potential noise, blasting and vibration impacts on the reserve appears insufficient. e) Limited public benefit - There is no persuasive employment or economic justification for expanding coal extraction in a region where policy directions prioritise renewable energy development. f) Insufficient consideration of nearby mining operations - The cumulative impacts of this proposal together with planned expansions of neighbouring operations have not been adequately evaluated. The proposed changes at Ulan Coal Mine and Wilpinjong Coal Mine would affect further extensive areas of similar terrain, interconnected water systems, significant biodiversity and cultural heritage values. All of these projects are likely to affect the same suite of threatened species through habitat loss and clearing. Given the current climate and biodiversity crises, it is not appropriate for the NSW Government to approve new or expanded coal developments. This proposal is inconsistent with the State’s climate legislation and with Australia’s international commitments under global climate agreements. For these reasons, I respectfully request that the Commission recommend refusal of the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project. Yours sincerely, Suzanne Bessell |
Gemma Pitcher
|
ID |
22816 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2017 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Clearly having a coal mine 100 metres (or even multiple kilometres) from an important nature habitat supporting species under threat is a bad idea. Animals, birds and trees have inherent value - their right to exist and thrive is of primary importance and should be considered as paramount when making decisions about human activities such as mining. Humans exist in harmony and inter dependence with nature and protecting natural areas of environmental importance is a duty of human society, particularly of the representatives we have elected to government. Instead of expanding highly damaging, polluting industries such as coal mining, we need to be looking at sources of sustainable employment that provide future-focused, innovative and environmentally beneficial jobs to the local population - jobs and careers that will make us proud to be part of a leading region in green technology and nature conservation. A region where animals, plants and birds - including endangered species - are protected and appreciated for their own sake as well as the benefits they bring to human wellbeing. A region where humans can experience nature and the mental and physical health benefits it brings with it. A region where green jobs are available to current and future workers, securing our community's future for the long term. This is the vision of the region I ask that government considers when making a decision on this proposed expansion. This future is entirely possible and only requires political will to implement. |
Mani Berghout
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ID |
22821 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2291 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am a Geriatrician and General Physician based in the Hunter Valley. Prior to attaining my medical qualifications, I also trained as an Ecologist including completing a PhD in Ecology. I have a deep understanding of the threat to the natural environment of fossil fuel extraction and its role in fuelling climate change. I also recognise the existential threat to human health posed by climate change, and that we urgently need to reduce carbon emissions so as not to make the problem worse. I write to express my opposition to the proposed expansion of the Moolarben coal mine for the following reasons: 1. Emissions reductions targets: We urgently need to decarbonise our economy, including transitioning to renewable power generation. Expanding fossil fuel extraction is not compatible with meeting our emissions reduction targets as set by the NSW Climate Change Act and the Paris agreement. 2. A just transition: People employed in the coal industry need support to transition to alternative employment as the economy decarbonises. What they do not need is a ramping up of coal extraction, thereby keeping workers trapped in a declining industry and drawing them away from alternative employment pathways such as in renewable energy projects. 3. Biodiversity: The site of the proposed expansion is important habitat to multiple threatened species and ecosystems. This habitat is irreplaceable. Biodiversity cannot be replaced or traded by “enhancing” some habitat elsewhere. The fact remains that the mine expansion will result in a loss of habitat and biodiversity. 4. Riparian vegetation: As our climate warms, rainfall is becoming more erratic and there is increased likelihood of prolonged drought and focal rain deluges. The project will cause significant drawdown of groundwater which will stress riparian vegetation in the catchment. During droughts, riparian vegetation becomes a critical refuge for wildlife. In the event of extremely heavy rainfall, riparian vegetation is critical for preventing soil loss and maintaining bank stability. We cannot risk damage to the integrity of riparian vegetation through groundwater drawdown. 5. Aboriginal cultural heritage: The proposed expansion will damage country that is culturally significant to the Wiradjuri people. It is recognised in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap that maintaining connection to Country is fundamental to improving life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Degradation of this site and the destruction of irreplaceable cultural artefacts runs counter to the goals of Closing the Gap. For the reasons I have outlined above, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend against the Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project. |
Michael Smart
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ID |
22831 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2297 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Always was always will be Aboriginal land. Sovereignty was never ceded and you have no right to disrespect anyone or anything on stolen land. |
Adrienne Shilling
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ID |
22836 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2049 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Yancoal's proposed expansion would cause serious and irreversible damage to nature, clearing long-standing and irreplaceable native bushland that CANNOT be offset. The project would destroy 113 hectares of koala habitat at a time when so much habitat is vanishing across NSW due to land-clearing as well as mining projects. Other diminishing species (eg birds and gliders) would be similarly threatened. Above all, the proposed OC3 extension would generate huge amounts of greenhouse gas emissions over its lifetime - contributing an enormous impact on our already heating climate. How many more times do we ordinary people have to repeat what scientists keep warning: global warming is worsening and is exacerbated mostly by burning of fossil fuels! In any case Yancoal has indicated that some 65% of the coal will be exported - where Scope 3 emissions are not counted as part of Australia's contribution to domestic emissions. Further, this project is expected to cause significant groundwater drawdown of between 2-6 metres potentially lasting up to 25 years after mining has finished. While Yancoal are proposing an amendment to conduct 12 months of groundwater monitoring studies before they commence mining, this is totally inadequate. Clearly, baseline groundwater monitoring studies should occur BEFORE such an intrusive project as this is approved. The cumulative impacts of the proposed Moorlarben Mine expansion combined with the proposed expansion of neighbouring mines have not been fully considered (eg Ulan Coal Mine Mod. 6 & 8, and Wilpinjong Coal Mine Mod. 3 )together will contribute huge damage to connected water sources, biodiversity and cultural heritage values. The proposed Moorlarben Mine expansion therefore cannot be considered in isolation. Moreover, how can this proposed expansion offer PUBLIC benefit? Renewable energy options are currently being prioritised in this region as they need to be. In summary of the above, I urge the IPC to recommend that the Moorlarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
22846 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
The amendments do not reduce the mine footprint or any vegetation clearing. They propose offsite “habitat enhancement” that will not lessen the serious impacts on threatened species and ecosystems. Making changes at this stage undermines the consultation process. This is a clear attempt to greenwash a damaging project. Also the proposed amendments do not reduce clearing of native vegetation, are far too late to be considered, and the proposal still would have severe impacts on biodiversity. |
Paul Riccard
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ID |
22866 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2849 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
File uploaded below IPC submission PRiccard 17Feb2026.docx |
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Attachments |
22866 - Paul Riccard.pdf (PDF, 153.01 KB) |
Stephen Kimber
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ID |
22871 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Queensland 4020 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, My name isStephen Kimber. I am a 69 year old former teacher and professional writer in Queensland and I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in our nation, due to the climate impacts being felt across the country. I also fear that unchecked mining drastically affects biodiversity and environmental quality. We may indeed be aland of drought and flooding rains but the extent to which these visit and revisit our nation these days is absurd. And Dorothea didn't really mention the bushfires. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, Stephen Kimber Scarborough Qld 4020 |
Leila Frijat
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ID |
22876 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2079 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, I am writing as a community member who is deeply concerned about the Moolarben OC3 Extension Project on Wiradjuri Country. I care about the future of our environment, our communities, and the places that make NSW such a unique and beautiful place to live, and I cannot support a project that would cause such permanent harm. As a community member, I strongly oppose the proposal’s plan to clear 480 hectares of native bushland including 113 hectares of vital koala habitat, 80 hectares of Regent Honeyeater habitat, and large areas of the endangered Box Gum Woodland ecosystem. It is heartbreaking and horrific to think that these local species who are already struggling to survive could lose some of the last intact habitat they have left. And I am also worried about the impact on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, a precious conservation area that should be protected, not exposed to open cut mining just 100 metres away. The refusal to apply the recommended 500 metre buffer feels careless and dismissive of both environmental science and community values. The projected climate impact of this mine is impossible to reconcile with NSW’s climate goals and the urgent need to reduce emissions, not expand them. As someone who wants a safe climate future for my community, this is particularly distressing. I am also concerned about the serious risks to groundwater and local creeks, including long term drawdown of up to 2–6 metres that could last decades and harm Moolarben Creek, an important refuge for wildlife. It makes no sense that proper baseline monitoring would only occur after approval I want to also express my concern that this project would destroy 55 Aboriginal cultural artefacts, deeply impacting cultural heritage and connection to Country. These places cannot be replaced once they are gone As a community member who wants a healthy, resilient, and thriving regional NSW now and for future generations, I urge the IPC to refuse the Moolarben OC3 Extension Project. The environmental, cultural, climate, and water impacts are simply too great, and the benefits too small, especially when cleaner industries are already creating new opportunities for the region. Thank you for considering my submission. |
DUPLICATE Stephen Kimber
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ID |
22881 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Queensland 4020 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, My name isStephen Kimber. I am a 69 year old former teacher and professional writer in Queensland and I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in our nation, due to the climate impacts being felt across the country. I also fear that unchecked mining drastically affects biodiversity and environmental quality. We may indeed be aland of drought and flooding rains but the extent to which these visit and revisit our nation these days is absurd. And Dorothea didn't really mention the bushfires. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, Stephen Kimber Scarborough Qld 4020 |
Ellie Robertson
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ID |
22886 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2173 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
Submission to the Independent Planning Commission Re: Yancoal Moolarben Open Cut 3 (OC3) Expansion and Late-Stage Amendments My name is Ellie Robertson, and I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben Open Cut 3 expansion and to strongly oppose the Department of Planning accepting the late “minor amendments” recently submitted by the company. In my view, these amendments should be rejected, and the public hearing scheduled for 10 February should not have been postponed. The changes do not fix the serious problems with the project, they do not reduce environmental harm, and they were submitted far too late in the process to be fairly considered. Late changes undermine community consultation Yancoal submitted these amendments at the last minute, after years of assessment and just as the community was preparing to speak at a public hearing. As a result, the hearing has now been postponed indefinitely, cutting off an important opportunity for people to be heard. This does not feel like genuine consultation. It feels like a deliberate attempt to delay the process and disrupt community participation. Many people, including local residents, Traditional Owners, and community groups, have already spent significant time engaging with this proposal in good faith. Changing the proposal at this late stage undermines that process. Importantly, these amendments do not actually improve the project in any meaningful way. They do not reduce the size of the mine, they do not avoid sensitive areas, and they do not reduce the level of harm. Proposals that arrive this late and offer no real benefit should not be accepted. The amendments do not reduce vegetation clearing or biodiversity loss Despite being presented as “minor improvements”, the proposed amendments do not reduce the clearing of native vegetation at all. The same large areas of bushland would still be destroyed, including habitat that is currently supporting threatened species. The proposal still involves clearing around 480 hectares of native vegetation. This includes: 113 hectares of koala habitat, where breeding has been recorded 80 hectares of Regent Honeyeater habitat, including breeding females Up to 401 hectares of endangered Box Gum Woodland The suggested off-site “habitat enhancement” does not change the reality that this destruction would still occur. You cannot replace living, functioning ecosystems by promising to improve land somewhere else. Once this habitat is gone, it is gone forever. Even with the amendments, the project would still have severe and irreversible impacts on biodiversity. This area should be protected, not mined I believe this valley should be protected as part of a connected conservation landscape with the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, not turned into an open-cut coal mine. Mining would be pushed to within 100 metres of the reserve, placing enormous pressure on wildlife from noise, blasting, vibration, dust and light. The refusal to adopt a recommended 500-metre buffer shows a lack of care for the reserve and the species it exists to protect. At least 23 threatened species have been recorded in the area, including a particularly resilient koala population that has survived fires and drought. Destroying its habitat now would be an irreversible mistake. This project creates no new jobs. It offers no compelling public benefit. What it does offer is permanent environmental damage. Serious and irreversible harm to threatened species The proposed expansion would cause serious and irreversible harm to threatened species and ecosystems. Independent assessments and warnings from the NSW environment authorities acknowledge that the project risks long-term population decline and could affect habitat that is critical to species survival. Species such as the Regent Honeyeater, Broad-headed Snake and several microbat species are already under extreme pressure. Clearing habitat that is currently being used by these animals cannot be justified. The impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve have also been poorly assessed, particularly when it comes to noise and blasting. These impacts are not minor — they affect animal behaviour, breeding and survival. A massive climate impact that cannot be ignored The OC3 expansion would generate an estimated 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its lifetime. This is an enormous contribution to climate change at a time when NSW is already struggling to meet its emissions reduction targets. Most of these emissions would occur when the coal is burned overseas, but they still contribute to the climate impacts we are already experiencing here — more extreme heat, drought, bushfires and floods. Approving this expansion would lock in decades of additional emissions at exactly the wrong time. No real benefit for jobs or the local community This expansion is not needed to keep the mine operating. The Moolarben mine is already approved to operate until at least 2038 without this expansion. Coal jobs in the region have remained unfilled for years, while renewable energy development in the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone is expected to create thousands of jobs over the coming decade. Most of the coal from this expansion would be exported overseas. This means the environmental damage stays here, while the benefits flow elsewhere. That is not a fair or reasonable outcome for the local community or for NSW. Serious risks to water and groundwater The project is expected to cause groundwater drawdown of between 2 and 6 metres, potentially lasting for up to 25 years after mining ends. This places Moolarben Creek at serious risk as an important drought refuge for wildlife. Groundwater-dependent ecosystems, including deep-rooted trees along the creek, could be severely affected. These risks are made worse by inadequate baseline water monitoring and the proponent’s poor compliance history. The proposal to carry out groundwater monitoring after approval but before mining is not acceptable. Baseline studies should be completed before a decision is made, not after approval has already been granted. Irreversible harm to Wiradjuri cultural heritage The expansion would destroy at least 55 Aboriginal cultural artefacts, all assessed as having high cultural value by Registered Aboriginal Parties. This is not just about individual artefacts. It is about the ongoing damage to Country caused by cumulative mining impacts. The destruction of these sites undermines the ability of Wiradjuri people to maintain cultural connection and pass knowledge on to future generations. Once these sites are destroyed, they cannot be replaced or restored. Cumulative impacts have not been properly assessed This proposal should not be considered in isolation. Other nearby mine expansions would affect the same landscape, water systems, threatened species and cultural heritage values. Taken together, these projects represent a major escalation of harm that has not been adequately assessed or addressed. Conclusion In my view, the late amendments submitted by Yancoal do not reduce vegetation clearing, do not meaningfully reduce environmental harm, and were submitted far too late to be properly considered. Accepting them would reward delay tactics and undermine public confidence in the planning system. The public hearing should not have been postponed, and the amendments should be rejected. This project would cause serious and irreversible harm to biodiversity, water, climate and cultural heritage, while delivering little to no public benefit. In the middle of a climate and biodiversity crisis, this expansion should not proceed. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben Open Cut 3 Coal Mine Expansion be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. |
Chris Jonkers
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ID |
22896 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2790 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Dear Commissioners I am totally opposed to the Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project, and urge the IPCN Commissioners to reject it for the following reasons - 1. Land clearing and biodiversity loss I regard it as absolutely obscene that any NSW Government Department of Agency in this day would even consider approving the direct disturbance of 675 hectares (ha) of land including the destruction of 480 Hectares of native vegetation. And not just any old bit of scrub, but the clearing of 401 Ha of Critically Endangered Box Gum Woodland, 81 Ha of Regent Honeyeater ‘important mapped’ habitat' 113 Ha of Koala and Squirrel Glider habitat, 106 Ha of Swift Parrot habitat, 207 Ha of Pink-tailed Legless Lizard habitat, and 106 Ha of Gang-gang Cockatoo habitat. Surely the term "Critically Endangered' must ring some sort of alarm-bells within the IPCN? Surely clearing native vegetation on this scale cannot in any way be regarded as Ecologically Sustainable Development, Environmentally Acceptable, nor justifiable on any grounds? The Precautionary Principle should apply, and the proposal rejected. 2. Cumulative Impacts A major failing of the NSW Planning process has long been the failure to consider cumulative impacts and cumulative losses over time. Due to the proximity of the above native vegetation clearing to Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, the project will directly and indirectly impact upon the rich biodiversity, cultural heritage sites, threatened species habitats, and significant sandstone features of the Reserve. Approximately 5 kilometres of the OC4 Pit borders Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, while the Wilpinjong Mine adjoins 15 kilometres of the Reserve. The cumulative effect of Moolarben, Ulan, and Wilpinjong mines has already negatively affected the wider landscape and Goulburn River system. Collectively these mines are licensed to suck 56 million litres per day of groundwater from the landscape, making it drier and more fire-prone. That minewater is regarded as a waste product and dumped into the Goulburn River and its tributaries in the Upper Hunter catchment, significantly altering the natural flow regimes, increasing stream volume and peak flow, changing the hydrochemistry, and increasing downstream salinity by adding salt loads of 10–25 tonnes per day. At the very lease the IPCN must require a Buffer Zone of 300m of uncleared vegetation bordering Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. The discharge limit for Salinity in mine water must be reduced to 500 uS/cm from the proposed 900 uS/cm. 3. Impacts of water resources Increasing mine discharge from 10 million litres a day to 20 million litres a day as well as adding the equivalent of 30 tonnes of salt each day into the upper Goulburn River system threatens viability of the entire Hunter River system. And I don't understand how a discharge limit for salinity in minwater can be set at 900 uS/cm, which is contrary to the Hunter Salinity Trading Scheme which limits discharges to 600 uS/cm in the upper catchment? I believe that an Independent Regional Water Survey and cumulative impact study is urgently required before approval to determine the full impacts of all mining on groundwater drawdown in the region and river systems of the Upper Goulburn River catchment. 4. Off-site Habitat Enhancement is a farce I regard Biodiversity Offsetting as an absolute farce, and the proposed Off-site Habitat Enhancement as greenwashing of the worst kind. 5. Emissions Reduction and Climate Change The NSW Government has officially committed to reducing emissions with the introduction of the NSW Climate Change Act 2023. Adding more than 86 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions at a time when NSW is already projected to miss its targets cannot be reconciled with a credible pathway to net zero or a safe climate future. This proposal contravenes the NSW Climate Change Act 2023, and must be rejected. Conclusion I strongly urge the IPCN to reject this proposal in its entirety. Thankyou for this opportunity to provide comment Yours sincerely Chris Jonkers |
Name Redacted
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ID |
22901 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Website |
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Submission |
It is incredible that this extension plans to clear 600 hectares of koala habitat. Not only that, but the emissions from this project would threaten biodiversity. Australia has committed to net zero by 2050, and to have any chance at keeping global temperatures below 2 degrees Celsius of warming, we cannot afford to open any new coal or gas projects - including extensions. |
Gail Mensinga
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ID |
22911 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2477 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
See attached submission. |
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Attachments |
22911 - Gail Mensinga.pdf (PDF, 171.45 KB) |
Richard and Maria Maguire
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ID |
22916 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2145 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
My submission is attached |
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Attachments |
Submission on the Moolarben expansion.pdf (PDF, 223.01 KB) Unburnable Energy.pdf (PDF, 1.97 MB) Climate-of-the-Nation-2024-WEB.pdf (PDF, 2.9 MB) |
Jan Davis
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ID |
22921 |
|---|---|
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Organisation |
Hunter Environment Lobby Inc |
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Location |
New South Wales 2323 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
Please advise receipt of attachment |
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Attachments |
260217 Moolarben OC3_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 415.79 KB) |
Kate Moppett
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ID |
22926 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2066 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
My name is Kate Moppett, an individual citizen greatly concerned about the destruction to precious land, flora, fauna, water and local culture if this mine expansion is allowed. I am writing to register my strong objection to the expansion of this mine for the following reasons: • The 480 hectares of native bushland is proposed to be wilfully destroyed for NO benefit to the local area, NSW or Australia. It only benefits the Chinese state-owned enterprise which owns the majority of Yancoal. All they care about is money, not our country. They have even refused to allow a 500 metre buffer zone between Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and the open cut mine. • This 480 hectares of precious native bushland must NOT be Destroyed! It should be added to the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. • Because of Yancoal’s refusal to allow a 500 metre buffer zone, the proposed open cut mine pit would adjoin the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve one of the oldest conservation areas in NSW. If allowed to go ahead the disturbance from heavy machinery, air and water pollution, and draining of the water table will destroy the nature reserve’s assets as precious habitat – it will no longer be a haven for nature. • These 480 hectares of native bushland are home to at least 23 threatened species including critical habitat for a uniquely resilient koala population. • The greenhouse gas emissions during the life of the mine will add approximately 65 million tons to the atmosphere – making a mockery of the NSW Climate Change Act and the Paris Agreement. NSW is already failing to meet its 2030 and 2035 targets. • There is no benefit to the local job market or the prosperity of the local area as they are working in the renewable energy sector which is of far greater benefit than this coal mine expansion. This destruction MUST NOT BE ALLOWED! It is irretrievable and WHEN IT’S GONE IT’S GONE FOREVER. AND, the Chinese owners don’t care about Australia or the land they want to destroy, they only want the coal and the money. Sincerely Kate Moppett Lane Cove North 2066 |
Rodney Scott
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ID |
22931 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2290 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
More coal means higher CO2 affecting the whole planet. Destruction of the native habitat contributes to greater global emissions. Given where we are at with global warming and how it is adversely affecting our planet we must stop the madness of the fossil fuel lobby. How ludicrous is it to open ever more mining operations at this time. |
Keelah Lam
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ID |
22941 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2094 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
To whom it may concern: I was born in 1943, and grew up totally unaware of the colonial crimes against our indigenous population or massive destruction of so much of our natural heritage. We never had to think about availability of clean air or water. I am strongly opposed to the Moolarben Coal Mine (OC3) Extension Project. I visited Wollar near Mudgee recently to see the effects of Yancoal for myself and what is at stake. I met many concerned people, Manjo; from the nearby affected township of Mudgee, Bev Smiles of the Save Wollar group, Australian Youth Coalition and others. I had previously done a train trip through the coal mining district and was horrified to see the kilometres upon kilometres of ugly black denuded coal mines. I recognised the resulting huge amount of environmental damage and loss of rich farming lands which we in the cities depend on for our food, and thought about the loss of native species. The length/size of the coal trains headed to shipping our coal overseas was astounding. . Moolarben Coal Mine This coal mine is the biggest coal mine in NSW and has already bulldozed so much of our precious habitat trees which our threatened and endangered species depend on. Any extension of this mine, let alone the planned 10 year extension will cause irreparable loss. International global emissions added to by Moorlarben will be an unacceptable massive 64.6 million tonnes. . Habitats The new pit is not even planned to have the 500m buffer to protect wildlife. It is within special and important habitats, 113 hectares of koala habitat, 80 hectares of Regent Honey Eater habitat, 401 hectares of Woodland Box Gum habitat to name just a few. The expected loss of these valuable ecosystems in this natural environment is unacceptable. . The Wiradjuri homelands The Wiradjuri traditional owners of this land have been pushed aside and even today not listened to or their local knowledge heeded when they express their concerns for the preservation of their traditional homelands. This is unacceptable. Our indigenous owners of their land must be respected. . Extreme climate stress Climate cost will be even more disastrous. The climate crisis we’ve been warned about since last century is upon us. We observe the rapid changes from year to year. We are now, as you must be aware, all at the same time, experiencing drought, floods, wildfires and extreme heat. We are not even prepared for these disasters by good planning laws. The cost to the climate seems to mean nothing to Yancoal. Their intent seems to be only a money making grab before it becomes a stranded asset, and blow the local community who have already lost so much in economic and social costs. And blow the climate chaos. . Groundwater and creeks. The groundwater which sustains the wildlife in times of drought will suffer a calculated drawdown of 2-6 metres. The local ecosystem’s survival of tall trees and native species is dependent on water being maintained in the creeks and Goulburn River. But no baseline water monitoring has been proposed by Moorlarben before any approval may be given. Not only that, it is important for government agencies to check Moorlarben’s poor track records of environmental damage. . Jobs jobs jobs! My fat aunt! There has been no increase in mining jobs for years whilst on the other hand, the Mudgee area offers 2000 new jobs with the planned Central West Renewable Energy Zone. Moorlarben extension offers scant and limited economic value but will continue to create huge damage to the area and our climate. . Noise The day and night noise of bulldozers and dump trucks has a huge impact on the local population of Wollar residents, farmers and wildlife. Peabody i believe has used, it seems, the tactic of divide and conquer, scaring people off their lands, buying up and demolishing houses leaving the remaining and new community members with the struggle to save their community and its amazingly rich surviving environment. . Cumulative impact. Science informs us that serious irreversible damage caused by clearing threatened species habitat and rapacious mining leads to the increasing speed of extinctions. Australia’s record of extinctions is shameful. Who could have thought 80 years ago that koalas, platypus, greater gliders and so many other iconic Australian species would be heading for extinction? Which government of the day would knowingly put our unique Australian species, admired around the world, at risk of extinction? My submission offers but a few reasons for this 10 year extension, or any extension to go ahead. Please refuse this extension and give hope to our youth that they will inherit a liveable environment which they can work to improve and hand on to future generations. You must in all seriousness refuse the Moorlarben mine extension. With respect Keelah Lam Fairlight |
Eila Jameson-Avey
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ID |
22946 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2850 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
This submission formally objects to the Moolarben Open Cut 3 (OC3) Extension Project. I am a local Mid-Western Council resident, a mother of two and grandmother of five. I am a writer. I live on a 25-acre block which I have kept as native bushland to preserve the wildlife and flora of the area. I have many friends who support the wildlife of the region as rescuers. I strongly oppose this project due to the unacceptable environmental, social, and economic costs it will place on our local wildlife, the climate, and the volunteer community. Government assessments have noted there are numerous threats to the local fauna habitats near Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve due to blasting impacts on rocky features. The loss of these habitats will have a detrimental effect on the fauna, which will affect the ecology negatively, indiscriminately and permanently. The expansion of the mine will contribute to global warming. This exacerbates heatwaves, killing flora and fauna. The recent heatwave (January 2026) caused mass mortality events across Australia. Supporting a coal expansion that fuels these heatwaves is counterintuitive to wildlife survival. As a property owner using bore water, I am aware of the decreasing flow of underground springs, and this will only worsen through the groundwater drawdown of Murdering Creek and Moolarben Creek. These waterways are lifelines for wildlife during droughts. The Department’s assessment leaves the determination of "public interest" to the IPC. I submit that a project which generates 64.6 Mt of CO2, threatens groundwater lifelines, destroys critical habitat for vulnerable species, resulting in ecological trauma, is not in the public interest. For the sake of our wildlife, our waterways, our climate, and the mental well being of the community, I respectfully ask the IPC to reject the Moolarben OC3 Extension Project. Yours sincerely Eila Jameson-Avey |
Tracey Carpenter
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ID |
22956 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2010 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
As a long-time resident (and former Councillor and State seat candidate) of the Central West I oppose the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mine Extension Project, (Project Number SSD-33083358, and to continue decades of opposition to continued coal mining as a threat to our water, biodiversity and sustainable climate future. In the Central West we have bourne the impacts of mining, and coal mining in particular has had grave consequences through its destruction of our land, water, clean air, communities. The cumulative impact of the devastation of open cut and underground coal mining and transportation is particularly apparent along the Goulburn River. I have watched over the past decade as the mines have destroyed vast swathes of land, ground and surface water and emptied towns of their families and communities. The proposal to extend the climate impacts of reliance of this carbon intensive industry is long past the point of social license and it is urgent that our legal process catch up with the seriousness of the climate impacts of the coal industry both on the local community across the country and internationally. I have visited the region over many decades and most recently joined a study tour with the Knitting Nannas which took in the Wollar Village, Munghorne Gap Nature Reserve and the Drip Gorge, located in the Goulburn River State Conservation Area 50 km north of Mudgee. The Drip Gorge Conservation area has indeed grown in popularity and was thronged by tourists demonstrating its value as a major tourist attraction for the district. There can be no restoration or rehabilitation of the damage done to nature (land, water, biodiversity and human health) but I am grateful that so many of the people of the district are resilient and putting up such strong effort to protect the country and the vulnerable and threatened species that stand on the precipice of extinction due to the rapid expansion of coal mining’s footprint. I strongly oppose Yancoal's expansion plans to make life even more unbearable for the the people living near the Wollar Village and encroaching on one of our oldest and most unique Nature Reserves in a drying and heating environment. To further jeopardise the ground and surface waters that support the sacred Gorge and vital Goulburn Rivers is an act of bastardry. If this were to occur, the disruptions caused by mining could destabilise the Drip area to a point where public access to The Drip would be removed for safety reasons. This would deprive Mudgee of an important tourist attraction. But there are also serious environmental concerns. We understand that final decisions on Yancoal's extraction plan are happening now. We urge you not to support this extension and would refer you to research that says this plan to extend underground mining risks fracturing and draining groundwater (aquifers) that flow into the Goulburn River, removing critical base flows in times of drought. I strongly object to any approval of the proposed Moolarben Open Cut 3 expansion. The current approval is to 2038 and given the rapidly changing landscape as a consequence of climate change [2], there can be no justification for approvals such as this one, beyond 2038. The proposal’s amendment Yancoal’s proposed amendment, which has delayed community consultation, does not reduce the proposed mine’s footprint or limit its destruction and their offer to manage adjacent areas of its proposed destruction can only be called greenwashing. The proposed mine would be surrounded on three sides by Munghorn Nature reserve and would be a gaping wound in a piece of nature which is a refuge for wildlife and their unique ecosystems. This area needs to be incorporated into the reserve, one of Australia’s oldest reserves, rather than having the reserve subject to 24/7 industrial blasting and dust on three of its borders. An arial view of the map shows clearly how the proposal cuts into the shape of the park and runs adjacent to its long and curved perimeter. No approval of any expansions should happen without an in-depth review of the cumulative impacts of mining developments in this area. The argument to incorporate the valley into the existing reserve rather than creating massive stress to the reserve, takes into consideration the huge loss of nature created by the three major mines in the area (Ulan, Moolarben and Wilpinjong Coal Mines). Their total footprint is 190 square kilometres: 70 km2 above ground, 120km2 below ground.[3] The Ulan Coal Mine Modification 6 and 8 and the Wilpinjong Coal Mine Modification 3 will impact an additional large area of similar landscape, connected water sources, rich biodiversity and cultural heritage values. No assessment has been made of the three mines’ cumulative impacts on the natural environment, including: - massive impact on the hydrology of the local area through using megalitres of water and releasing contaminated saline water (4) - huge losses to endangered flora and fauna habitat Habitat destruction cannot be justified or compensated by biodiversity offset This proposal includes clearing 113 hectares of koala habitat (one mother and joey sighted right in the middle of a proposed pit): 80 hectares of Regent Honeyeater habitat where breeding pairs have been sighted (only 250-350 breeding pairs in existence); and up to 401 hectares of the nationally endangered Box Gum Woodland ecosystem. These impacts as well as those on the endangered microbats and the Broadheaded Snake are assessed to be so severe that the NSW Environment Department has recommended a 500metre buffer to protect the reserve. The chance of mine blasting destabilising the bat’s roosting and breeding cliffs in Munghorn is too great. Given the bigger picture of large-scale destruction of habitat and ecosystems of the three mines, the only appropriate action is to refuse this proposal and to instead incorporate the whole proposed mine expansion area as reserve. This flora and fauna are too close to extinction to have some of their last remaining habitat, critical to their survival, destroyed. They may even get the chance to recover if the reserve, as we recommend, is expanded and saved from the proposed blasting, noise, coal dust and massive void. There is no way biodiversity offsets could compensate for loss of such a unique landscape. Climate impacts are inconsistent with Net Zero Commission’s findings and climate change This proposal is in contradiction of NSW Government’s Climate Change Act and therefore must not be approved. The electorate of NSW has been assured that NSW will meet its obligations, yet that will be impossible if business as usual approvals of massive coal mine expansions are allowed. This proposal does not make any reference to the Net Zero Commission’s Coal Mine Emissions Spotlight Report Finding 4, which states that: “Continued extensions or expansions to coal mining in NSW are not consistent with the emissions reduction targets in the Climate Change Act or the Paris Agreement temperature goals it gives effect to”. The NSW Government is not on track to achieve either the 2030 or 2035 emissions reduction targets, which it has promised its electorate. Consequently, there can be no justification to approve an estimated 64.6Mt of total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. Scope 3 emissions must be considered The failure of the proposal to include the consideration of the Denman case is grounds to reject the proposal. There has been no attempt to quantify the full economic costs of Scope 3 downstream emissions in Australia and in the local area, even though Scope 3 emissions make up 99% of all emissions from the project. As now a Sydney Knitting Nanna we were in the Court of Appeal to hear the arguments and the unanimous findings of the three justices of the Denman case.[5] The appeal was heard in the same week that five people in the Hunter Region drowned in unprecedented climate-affected flooding. The decision was handed down on the same day that Advisory Opinion on climate change by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was announced in the morning news bulletins.[6] Scope 3 emissions can no longer be ignored. Further damaging impacts There has been inadequate consideration given to the 5metre drawdown in the alluvium of Moolarben Creek which feeds into the Goulburn River. The damage to deep-rooted vegetation and the ecosystems it sustains must be given high priority. Importantly, it should be noted that the mine does not have a good history of its water estimates.[7] There is a huge risk of the blasting destabilising the cliffs. This is a landscape milennia in the making as are the adjacent ecosystems, and if damaged the loss is forever. Harm to the cultural heritage of the Wiradjuri people There are 55 Aboriginal heritage sites within the footprint of the proposal and there are dozens more which may be indirectly affected. It is unacceptable that further fracturing of the landscape would be allowed without full consideration of the right to practice culture on country. As indicated before, the cumulative degradation of land from open cut and underground mining in the local area must be considered. Even the cumulative loss from just the current and proposed Moolarben mine is unacceptably high. Respecting the rights of the traditional owners should be the first consideration and the proposal must be rejected. The declaration of a renewable energy zone This proposal cannot be justified by the need for employment as Mudgee is part of the Central West Renewable Energy Zone. There is a shortage of workers for this forward-looking industry, and it is being welcomed by the local community who have endured 24/7 industrial noise, blasting, dust, and air/water/land pollution and the loss of the natural landscape caused by the mines. I strongly object to the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mine Extension Project, Project Number SSD-33083358. [1] https://knittingnannas.org/sydney/ [2]https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/05/flawed-economic-models-mean-climate-crisis-could-crash-global-economy-experts-warn [3]https://www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/pac/projects/2018/10/bylong-coal-project/presentations-and-comments/cumulative-impacts-goulburn-river-final-nov-2018.pdf [4] (Extract from [3]. The estimated total water intercepted and extracted in the relatively dry year of 2014, as reported in the three mine water balances (Ulan, Moolarben and Wilpinjong Coal Mines) was in excess of 8,500 ML/year (UCML, 2014; MCC, 2014; WilpinjongCoal, 2015a). During 2014 the cumulative mine water usage was around 4,000 ML/year. This equates to about one third of the total annual flow in the Goulburn River as measured at the downstream Coggan stream gauge over the same period (11,951 ML/year at GS210006). [5] https://www.johnsonlegal.au/newsfeed/denman-aberdeen-muswellbrook-scone-healthy-environment-group-v-mach-energy-and-independent-planning-commission [6] https://envirojustice.org.au/what-the-icj-ruling-means-for-australias-environment-laws/ [7] Extract from [3]. In 2015 Moolarben Coal Mine modelling predicted groundwater inflows to their Underground One mine (UG1) to be less than 1ML/day peaking at around 1.5 ML/day (MCC, 2015). When underground mining commenced in 2017, the actual water make in the first 6 months exceeded 5 ML/day10 Groundwater modelling was subsequently amended and recalibrated to capture the significant unpredicted mine inflows which increased to over 6 ML/day in 2018. The adjusted modelling now predicts a maximum peaking at 17.27 ML/day in 2025 (MCC, 2017b). This represents a more than 10 fold increase in the maximum water make than originally predicted and a significant increase in interference to the groundwater system by the Moolarben Coal Mine. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
22961 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2043 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
We should be aiming to reduce the amount of coal mining, I don't believe I need to explain why - there is enough scientific evidence to back this up. Let's think about our earth's future instead of more profits for mining companies. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
22966 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2848 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am a local resident and oppose the proposed expansion to the open-cut coal mine which would clear around 480 hectares of native vegetation and extend to within 100 metres of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, threatening a high-biodiversity landscape that should instead be protected and incorporated into the reserve. At least 23 threatened species occur in the area, including a breeding koala population. Yancoal’s expansion would irreversibly damage ecosystems, destroying 113 hectares of koala habitat, 80 hectares of Regent Honeyeater habitat, and up to 401 hectares of endangered Box Gum Woodland. Severe impacts on multiple species, inadequate assessment of noise and blasting, and refusal of a 500-metre buffer highlight unacceptable environmental risks. Moreover, the proposed extension would produce 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions—about 58% of NSW’s annual total—yet the assessment overlooks findings that new coal expansions conflict with climate laws and targets. It ignores legal requirements to consider downstream emissions and fails to address resulting climate, economic, and social costs. This disastrous impact on local biodiversity and huge contribution to GHG emissions will come without the potential for increased employment for locals; promising little economic benefits despite huge environmental costs. I am deeply concerned about coal mining in New South Wales and the cost to the community in negative climate impacts, loss of local biodiversity, and negative cultural and social impacts. There are many other employment opportunities in this region including tourism, agriculture and renewable energy. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. |
Peter Avey
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ID |
22971 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2850 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Subject: Formal objection to the Moolarben Open Cut 3 (OC3) Extension Project Dear IPC, I am a father of two and a grandfather of one, and I live nearby the proposed mine expansion. As a long-term resident in the region, I am deeply concerned about the OC3 Extension and its potential impacts on my family, our community, and the local environment. I strongly oppose this project due to the unacceptable environmental, social, and economic costs it would impose on our wildlife, climate, and the volunteer community that sustains our region. Government assessments have highlighted multiple threats to local fauna and their habitats near Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve arising from blasting and disruption to rocky features. The loss and degradation of these habitats would have a detrimental, widespread, and lasting impact on wildlife and the broader ecosystem. The expansion of the mine would contribute to global warming, intensifying heatwaves that harm flora and fauna. The recent extreme heat events have already caused significant ecological stress across Australia; supporting coal expansion that worsens these conditions contradicts our responsibility to wildlife and future generations. As a local resident who relies on bore water, I am acutely aware of the declining flow of underground springs. Groundwater drawdown associated with Murdering Creek and Moolarben Creek threatens essential lifelines for wildlife and for our community, especially during droughts. While the Department’s assessment leaves the determination of “public interest” to the IPC, I submit that a project emitting approximately 64.6 Mt of CO2, compromising groundwater lifelines, and destroying critical habitats for vulnerable species constitutes an unacceptable public interest outcome. The risks to climate, water security, and biodiversity are irreversibly harmful. For the sake of our wildlife, our waterways, our climate, and the mental wellbeing of our community—especially families like mine who live in close proximity to the project—I respectfully urge the IPC to reject the Moolarben OC3 Extension Project. Yours sincerely Peter Avey [Nearby residence, Mid-Western NSW] |
Diane O'Mara
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ID |
22976 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2852 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Di O’Mara Submission To: NSW Independent Planning Commission Subject: Formal Submission of Strong Objection – Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project (SSD-33083358) This submission formally objects to the proposed Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension. The development of four new open-cut pits on the floor of the Moolarben Valley represents an unacceptable risk to both the state’s fiscal stability and its unique biodiversity. The project directly contradicts the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and ignores the transition toward a renewable economy already underway in the Central-West Orana region. 2. Massive Climate Costs vs. NSW Legislated Goals Approving this extension means locking in 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. To put that in perspective: Breaking our Promises: NSW has a legal plan to cut emissions by 50% by 2030, yet as of early 2026, we are officially falling behind. Approving a massive new coal project now is like trying to put out a fire while pouring more petrol on it—it makes our state's goals impossible to reach. A Bad Deal for Taxpayers: The project claims it will bring in about $152 million in royalties. That sounds like a lot until you look at the "bill" climate change is sending us. Disasters like floods and fires are already costing Australia $38 billion every single year. The damage caused by the emissions from this one mine extension would likely cost society more than the mine will ever pay in royalties. It’s a net loss for the public. The Insurance Crisis: As climate disasters get worse and more frequent, insurance companies are hiking their prices. Right now, 1 in 8 households can barely afford to insure their homes. When people can’t afford insurance, the government (and the taxpayer) has to pick up the tab for rebuilding after a disaster. By expanding coal mines, the NSW government is essentially creating a permanent, multi-billion-dollar debt that our kids will have to pay. 3. Threat to Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve & Endangered Species The proposed pits bring high-intensity mining within 100–500 metres of the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve (MGNR), one of the oldest conservation reserves in NSW. Serious and Irreversible Impacts The NSW Department of Climate Change has warned that the extension could significantly contribute to the extinction of four species in NSW. Regent Honeyeater (Critically Endangered): The project will clear 81 hectares of "important mapped habitat." With the global wild population at critically low levels, the destruction of this "stepping stone" habitat between the MGNR and Goulburn River National Park is an unacceptable risk. Koala (Endangered): The valley floor habitat is recognized as "critical to the survival" of a climate-resilient local population. The project will clear 113 hectares of this habitat, creating a hostile industrial barrier to movement. Cave-Dwelling Microbats: Blasting vibration and habitat removal target a regional hotspot for the Large-eared Pied Bat and Eastern Cave Bat. 4. Redundant Economic Argument: Jobs and REZ Integration The proponent’s claim that this extension is necessary for regional security is factually unsupported: The REZ Advantage: Mudgee, Gulgong, and Ulan sit within the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone. This zone is projected to create 2,800+ jobs and attract $25 billion in investment—providing a far more stable and sustainable economic anchor than a 10-year coal extension. Existing Longevity: The Moolarben Complex is already approved to operate until 2038. This extension is not required to save current jobs; it is a push for increased extraction volume at the height of a climate crisis. The Moolarben OC3 Extension Project represents ‘a step too far’ into the southern Moolarben Valley. It offers diminishing economic returns to the local community while imposing massive, long-term climate and biodiversity liabilities on the people of New South Wales. I strongly urge the Commission to reject this application in its entirety. |
Erica Nash
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ID |
22986 |
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Organisation |
Cattai Hills Environment Network Inc |
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Location |
New South Wales 2156 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Mrs Erica Nash 17 February 2026 Independent Planning Commission of NSW Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure Re: Moolarben OC3 Extension Project (SSD – 33083358) Dear Sir/ Madam, I wish to object to the proposed extension of the existing OC3 pit allowing Moolarben Coal Operations Pty Ltd (MCO) to develop four new open cut pits along the Moolarben Valley. My reasons for the objection include: Loss of Biodiversity 1) The proximity of the mine to the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, in particular the rocky cliffs and crevices which support several threatened microbat species chiefly the Large eared Pied Bat and the Eastern Cave Bat. Compared with the Grey Headed Flying Fox, these species might be smaller in size, but they are some of the greatest pollinators of native plants and help to keep insect populations in balance. Continual noise from the accumulative effects of blasting and movement of heavy machinery not just at Moolarben but also the nearby mines of Ulan and Wilpinjong may lead to subsidence of the rocky cliffs, crevices and caves where the microbats roost and breed with detrimental effects on their populations. In addition, bright night lighting which is characteristic of mining operations will continue to impact the travelling routes which microbats undertake every night. Whilst the bright lights might be insect attracting, it will also expose the bats to predation, further diminishing their numbers and eventually result in them abandoning their sites with little certainty of return. 2) The critically endangered Regent Honeyeater breeds between Capertee Valley and the Mudgee- Wollar Key Biodiversity Area (KBA). The latter encompassing Goulburn River National Park, Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, west to Gulgong and Mudgee and the woodlands around Mudgee, Ulan and Wollar. KBAs are globally significant sites for conservation which are crucial to the survival of unique species and ecosystems. Recently, the Australian Government provided substantial funding across four years from May 2024- 2028 to the Central Tablelands Local Landcare Service for the “Rescuing Regent Project” and the “Woodland Birds on Farms” Project in the Hunter Valley to help secure important refuge areas and habitats. It is estimated that only 400 birds currently exist in the wild and because the population is small, the birds are unable to find each other through loss of song connections. Captive bred birds are exposed to song recordings in the hope that when released they will be able to find others of the same species. However, the biggest issue at stake for all Biodiversity in relation to mining operations is from land clearing, where it is estimated that 480 Ha along with 113 Ha of known Koala Habitat is slated for removal. This will result in a significant loss of Native vegetation, vital habitat and connectivity, so important for ongoing survival of every species. Impact on the environment 3) Whilst it’s admirable that mining supports the local community by providing employment and skills, the question remains at what cost to the environment? • As pointed out by Nature Conservation Council (NSW), is it “the estimated 64 million tonnes of climate pollution that would be added at a time when NSW is failing to meet its legislated climate targets”? World-wide, including Australia there are ever increasing climate related disasters observed every day or reported via media outlets. • Or is it the proposal to extract 40 million tonnes of thermal coal for overseas export until 2034? • When will a mining giant such as Yancoal, Glencore or Peabody ever stand up for this beautiful part of the world which is being ravaged to within an inch of its life and say: “We are ceasing all mining activities. Instead, we are going to expand Munghorn Nature Reserve and make it one continuous conservation area.” “However, first, we need to acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, the Wiradjuri peoples whose cultural heritage will be impacted if mining continues. For too long they have been dispossessed from Country, and only now we see the importance for restoration and healing to begin”. Kind regards Erica Nash Cattai - Hills Environment Network Inc (NSW) |
Peter Stuart
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ID |
22996 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2118 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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At a time when climate change caused by increased CO2 in the atmosphere is already making weather events more severe and temperatures are rising, it seems inconceivable that any responsible government would approve yet another coal mine expansion. Coal is only mined for one reason - to be burnt somewhere in the world. I urge the commission to reject the proposal on deteriorating climate grounds alone. |
Stephanie Luke
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ID |
23001 |
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Organisation |
Central West Knitting Nannas |
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Location |
New South Wales 2795 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
On behalf of the Central West Knitting Nannas, I am writing to say that we strongly object to this mine expansion. Our mission statement - we are “a diverse group who want to use the time we have to save land, air and water for everyone! We share info, write to politicians and protest when all else fails. We are particularly concerned about our rivers and the threat from mining.” In this spirit we raise concerns (amongst other things) about the draw down of underground water for the next few decades which will jeopardize the wildlife refuge created in nearby creeks and forests. We are also appalled at the ongoing mining of coal as a viable and sustainable fuel. This is sabotaging our transition to clean energy. The mid west has other opportunities available and weaning us off old dangerous technology needs to start yesterday. We implore you to think beyond the next ten years. Thankyou. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23006 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I live in Katoomba, and am grateful for the environmental protections given to the Blue Mountains national parks and world heritage area. I urge the Minns Government to value the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve as equal to other conservation areas. There is unique biodiversity that needs protection from industry. We also cannot afford to expand any fossil fuel projects, let alone the largest producing coal mine in NSW. The NSW Government cannot meet its climate targets, and the Australian Government cannot meet the Paris Agreement - by expanding existing projects or opening new fossil fuel projects. |
Marysia Derewlany
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ID |
23011 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion. I am providing this submission because I am deeply concerned that humanity is heading toward irreversible climate change. The mining and use of fossil fuels such as coal is causing devastating impacts today and if unabated will result in a world which will be unliveable for most, if not all of humanity. I am incredulous and intensely frustrated that most people are not concerned about this situation and are not demanding that governments take action to ensure this does not occur. The Moolarben project is contrary to the climate goals the NSW government as signatory to the NSW Climate Change Act and Paris Agreement and does not take into account that NSW is already unlikely to meet its emission reduction targets. Preserving the natural environment is essential to fostering a liveable future. The proposed expansion area will destroy a landscape and ecosystem which should be protected as part of a single conservation area together with the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. The mine will cause unacceptable and irreversible impacts to threatened species and ecosystem in both areas. In addition, it will result in serious and long-lasting risks to groundwater and creeks which are critical drought refuges for wildlife. The expansion will seriously harm Wiradjuri people’ cultural heritage including irreplaceable cultural artefacts and undermine their ability to practice culture and maintain connection to country. First Nations culture must be protected and fostered. There is no justification for expanding coal mining in this region given that coal jobs at the existing mines have not been filled for some time. Also, it is expected that approximately 2,000 new jobs will be created over the coming decade from renewable projects in the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone which will provide good job opportunities in the region. The economic case for the expansion is further weakened by the projected decline in the demand by for Australian thermal coal. Yancoal has submitted minor amendments to its proposal. The changes do not reduce clearing of native vegetation and the proposal would still have severe impacts on biodiversity. In view of the significant negative impacts and lack of public benefit from job creation, I believe the Independent Planning Commission should recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be rejected. Yours sincerely Marysia Derewlany |
Stephen Nugent
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ID |
23016 |
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New South Wales 2800 |
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17/02/2026 |
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Written submission uploaded. |
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23016 - Stephen Nugent_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 4.22 MB) |
Bronwyn Vost
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ID |
23021 |
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New South Wales 2193 |
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17/02/2026 |
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Dear Commissioners, I am a 76-year-old woman who was born and raised in rural NSW. I have lived in this state all my life. I am extremely worried about the effect this mine extension would have on the climate, biodiversity and water resources of NSW. Yancoal proposes to extend the existing OC3 open cut pit and to develop four new open cut pits along the floor of the Moolarben Valley. This proposal must not be permitted. Biodiversity and extinctions The Biodiversity, Conservation and Science Group within the NSW DCCEEW states in its contribution to this project, “We have identified that the revised project is likely to result in a serious and irreversible impact (SAII) on Box Gum Woodland CEEC, regent honeyeater, broad-headed snake, eastern cave bat and large-eared pied bat.” A Serious and Irreversible Impact (SAII) on a species means extinction. (In official language, the species is “unlikely to respond to management”.) That one project could be allowed to cause the extinction of four species of animal and one community of plants is beyond belief, even given Australia’s shameful record as the top country causing extinctions. Impacts on the state’s Koala species would also be dire. This region is home to a particularly climate-robust population of koalas which “has survived recent and historical temperature increases, drought and bushfires successfully”. The Moolarben project would destroy habitat which this population relies on to survive. Given the increases in temperature which have already occurred in Australia and are further predicted, a drought-defying population could be critical to the survival of the species in the country as a whole. Water Open-cut mines lower the water table of a region because water drains to the lowest point. Because of its depth, the Moolarben project would lower the local water table by 5 metres, causing the death of deep-rooted trees, the drying up of previously permanent water attractions such as ‘The Drip’ and the failure of local agricultural bores. Climate change The over-arching problem associated with this project is climate change. Every approval of a large coal mine such as Moolarben increases carbon pollution in the atmosphere. The resultant climate chaos causes NSW to carry a heavy burden of damage. The Department’s economic assessment guidelines for coal mining are more than ten years old and wildly out of date in their accounting of the social costs of carbon pollution. The Strategic Statement on Coal, created by former Deputy Premier John Barilaro in 2020, continues to be cited and relied upon and seriously undermines efforts to pursue fair and effective action on climate change. Commissioners, I urge you not to be tempted to rely on this government policy. The Net Zero Commission has warned the NSW Government that “Continued extensions or expansions to coal mining in NSW are not consistent with the emissions reduction targets in the Climate Change Act or the Paris Agreement temperature goals it gives effect to.” In other words, the Government is in breach of its own legislation. Postponement of IPC Hearing Yancoal has succeeded in having the IPC Hearing postponed, disrupting the community consultation process. I believe that the amendments which they propose do not improve Yancoal’s case, however, because they do not reduce the clearing of native vegetation at all. Intergenerational equity Having lived in NSW all my life, I am distressed that, if large mines such as Moolarben are approved, my 7 grandchildren will not have the same experience that I had of an environment that is able to support them in safety and abundance. Commissioners, I urge you to reject this proposal and thus protect the environment for the younger generations and those to come. Yours sincerely, Bronwyn Vost. |
Wendy Wales
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ID |
23026 |
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Organisation |
Denman Aberdeen Muswellbrook Scone Healthy Environment Group INC (DAMS HEG) |
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New South Wales 2333 |
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17/02/2026 |
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Denman Aberdeen Muswellbrook Scone Healthy Environment Group Inc is located in the Upper Hunter coalfields. We are dedicated to providing community voice to industry and all levels of government in defense of our natural environment in the interests of human health and wellbeing, and the protection of biodiversity. Objection to: Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Mine Extension Project SSD 33083358. Dear Sir/Madam, We object to extending the Moolarben coal mining complex, overarchingly because of its Climate Change impacts. Climate change is wreaking havoc well beyond the coal lease but simultaneously and uniquely exacerbates local environmental consequences by way of extreme weather events like severe heatwaves, fires, flooding and extended intense drought. Clearing 480 Ha and destroying 113 Ha obviously degrades the environmental and cultural qualities of the area. Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, the second oldest reserve in Australia is adjacent to Moolaben project. The industrial scale noise of 24/7 heavy machinery and frequent blasts along with dust impact Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, frays the nerves of human visitors but is a significant stress for many native species. This country is habitat to a wide range of native birds, highly sensitive microbats, koalas etc. The expansion would bring irreversible impacts on groundwater and the Goulburn River. There would be permanent loss of freshwater springs to feed the Goulburn River and intensified control of that river at its head-waters. Around the country, Australian native bird populations are in decline. There are 164 different bird species recorded in Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve which is protected for environmental and cultural reasons. Among those bird species, the critically endangered nomadic Regent Honey Eater is one known to breed in Munghorn Gap. The Regent Honeyeater was once found from Rockhampton to Adelaide, but is now confined to Victoria and New South Wales, on the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range. Clearing and mining 113 Ha adjacent to Munghorn clearly disrupts connectivity and is a serious incremental annihilation of available habitat and a deterioration in the chain of survivability for all the living things, tens of millions of years in the evolving, associated with the area and beyond. Plants and animals do not simply “go somewhere else”. The “somewhere else places” are already occupied to their capacity. This represents a net loss for populations, including those of the uniquely resilient local population of otherwise endangered koalas. When the costs of the impact of climate change on NSW already (extreme drought, bushfires and flood events plus a myriad of local variations and disruptions to the built and natural environment- eg land slips, sewage backups into homes, road, spillway and bridge washouts, ) is factored in, along with the on going and increasingly difficult challenge for climate refugees, there is clearly no cost benefit to support the expansion of the Moolarben coal project. We draw your attention to last year’s decision in the NSW Court of Appeal, known as The Denman Decision, where the judges unanimously agreed consideration had not been given to the local impacts of Scope 3 emissions for the Mount Pleasant Optimisation Project. Short term profit, royalties and jobs from export coal will be history long before our planet’s climate stabilises. Relevantly the NSW Net Zero Commission’s 2025 Coal Mining Emissions Spotlight Report identified “Continued extensions or expansions to coal mining in NSW are not consistent with the emissions reduction targets in the Climate Change Act or the Paris Agreement temperature goals it gives effect to.” In 2022, Prof Penny Sackett, former Chief Scientist for Australia 2008-2011 explained “A warmer atmosphere can hold more water vapour than a cooler atmosphere; this relationship alone can increase moisture in the atmosphere by 7% for every degree Celsius of global warming, causing likelihood of heavy rainfall events. Increased atmospheric moisture can also provide more energy for some processes that generate extreme rainfall events, which further increases the likelihood of heavy rainfall. In future, NSW can expect more frequent extreme precipitation events like those of February and March 2022.” Sydney has since recorded it wettest 5 years on record, with the 2025 “Taree” flood event having devastating impacts well south in Newcastle (including serious suburban landslip), on rail and the Central Coast Clearly doing away with the legal protections in place will not make climate change go away. We urge that Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Mine Extension Project SSD 33083358 not be approved. Yours sincerely, Wendy Wales For DAMS HEG Inc. |
Gordon Kennard
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ID |
23031 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2515 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Ms Janett Milligan, Mr Richard Pearson, Mr Michael Wright, Dear Commissioners, ***************** In relation to the proposal for an extension to the current Moolarben coal mining activities ***************** Please don't sell our children's future. – Humans – and the plants and animals in the surrounding environment – need the enormous amount of ground-water that mines use, uncontaminated with a serious build-up of coal dust. In Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve – twenty metres from current mining operations – koalas and many other 'rare sprcies' (including Regent Honeyeaters and micro-bats – the bats that use echo-location to find their dinner, which they can't do against significant industrial noise) are very likely to reveal important breakthroughs to science/medicine. Also, any extra employment generated could easily be absorbed by longer-term jobs in the nearby Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone – and the coal industry may well collapse, leaving no jobs – just a big environmental mess, (such as we're dealing with here in the Illawarra)! . Thanks, commissioners, for your careful consideration of this and other submissions. – Please don't sell our children's future. And thanks to your staff, Gordon Kennard. |
Joanne Moylan
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ID |
23036 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2084 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I am writing to express my opposition to the Moolarben OC3 Coal Complex Expansion. This Coal mine is already the largest coalmine in NSW. If approved, 113 Hectares of Koala Habitat will be destroyed, also threatening local populations of the threatened Regent Honeyeater and Microbats. 64 million tonnes of climate pollution will be added to our atmosphere. Climate Change is already causing significant flooding and bushfires both here and in many other countries. The national area-averaged mean temperature in Australia in January 2026 was 1.90 °C above the 1961–1990 average, the fourth-warmest January on record since national observations began in 1910. Area-averaged mean temperature for all states and territories except Queensland and Tasmania were in the top ten warmest on record for January for the respective state or territory. We cannot afford to ignore the effect of burning fossil fuels is having on our climate. The proposed amendments do not reduce the clearing of native vegetation, are far too late to be considered, and the proposal still would have severe impacts on biodiversity. The proposed amendments would not reduce the amount of climate pollution added to our atmosphere. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23041 |
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Location |
Queensland 4553 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Moolarben OC3 expansion would clear 113 hectares of koala habitat, where breeding has been recorded (Koala populations Australia-wide are in rapid decline), destroy Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat, and bring mining within 100 metres of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. It would add an estimated 64 million tonnes of climate pollution — at a time when NSW is already failing to meet its legislated climate targets, and communities here in NSW and across the world are facing climate-fuelled disasters. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23046 |
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Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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The area has incredible importance for biodiversity and there have been 23 threatened wildlife species recorded in and around the site, including habitat that is critical to the survival of the Koala in a uniquely resilient population. The mine will also destroy habitat and is likely to cause serious and irreversible impact to threatened wildlife like the Large-eared Pied Bat, Eastern Cave Bat and Regent Honeyeater, and will also clear endangered Box Gum Woodland. It will also lead to water drawdown of up to 5m in the alluvium of Moolarben Ck, which runs into the Goulburn River, and represents a risk to deep-rooted vegetation that uses that water. The mine will cause serious harm to cultural heritage - there are 55 Aboriginal heritage sites within the mine footprint that will be directly impacted and a further 12 that may be indirectly impacted. The mine will also harm NSW by contributing to runaway climate change, with the NSW Net Zero Commission stating clearly in their recent Coal Mine Emissions Spotlight Report that any further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with achieving NSW climate targets or with a safe climate. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23051 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2795 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I don’t like to see that the open-cut coal mine is going to encroach so close to Munghorn Gap nature reserve. I’ve been there on about 5 occasions bushwalking and camping. Particularly enjoy the tranquillity of the area and the interesting birdlife. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23056 |
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Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is [redacted]. I am a land use planner in my 50s, and I am writing to object to Yancoal's proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I know the Mudgee region well. My family and I have attended the annual Mudgee Bike Muster several times over the years. That weekend event is about cycling but also much more. It’s about what makes the region work: the vineyards, the food producers, the small towns, the landscape itself. People travel there because the Central West still feels like something worth enjoying and protecting. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate, economy and community, and should not be approved. This biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected, not turned into an open-cut coal mine. As a land use planner, I look at proposals through the lens of competing uses and long-term value. This expansion fails both tests. On threatened species and habitat loss: The proposal would clear over 113 hectares of koala habitat where breeding koalas have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. It would destroy up to 401 hectares of nationally endangered Box Gum Woodland. Once cleared, this habitat cannot be replaced. Offsets do not work when you are destroying habitat that is already supporting threatened species. Mining within 100 metres of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve—one of the oldest conservation reserves in the state—puts the reserve itself at risk from noise, blasting, and vibration impacts that have been poorly assessed. On water and groundwater risks: The project is expected to cause groundwater drawdown of 2–6 metres, potentially lasting up to 25 years after mining stops. Moolarben Creek is a critical drought refuge for wildlife. Independent experts have warned that groundwater-dependent ecosystems along the creek, including deep-rooted riparian trees, will be affected by drawdown of up to 5 metres in the alluvium. Yancoal's proposed amendment to conduct 12 months of groundwater monitoring studies *before* they commence mining is inadequate. Baseline groundwater monitoring should occur before a project is approved, not after. Their poor track record of water monitoring compliance elsewhere in the mine complex does not inspire confidence. On climate impacts: This project would generate an estimated 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its life—equivalent to around 58% of NSW's total annual emissions. The Department's assessment ignores the Net Zero Commission's clear finding that further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act and the Paris Agreement. NSW is already off track to meet its 2030 and 2035 targets. Approving this expansion makes those targets even less achievable. The Commission has a duty to consider whether it is in a position to make judgements that flatly and clearly contradict both State legislation and international agreement. On lack of public benefit: The expansion creates no new jobs. The Moolarben mine will continue operating until at least 2038 regardless of this expansion, and coal jobs in the region have remained unfilled for years. Meanwhile, Mudgee sits within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, where renewable energy projects are expected to create around 2,000 new jobs over the next decade. Yancoal has indicated that 65% of coal from Moolarben will go to China, with the remainder split between South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, and others. Given the forecasted decline in Australian thermal coal demand—especially to China and South Korea—the economic argument is even weaker than Yancoal claims. We are now reaching the point at which it is cheaper to build new solar power plants that it is just to buy the coal for existing coal power plants. The idea that there will be a market for coal from Mudgee into the next decade is wholly illusory. On the proposed amendments: The last-minute amendments do not reduce the mine footprint or any vegetation clearing. They propose offsite "habitat enhancement" that will not lessen the serious impacts on threatened species and ecosystems. Making changes at this stage undermines the consultation process and appears to be an attempt to greenwash a damaging project. The amendments are far too late to be considered, and the proposal would still have severe impacts on biodiversity. On cumulative impact: There has been poor assessment of the cumulative impact of this expansion combined with neighbouring mine expansions—Ulan Coal Mine Modifications 6 and 8, and Wilpinjong Coal Mine Modification 3. All these proposals impact the same threatened species, connected water sources, and cultural heritage values across a similar landscape. From a land use planning perspective, this proposal represents poor sequencing, poor prioritization, and above all, poor regional strategy. The Mudgee region's future lies in its landscape, its food and wine economy, its tourism value, and the renewable energy zone it sits within. This expansion delivers none of that. It locks in decades of environmental damage for export coal with a declining market, while the region is actively trying to build a post-coal economy. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, [redacted] |
Diana Combe
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ID |
23066 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2137 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I am very much opposed to Yancoal's proposal to expand its Moolarben coal mine. Although I live in Sydney, I have family in Mudgee and I visit the Central west regularly and enjoy the beautiful countryside and wild areas. I love this area and am concerned about this proposal for many reasons. I am a retired scientist and teacher, with children and grandchildren who enjoy visiting the beauty of nature in this area. This expansion would clear hundreds of hectares of native vegetation including hundreds of acres of endangered Box Gum woodland. This is currently habitat for many precious native animals and birds. This includes areas known to have breeding koalas. It includes areas known to have breeding regent honeyeaters. We can't possibly justify threatening these species. Water is a precious resource for our forests and for us all. This proposal would draw deeply in the Moolarben Creek and would adversely affects the deep rooted trees around the Goulburn River. Finally, we simply don't need and can't afford more coal and gas. This proposal would have huge greenhouse gas emissions. The world cannot afford these gas emissions. Mudgee is fortunate in that there are many job opportunities in the region because it is in the Central West Renewable Energy Zone. The area does not need the mine expansion. Far better renewables, a chance to achieve NSW energy targets, and an opportunity for tourism to see goals and regent honeyeaters. Please reject this proposed expansion. Thank you for receiving and reading my comments. best wishes from Diana |
Kim Williams
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ID |
23071 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2782 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I am writing to express my OBJECTION to the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mine Extension Project, Project Number SSD-33083358. The proposed expansion of Yancoal’s Moolarben coal mine would extend close to the edge of one of the oldest conservation reserves in NSW, the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, posing a serious threat to a healthy koala population and their critical habitat. The area has incredible importance for biodiversity and there have been 23 threatened wildlife species recorded in and around the site, including habitats that are critical to the survival of the Koala population and other wildlife in a uniquely resilient population. Threatened wildlife and vegetation The mine will clear habitat for multiple threatened wildlife species including the Koala, Large-eared Pied Bat, Eastern Cave Bat, Regent Honeyeater, Broad-headed Snake, Squirrel Glider, and clear 401 hectares of the nationally endangered Box Gum Woodland ecosystem. There are vital sandstone cliffs and rocky habitats right along the edge of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, that are key habitats for the bat species. Blasting and noise represent a major threat to those species. The NSW Government committed to stopping the decline of Koalas in NSW. The Biodiversity, Conservation and Science Group (BCS) at NSW DCCEEW has highlighted the threat this project poses to the Koala population, noting that: Koala habitat is ‘critical to the survival of the species,’ and that this is a climate-robust population which “has survived recent and historical temperature increases, drought and bushfires successfully. The mining company refused to accept the department agency recommendation for a 500m buffer from Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve to better protect those species. The amendments proposed by Yancoal do not reduce the clearing and impact on native vegetation and the 500m buffer does not take into consideration wildlife movement across the reserve or contamination and management of the waste water and invasive weed species. Biodiversity offsets Biodiversity offsets are used to justify habitat destruction. Impact on native vegetation and local ecosystems must be avoided if we are to avoid further loss of mature habitat sites, species decline and extinctions. Offsets are poorly managed and poorly monitored with little or no public reporting or accountability. Existing wildlife are displaced with no record of population numbers prior to clearing, their ability to adapt to habitat changes the consequences of habitat destruction, forced displacement, and loss of food sources is not monitored. Securing and protecting existing forest ecosystems as an offset to areas to be cleared has also been proven to result in a net loss of vegetation and habitat in the region. Offset replanting programs take decades to establish and create sustainable food sources and wildlife habitat. Over that time the wildlife has either moved on with no knowledge of what might have happened to them or they have died off. Water impacts The wastewater created from the mining activities, and coal mine waste discharges, will increase the physical and chemical changes to Moolarben Creek water quality. Mining discharge downstream below the contamination point can impact the ecosystem of the Moolarben Creek and Goulburn River. This is reflected by marked ecological degradation of stream invertebrate communities. Aquatic macroinvertebrates can also be adversely affected. To minimize impact to the natural environment and water quality from the existing mining operation the NSW EPA should have increased oversite for ongoing monitoring of wastewater discharge, regular monitoring of creek and river water quality, and ongoing monitoring of the impact on existing flora and fauna from current mining and transport activities. The mine extension will also lead to water drawdown of up to 5m in the alluvium of Moolarben Creek causing changes in the ground water table levels which are difficult to monitor and can extend far beyond the mining area and stream catchment area impacting vegetation that relies on tapping into current water table levels. Climate Change DPHI in their assessment report has ignored a key finding of the Net Zero Commission in its Coal Mine Emissions Spotlight Report released in December - that any further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act. They do not make any reference to Finding 4, which states that “Continued extensions or expansions to coal mining in NSW are not consistent with the emissions reduction targets in the Climate Change Act or the Paris Agreement temperature goals it gives effect to”. The project will produce an estimated 64.6Mt of total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions - which is equivalent to 58% of total annual emissions from all sources in NSW. As the NZC has stated, any such emissions are not consistent with NSW climate change targets or the Paris temperature goals. The assessment report also fails to mention that the NSW Government is not on track to achieve either the 2030 or 2035 emissions reduction targets. The proponent has also failed to apply the Court of Appeal decision in the Denman case, which found that the local environmental, social and economic impacts of climate change, including downstream greenhouse gas emissions, need to be considered by decision makers. It’s impossible for the decision maker to consider those matters for the Moolarben expansion, because there has been no attempt to quantify the full economic costs of downstream emissions to NSW and the locality, even though they make up 99% of all emissions from the project. Cumulative impacts The cumulative impacts of this proposal in terms of other current and proposed coal mines in the Mudgee region has not been assessed as an accumulative impact. Both the Ulan and Wilpinjong coal mines also have major expansions proposed, and collectively the three existing coal mines and all their proposed expansions have enormous impacts on biodiversity, water, cultural heritage and our climate. As stated by the Climate Council 'The collective impact on global warming will severely impact the frequency of bush fires and extreme weather events as we move toward 2.6C. Recent Disaster Costs: Following recent disasters (e.g., Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred), the Federal Government has indicated that total costs for national disaster support are expected to reach at least $13.5 billion, with $1.2 billion provisioned in the contingency reserve for future disaster recovery. Long-Term Projection: Without strong action, climate-related damage is projected to cost the Australian economy $8.7 billion annually by 2050. Adaptation Spending: Since 2022, the Federal Government has committed $3.6 billion to adaptation and resilience measures, including the $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund. A report by the Federal Government states the cost of climate related disaster management is $7.1 Billion dollars. As more properties are being impacted or destroyed, more people are being displaced, and more assets become uninsurable. The return in royalties and taxes from expanding this coal mine or any other coal mine will not cover the consequential cost to the community, State and Federal Governments in funding disaster relief efforts coursed by fossil fuel induced climate change. Cultural heritage The project will destroy 55 cultural artefacts, including two shelters, one of which contains grinding grooves. The CHCP recommended protection of that site, but the mining company refused. Regional impacts and jobs There are numerous alternative job opportunities available in the region because Mudgee is part of the Central West Renewable Energy Zone and there is a boom in jobs available in renewable projects, with close to 2,000 new jobs predicted over the next decade. The existing Moolarben coal complex will continue to operate until 2038 regardless of whether this expansion goes ahead or not. Rather than waiting for mining closures to force restructuring, the existing licensing period to 2038 is a proactive opportunity for Government to work with and support increased local business diversity and sustainability, and if required support retraining of new skills to meet new opportunities. |
Margaret Sewell
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ID |
23076 |
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Organisation |
Bathurst Community Climate Action Network |
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Location |
New South Wales 2795 |
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17/02/2026 |
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Bathurst Community Climate Action Network (BCCAN) is a network of organisations and individuals working together to promote action on climate change and sustainable and equitable development. BCCAN has about 45 members and an additional mailing list of about 250. BCCAN is an active participant in public discussions about environmental policy in the Central West of NSW, addressing environmental issues both locally and in the wider area. We are greatly concerned about Yancoal’s planned expansion Moolarben OC3 on many grounds, and call for the application to be refused. It is imperative that we cease coal mining to do our best to maintain a liveable and safe climate. Mining 30 Mt of coal would certainly add a significant amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the atmosphere, contributing to growth in instabilities in the climate both in the region where it is extracted and worldwide. As flagged by the NSW Net Zero Commission in correspondence to the state planning department in September 2025, it considers scope 3 emissions to be “an important factor in addressing climate change locally and globally, particularly for sectors like coal mining”. We welcome the NSW Land and Environment Court ruling¹ of November 14, 2025 which acknowledged the direct causal link between the extraction of coal in NSW and climate harms suffered by locals. In this ruling, the court cancelled the Ulan Modification 6 approval. Since the court has established that climate change must be a mandatory consideration, and also rejected the Mount Pleasant coal mining application in July, this Modification 8 expansion must also be rejected. Additional grounds for rejection of this application include: 1. Impacts on the neighbour, Munghorn Nature Reserve. Several BCCAN members have visited the reserve and been impressed with their experiences. It was one of the first in the state, established in the 1960s. It is “botanically significant ... forming part of a transitional zone containing a mixture of plants from the south-east, north-west and western parts of the State. Consequently a variety of plant species endemic to the Sydney Sandstone reach their northern and western limits here.” ² It is home for numerous threatened species. The NSW National Parks website notes 164 species of birds have been recorded at Munghorn Gap – an extraordinary number for habitat without open water bodies. Yet, this application would have open cut mining come to just 100m on three sides. Blasting effects will especially threaten several species of bats which roost and have their young in the cliffs alongside the open cut mine. Mining to 100m is extremely close, and reduces liveability of the adjacent habitat for many different species due to edge effects, including vibration, noise, light and dust. We call for at least a 500m buffer. 2. Koalas have been discovered living on and near the proposed mine area. Clearing of 401ha of endangered Box Gum Woodland ecosystem will also fragment and reduce their habitat and add stress, make movement more difficult and increase risk of vehicle strike. The koala is just one of 23 various threatened wildlife species living on the mine footprint. Impacts of the mine would contribute to the shrinking of regional species’ gene pools. BCCAN members are greatly concerned that impacts to threatened biodiversity continue to be allowed. 3. Water impacts. The mine would cause the groundwater level to drop by up to about 5m, and for at least 25 years. This leaves many deep-rooted trees ‘high and dry’, i.e. very likely killing them. In the landscape all clean water is precious, and its loss will greatly affect the downstream ecosystems especially in what is expected to be hotter and drier climate³ in the future. 4. Cultural heritage. Sadly, mining will destroy 55 cultural artefacts. This includes two shelters, one of which contains grinding grooves. These may be tens of thousands of years old, yet for the sake of burning coal once, they are not valued and retained. 5. Yancoal included in its application the emissions onsite (e.g. by generators and diesel vehicles), but entirely omitted what was established in the Court of Appeal in the Denman case recently – that a full consideration of the social, economic and environmental impacts is required. So, all emissions - including from the eventual burning of coal (even if overseas) - needs to be included in its application for approval consideration. 6. Eventual land rehabilitation cannot replicate the way water was retained in the landscape; rock strata would have been shattered. Neither can the soil profile be returned, nor the original biodiverse habitat be re-established – i.e. the former fungi, insect, spider, ants, worm and other invertebrate abundance, interrelationships and diversity. 7. It is a huge fault in our planning system that no study of the cumulative effects of the 3 mines located side by side has ever been conducted: no full consideration of the myriad of minerals and salts going into the Goulburn River, the clearing of many types of habitat, the impacts for example on koalas, regent honeyeaters, rare plants, several species of bats and the many various ecological communities, or of the emissions released and the known impacts of those on exacerbating climate change. Yancoal’s very late proposed amendment to include “habitat enhancement” would do nothing to ameliorate any of these impacts or reduce the mine footprint, and is merely greenwashing, serving to derail the IPC process. For all these reasons, BCCAN calls for the Independent Planning Commission to refuse this mining application. References: ¹ Sydney Morning Herald, ‘Courts turn on coal mines over climate impacts,’ November 15, 2025. ² https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/munghorn-gap-nature-reserve ³ How NSW is affected by climate change: NARCliM2.0 climate projections at a glance https://www.climatechange.environment.nsw.gov.au/my-region/nsw |
Name Redacted
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23081 |
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17/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission, I am a 21-year-old law student, deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in our states due to the climate impacts being felt in my area and all over the world. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should instead be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species, and safe breeding spaces are especially essential if NSW koala populations are to recover. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. How can nature thrive when subject to stress levels like this? • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for reading my submission. |
Name Redacted
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23086 |
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Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission, I am a 50 year old Educator from the Blue Mountains. I work for the Botanic Gardens of Sydney and I am concerned about the continuation and expansion of coal mining in our area. In a time where it is clear that burning fossil fuels is the main driver of climate change it is irresponsible of all of us to not speak up where it is possible to prevent the worsening of climate change for our children. I have 2 grown sons and I have been blessed to be able to show them a wonderful planet. I am not sure their children will experience the same. In the Blue Mountains we are experiencing warmer winters, and more frequent extreme weather events including fires and floods caused by climate change fueled by the burning of fossil fuels. Climate Change The data from Australia's Bureau of Meteorology State of the Climate report in 2024 is clear. They report that “Concentrations of all major long-lived greenhouse gases in the atmosphere continue to increase. Global annual mean carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations reached 419.2 parts per million (ppm) in 2023 and the CO2 equivalent (CO2-e) of all greenhouse gases reached 524 ppm. These are the highest levels on Earth in at least 2 million years.” Scientists agree that the main driver of increasing CO2 is the burning of fossil fuels, including coal. The Moorlarben mine extension seeks to mine 40 million T of coal. If we assume 2.5 T of carbon dioxide is emitted for every T of coal, this means the mine extension would add an additional 100m T of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Yancoal has diligently calculated their emissions for their Scope 1 and 2 emissions around their operations and tried to show their commitment to their reduction. However, I question their commitment to environmental sustainability. Their website states that “At Yancoal, sustainability refers to creating long-term stakeholder value by undertaking profitable mining and energy activities while minimising financial, operational, environmental and social risks.” Their first pillar of sustainability is ‘Profit’. The elephant in the room remains that that their core business relies on producing as much coal as they can and selling it to burn. This is how they measure their success. If they dig up more coal and sell it to burn, they make money. They cannot reduce these Scope 3 emissions. Only responsible regulation can. The recent Denman Aberdeen Muswellbrook Scone Healthy Environment Group Inc v MACH Energy Australia Pty Ltd [2025] NSWCA 163 Appeal showed that the IPC must consider the effect of Scope 3 emissions (climate change) on the local area. NSW is not immune to the effects of climate change produced by the coal burned as a result of Yancoal’s mining in Mudgee, even if the coal is burned off-shore. Minimal local benefit Yancoal is owned by a Hong Kong company. While it is listed on the ASX, there is minimal financial benefit to Australia. The coal produced by Yancoal will be shipped off-shore. It is not required for local power production as NSW now has significant sources of renewable energy. Mudgee is located in the Orana Renewable Energy Zone where there will be a surplus of energy projects requiring a workforce. It is also a reasonably affluent area with a strong local wine and tourism industry. In this area, there is not a need for extra jobs provided by Yancoal’s mine extension. The mine extension would clear around 480 ha of native vegetation. The negative impact on the ecosystems and species (which include 23 threatened species) next to and in the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve will be significant. The plan for token efforts to rehabilitate other areas by Yancoal to offset damage is inadequate. Ecosystems take centuries to develop and cannot simply be replaced by replanting another area. At a time when natural areas are under ever increasing pressure, it is only regulation that can preserve what remains. In essence, the world and Mudgee does not need Yancoal’s coal mining extension. The project has minimal benefit to Australia and the local area, and will cause measurable harmful effects. Thanks for your consideration. With kindest regards, [name redacted] |
Gregory Ray
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ID |
23091 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2289 |
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17/02/2026 |
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I believe the proposed expansion is a serious mistake, threatening the habitat of koalas and other native species. It will inevitably damage aquifers and cause lasting damage to water resources in the area. |
Virginia Hollister
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ID |
23096 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2850 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
My name is Virginia Hollister. I am a 74 year old resident of Mudgee, a retired arts and museum administrator, federal and state government policy officer, artist and author. I oppose the Moolarben Open Cut Extension 3 because I believe coal mining should be phased out entirely as soon as possible, and because I believe the proposed extension will compromise very precious ecological communities in the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. Do you remember in late October 2019 when we all woke up to the news that lightning strikes in the Wollemi Wilderness had ignited fires? After years of drought, now the wild, untamed sandstone cliffs and gorges, rainforest pockets and pristine streams, the largest refuge for plants and animals in New South Wales, were burning. Over the next weeks and months, I watched in horror as fire consumed 380,826 hectares of this precious bush, 76% of the total Wollemi, the single largest bushfire ever recorded in Australia. Days and days of choking smoke. After it was over we all started counting the monetary and ecological cost – how many millions spent fighting the fires, how many millions in damage to affected communities, how many billions of native animals burnt to death. I was gutted. With bushwalking friends I walked through the forest – white ash, dirt, twisted blackness - and silence. This happened on Mudgee’s doorstep, some 60 kilometres away. The ‘Black Summer’ bushfires collectively wiped out 15% of the koala population, and destroyed habitat that will take 30-50 years to regenerate. Climate crisis writ large, here, now. I am totally opposed to the Moolarben OC3 extension both because the world cannot bear to burn more coal to warm the climate (where is the respect for the earth systems that sustains us?), and because of the incredibly precious pocket of nature in the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve – even more precious after the loss in the nearby Wollemi. It is ridiculous to even contemplate mining in a valley surrounded on three sides by the nature reserve. The reserve is located on ridge lines and cliff tops, but the birds and animals use the valley as a food source, protection, nesting sites, and crucially as a source of permanent water in Moolarben Creek and Murdering Creek. Munghorn Gap is one of the oldest nature reserves in NSW, recognised because of its location at the junction of multiple ecological communities, thus supporting flora and fauna from both eastern and western areas. The proposed mine extension would not just destroy adjoining habitat by physically removing it to create a giant hole in the ground, it would impact the nature reserve by the ongoing creation of noise, dust, vibration, explosions, and light – until 2038. What creatures would stick around for that? We truly cannot afford to let such an extension be approved due to: • the escalating economic cost to our communities of ever more intense climate impacts, emergency responses and insurance premiums • the loss of Munghorn Gap’s environmental integrity, diversity, and resilience • the loss of iconic species now on the brink of extinction, including koalas and the Regent Honeyeater • the positive shift to renewable energy production in the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone These losses can be mitigated by the simple determination to stop coal mining for good, and, in particular, to stop the proposed Moolarben OC3 extension because of its specific threats to a recognised high value nature reserve. Thank you for considering my views. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23101 |
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Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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My name is [name redacted] and I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in New South Wales (and other states), due to the climate impacts being felt by us all across our state and around Australia: extreme heatwaves, more intense weather events including rain, health impacts as higher humidity makes homes increasingly mouldy, energy bills going up. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. |
Jack Simmons
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ID |
23106 |
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Organisation |
Tomorrow Movement |
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Location |
New South Wales 2517 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
February 16, 2026 To: the Independent Planning Commission, NSW. From: Jack Simmons on behalf of the Tomorrow Movement. Re. OBJECTION to the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mine Extension Project, Project Number SSD-33083358. Dear Independent Planning Commissioners, I am writing to you on behalf of the Tomorrow Movement, a youth movement representing thousands of young people across the country fighting to make our communities safe, secure and supported. We are writing this submission to express our objection to the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mine Extension. We understand that Yancoal has submitted amendments to this project proposal resulting in the postponement of the public hearing in Mudgee. These amendments come far too late in the process, and do not significantly change the objections our communities hold. Instead they only serve to disrupt the community consultation. Introduction We write this submission today as we have received a multitude of concerns from our community about this proposed extension. Young people are deeply invested in fighting for a future that is climate safe, a society that respects Aboriginal cultural heritage and landscapes that are climate-resilient. This proposed expansion threatens each of these visions. Risk to climate safety It goes without saying that young people have a vested interest in combatting the climate crisis. We have inherited a world where ‘unprecedented’ is normal and millions of people around the world are faced with real and devastating consequences of climate change every day. Climate impacts are unequally felt - the homelands of our neighbours in the Torres Strait and Pacific are being reclaimed by the sea while we decide whether or not to allow further fueling of the crisis. On December 12 2025 the NSW Net Zero Commission published the ‘Coal Mining Emissions Spotlight Report’. A major finding of this report is that “Continued extensions or expansions to coal mining in NSW are not consistent with the emissions reduction targets in the Climate Change Act or the Paris Agreement temperature goals it gives effect to.” (iv, NSW Net Zero Commission Coal Mining Emissions Spotlight Report). The proposed Moolarben extension flies in the face of this finding. Should the IPC approve this extension it would allow a private company to continue to profit from the export of coal, whose emissions are fuelling the climate crisis. The climate crisis directly fuels disasters which impact our communities in NSW. From January 5-7 this year a severe heatwave impacted most of the state. Analysis from World Weather Attribution found “that similar events are about 5 times more likely to occur now than they would have been in a preindustrial climate without human-caused warming; however, this is likely an underestimate.” (World Weather Attribution: Climate change eclipses La Niña cooling in Australia to drive extreme heatwave and heightened fire risk). We don’t need science to prove to us the impact heatwaves have on our communities - we see it every day. “Over the summer period lots of the community events I’m part of were cancelled due to extreme weather. This has been more and more frequent due to climate change. I’m worried that if projects like Moolarben extension go ahead what spaces we’ll have to gather in the future.” - Luke, Thirroul. Climate change also strongly worsens bushfire risk. Hot dry conditions in late 2025 and early 2026 brought back memories for many in our community of the Black Summer bushfires, another climate change-driven disaster. “I remember in 2020 being on the South Coast of NSW, looking up to the sky and being completely terrified. Drops of rain black with soot fell from a sky roiling in red and orange and the smell of smoke filled my nose. I tried to call my parents to tell them I was OK and in town only to find the phone lines down. Driving the long way back to my house in Wollongong and passing coal mines continuing to fuel disasters like the one I had just experienced was surreal. We can’t keep choosing to let people profit off this crisis - that’s why the Moolarben expansion can’t go ahead.” - Jack, Wollongong. Harm to Wiradjuri heritage Australia is home to the oldest living culture in the world. Extractive industries have damaged countless sites of irreplaceable Aboriginal art, artefacts, history and songlines across the continent. Should it be allowed to proceed this extension will continue this legacy - destroying 55 irreplaceable Aboriginal cultural artefacts, and potentially impact dozens of others. This is on top of the intangible and ongoing degradation of Wiradjuri Country and fracturing of connection and story. Young people know that respecting Aboriginal cultural heritage is a requirement for any development. The continued destruction of artefacts to allow businesses to profit from our landscapes is unacceptable. Risk to groundwater and creeks In a future where rainfall will become more variable and harder to predict, water will be one of our most precious shared resources. The proposed expansion of the Moolarben mine is expected to cause significant groundwater drawdown. This put the fragile Moolarben Creek ecosystem at risk. Furthermore water is a shared resource. Yancoal has failed to characterise groundwater behaviour prior to applying for this extension. The impact upon shared resources must be characterised before a project is approved, not after. To conclude The proposed Moolarben OC3 extension puts at risk the safety of our shared climate, irreplaceable cultural heritage and precious water resources. The NSW Government is still reeling from the effects of climate disasters on our state in the past decade - drought, fires, floods and heat. To grant Yancoal an extension to Moolarben during a climate crisis would go against scientific consensus and risk massive public backlash. For these reasons Tomorrow Movement strongly encourages the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for your consideration. Jack, on behalf of the Tomorrow Movement [redacted] |
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Attachments |
23106 - Jack Simmons_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 139.89 KB) |
Hilary Crawford
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ID |
23111 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2849 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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OBJECTION TO MOOLARBEN OC3 COAL MINING EXTENSION PROJECT SSD-33083358 I have lived in Rylstone for over 20 yeas and have an 80 ha property in the Capertee Valley which I manage to increase the biodiversity of plant and animal life. The Capertee Valley is a breeding site of the Regent Honeyeater, a critically endangered woodland bird, with only 250 to 350 birds remaining in the wild. BirdLife Australia and Taronga Zoo have been planting appropriate trees and shrubs on properties in the valley for more than 30 years to increase the habitat of the Regent Honeyeater and other woodland birds. I have two plantations on the property with another planned for May this year (2026). It is vital that this habitat and other breeding areas be looked after to limit the decline of woodland birds, the Regent Honeyeater in particular. I wish to object to the proposed Moolarben OC3 extension project for the following reasons. 1 IRREVERSIBLE HARM TO THREATENED SPECIES AND ECOSYSTEMS The proposed mine extension is surrounded by Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, an area of 5934 ha, known for its sandstone pagodas and diverse and abundant birdlife (164 species of birds recorded). It is a breeding site of the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater and home to a population of Koalas, a species now listed as endangered in NSW. The proposed extension would destroy 80 ha of habitat of the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater, 113 ha of habitat of the endangered Koala and up to 478 ha of the critically endangered ecological community (CEEC) of Box Gum Grassy Woodland. Once destroyed, this ecological community cannot be replaced. Twenty two threatened fauna species will be impacted by this habitat loss including the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater, the endangered (in NSW) Koala, the vulnerable (in NSW) Squirrel Glider, the endangered (in NSW) Large-eared Pied Bat and the vulnerable (in NSW) Eastern Cave Bat. Without urgent intervention (eg saving this habitat), Koalas could become extinct by 2050 (NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Koalas 2020). 2 CLIMATE COSTS AND IMPACT The OC3 extension project through its greenhouse gas emissions would lead to increased global warming. It is estimated that over its life, the proposed OC3 extension would generate 64.6. million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions which is equivalent to about 58% of NSW's total annual emissions. Further coal mine extensions are inconsistent with the aims of the NSW Climate Change Act 2023 and the Paris Agreement 2015 according to the Net Zero Commission and NSW is unlikely to meet its current targets of 50% reduction on 2005 levels by 2030 and 70% reduction by 2035. Human-emitted greenhouse gases are driving climate change. The result is intense extreme weather events (floods, fires, droughts, heatwaves), rapid ocean warming leading to marine ecosystem collapse (eg Great Barrier Reef), accelerated sea level rises and ice melt, extreme weather intensification (hurricanes and storms) and marine heatwaves leading to losses of marine life. The NSW Government needs to take action to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the State, not give the go-ahead to coal mine expansions which undermine the State's climate goals. 3 RISKS TO GROUNDWATER AND CREEKS It is expected that the proposed OC3 extension project will cause significant groundwater drawdown of 2 to 6 metres that may last up to 25 years after mining has ceased. As a result, Moolarben Creek may no longer be able to provide a critical refuge for wildlife during droughts. At present, springs in the Moolarben Valley provide good-quality potable water that flows to creeks and the Goulburn River. If the project is approved, this supply of quality water could be decreased if not destroyed. The above risks are compounded by the failure of the proponent to undertake adequate baseline water monitoring and the proponent's poor track record of complying with water monitoring requirements. 4 CUMULATIVE IMPACT OF MINE EXTENSIONS The cumulative impact of the proposed mine extension together with the proposed extensions of the neighbouring mines - Ulan Coal Modification 6 and 8 and the Wilpinjong Coal Mine Modification 3 - have been poorly assessed. These extensions together will have an irreversible impact on the climate, the native animal and plant life of the area, including endangered species, on the landscape, the ecosystems and the creeks and groundwater associated with the Goulburn River system. It will also have an irreversible impact on local Wiradjuri cultural heritage. This cumulative impact needs to be thoroughly assessed. 5 IRREVERSIBLE HARM TO WIRADJURI CULTURAL HERITAGE If the project goes ahead, it will do irreparable damage to Wiradjuri cultural heritage. More than 55 irreplaceable cultural artefacts will be destroyed and potentially dozens of others. And the ability of Wiradjuri people to practice their culture and maintain their connection to Country will be eroded by the fracturing of the landscape and its cumulative degradation by ongoing mining. The Wiradjuri cultural heritage should be protected, not destroyed. 6 IMPORTANCE OF NATURE TO MENTAL WELLBEING Connecting with nature is crucial for mental wellbeing. This may involve a walk in the local park, a bushwalk in a national park or reserve or a walk along the beach. Research has shown that exposure to nature significantly improves mental wellbeing. It reduces stress and anxiety, decreases depression, restores mental energy and concentration and improves creativity (The Nature Conservancy Australia; Dr Rona Weerasuriya, Deakin University). Thus it is important to preserve green spaces, including national parks and reserves, not destroy them. 7 PROTECTION OF AREA AND INCORPORATION INTO MUNGHORN GAP NATURE RESERVE The proposed OC3 extension area should be protected and incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. CONCLUSION For the above reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Yours sincerely Hilary Crawford Rylstone NSW |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23116 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2850 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
See attached Submission Opposing Yancoal’s Moolarben OC3 Coal Expansion |
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Attachments |
23116_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 164.64 KB) |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23121 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2850 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is [name redacted], I am a 53 year old office manager, parent and long term resident of Mudgee. My family has a long association with Mudgee from early European settlement and have been involved in contributing to the community of Mudgee and the Moolarben/Ulan farming districts. I am writing to express my deep concern for the continued expansion of coal mining in our district and to object to Yancoal's proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. In particular, I am concerned that this project would add to the already significant and irreversible damage to the natural environment, climate, community and wildlife. I believe that there needs to be a point at which this expansion should cease before we lose this precious environment forever. This important area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected for the benefit of our flora, fauna and future generations. I am concerned about: The threatened species and habitat loss in this area including clearance of 113 hectares of Koala, Regent Honeyeater and micro-bat habitat and breeding grounds. The impact of noise, blasting and vibration on the existing Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. The long-term risks of mining to water and ground water in the Moolarben Creek and surrounding tributaries. Climate impact with the continued reliance on fossil fuels at a time when NSW is not on track to meet it's legislated emissions reduction targets. Lack of public benefit with no clear jobs justification in an area where renewable energy projects are currently being prioritised. At a time when the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and Paris Agreement are a deadly serious priority, we can ill-afford the approval of new or expanded coal projects. I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Yours sincerely, [name redacted] (Resident of Mudgee NSW 2850) |
Angela Frimberger
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ID |
23126 |
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Organisation |
Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action |
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Location |
New South Wales 2446 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
We write to register our objection to the proposed project. Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action represents people who have been severely impacted by the physical impacts of climate change. Our members’ losses range from damaged mental and physical health and wellbeing, deep impacts across communities, through to massive tangible and financial losses; and while some of these losses have eventually been recovered through enormous effort and determination, many continue long term. We also know that even in the best case scenario the numbers of climate-impacted people in NSW will only continue to swell due to floods, storms, sea level rise and other impacts. Therefore, we advocate for the strongest, most rapid climate pollution reduction possible. The project being considered here is for export, a profit-taking commercial enterprise, not a public good, and its benefit to the people of NSW is limited. There is no clear jobs benefit, as Mudgee sits within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone. Conversely, the project would cause substantial local environmental damage which the people of NSW would have to bear. In addition, the emissions from the overseas burning of exported coal are just as harmful to the people, environment and economy of NSW as if the coal were burned here. The NSW Net Zero Future Act legislates emissions reduction targets, and while the domestic electricity sector is making progress in transitioning to renewables, exports continue apace. The proposed project’s additional 64.6 MT of climate pollution would contribute excessively to climate change at a time when all actors urgently need to reduce emissions as strongly as possible. The importance of reducing climate pollution is underscored by the recent National Climate Risk Assessment, which found among many other risks, that sea level rise and increased coastal hazards will significantly impact coastal communities and cities, particularly in New South Wales and northern Queensland; and by 2050, more than 1.5 million Australians will be living in areas that will experience risk from sea level rise. In addition, the Assessment finds that “Dangerous fire weather days are projected to become more frequent in southern and eastern areas with a longer fire season and the potential for more megafires (high confidence)”. This is especially alarming to people like our members, who have already been impacted by bushfires; and also particularly concerning in the context of NSW’s housing crisis. The most recent NSW budget states, “…expenditure on natural disasters has increased more than 1,000 per cent in the six years since the 2019-20 bushfires compared to the six years prior”. The Insurance Council of Australia found that extreme weather events in 2022 cost every Australian household an average of $1,532. And healthcare costs alone from the Black summer bushfires were found to amount to $1.95 billion, while a recent analysis found that extreme fire years like this are 88-152 percent more likely due to climate change. The project’s contribution to these risks and costs - and its competition with the CWOREZ - should be subtracted from its projected financial benefit, before any assessment is made based on monetary contributions to the state. The NSW Net Zero Commission in its 2024 Annual Report found that while NSW has made progress in emissions reductions, achieving its 2030 and 2035 targets is only possible under the most optimistic scenarios; and more effort is needed across all sectors of the economy to have a good chance of reaching them. In particular, the Commission expressed concerns that the resources sector specifically could put the state’s targets in jeopardy by increasing emissions associated with new, extended and expanded coal mining projects, considering the “sizeable pipeline” of projects in the planning system. This puts unfair pressure on other sectors of the NSW economy to reduce emissions even more strongly to compensate for the excess pollution from the resources sector. In its Coal Mining Emissions Spotlight report the Commission found that further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act and the Paris Agreement. And importantly, last year’s NSW Court of Appeal in DAMSHEG v MACH Energy Australia requires decision-makers to consider the local impacts of climate change caused by all the emissions - including downstream emissions - in assessing projects. All these clearly point to a conclusion that this project should be refused. In addition to the enormous climate risk posed by the proposed project, the project would also significantly impact groundwater and creeks, and put a high biodiversity area at substantial risk. The project would clear over 400 hectares of native vegetation and bring the mine to within 100 metres of a Nature Reserve. Noise, blasting, vibration and dust would compound these impacts. The area includes critical koala breeding habitat at a time when NSW’s koala population is already under severe pressure, plus habitat for at least 22 other threatened species including the Regent Honeyeater. Clearly, this habitat clearing cannot be offset. The project would also exacerbate the cumulative impact of other local mines already damaging the biodiversity of the area, including Ulan Coal Mine Modification 6 and 8 and the Wilpinjong Coal Mine Modification 3. We understand that the proponent has submitted last-minute amendments, regrettably resulting in the delay of the public hearing on this matter. We recommend that these changes be rejected, as they do not reduce the amount of native vegetation proposed to be cleared, nor the footprint of the mine. As the Commission no doubt knows, off-site habitat enhancement cannot replace the clearing of critical breeding habitat for threatened species. BSCA’s members deeply understand the seriousness and urgency of climate change, and our mission is to help keep Australian communities safe from climate change. We urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for your consideration of our comments. Yours sincerely, Angela Frimberger, Government Relations Advisor Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action | Birpai Country [redacted] Serena Joyner, CEO Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action | Darug and Gundungurra Country [redacted] |
|
Attachments |
23126_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 166.01 KB) |
Wendy Stokoe
|
ID |
23131 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2850 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am a concerned citizen who opposes the proposed extension of the Moolarben coal complex. My objections and concerns can be summarised as follows: - it is foolhardy to continue our reliance on coal, given the egregious effects of burning coal for power in relation to global warming and climate concerns. - the proposed development lies within an area the Central West Renewable Energy Zone, an apparent contradiction in terms of the goals of transferring a reliance on coal to the use of renewables. - the development would have a deleterious effect on the wildlife and biodiversity of the region. The current mining footprint has already caused significant damage to the landscape and its flora and fauna. - the proposed extension would impact the adjacent Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, home to threatened wildlife species. - we have sacrificed many significant and awe-inspiring locales to mining. I have spent time in the Moolarben Valley prior to the mining operations there. It is a unique and beautiful area, now lost to the families who formerly lived there. -there are risks to watercourses and groundwater resources on which wildlife are dependent. - I am passionate about our responsibility to conserve wildlife and ecosystems. Continual expansion and depletion of resources jeopardises the future for all of us. - this development is simply unnecessary. It will not provide lasting benefits for the local community or the broader population. It is not in the interests of protecting our increasingly fragile and abused ecosystems. -the benefits of this proposed development will flow to the mining company. Their interest in further expansion is driven by a commitment to increase profits. - mining companies are depleting resources that belong to all of us here now, and those in future generations. |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
23141 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2443 |
|
Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
G day one and all. Generally, I m opposed to the rapid expansion of the Moorabin coalfields. There are several local and several global reasons. Firstly though, it should be one of the roles if not duties of government to help redirect the workers to meaningful jobs is alternate energy roles or other construction fields. Lasiness and neglect of responsibilities is not an option. And so the obvious objections are in areas of local and global pollution, local habitat and ecology loss, water accessibility diminishment, and longer term uglification of the landscape. The locals also don t want to breathe such high levels of coal dust. So for these reasons and some others I am opposed to the coal field expansion. Thankyou for listening and understanding the long term cosquences. Have a good day and breathe easy? |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
23151 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2443 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
|
Submission |
G day one and all. Generally, I m opposed to the rapid expansion of the Moorabin coalfields. There are several local and several global reasons. Firstly though, it should be one of the roles if not duties of government to help redirect the workers to meaningful jobs is alternate energy roles or other construction fields. Lasiness and neglect of responsibilities is not an option. And so the obvious objections are in areas of local and global pollution, local habitat and ecology loss, water accessibility diminishment, and longer term uglification of the landscape. The locals also don t want to breathe such high levels of coal dust. So for these reasons and some others I am opposed to the coal field expansion. Thankyou for listening and understanding the long term cosquences. Have a good day and breathe easy? |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
23161 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2782 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am writing to express my OBJECTION to the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mine Extension Project, Project Number SSD-33083358. The mine will clear 480 hectares of native vegetation and mine right up to 100m from the boundary of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. The proposed expansion of Yancoal’s Moolarben coal mine would extend close to the edge of one of the oldest conservation reserves in NSW, the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, posing a serious threat to a healthy koala population and their critical habitat. The area has incredible importance for biodiversity and there have been 23 threatened wildlife species recorded in and around the site, including habitats that are critical to the survival of the Koala population and other wildlife in a uniquely resilient population. Yancoal has move to have the Independent Planning Commission hearing postponed and to interrupt the community consultation on the Moolarben Open Cut 3 expansion, by making more minor amendments to its proposal. The changes do not reduce the footprint of the mine at all but merely propose to manage more areas of vegetation outside the mine area for so-called ‘habitat enhancement’. This amendment won’t make any difference to the direct and indirect impact on threatened wildlife and ecosystems, and it completely disrupts the community consultation process that is underway. This is an attempt at greenwashing a very damaging project and the change at this stage makes a mockery of community consultation processes. Threatened wildlife and vegetation The mine will clear habitat for multiple threatened wildlife species including the Koala, Large-eared Pied Bat, Eastern Cave Bat, Regent Honeyeater, Broad-headed Snake, Squirrel Glider, and clear 401 hectares of the nationally endangered Box Gum Woodland ecosystem. There are vital sandstone cliffs and rocky habitats right along the edge of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, that are key habitats for the bat species. Blasting and noise represent a major threat to those species. The NSW Government committed to stopping the decline of Koalas in NSW. The Biodiversity, Conservation and Science Group (BCS) at NSW DCCEEW has highlighted the threat this project poses to the Koala population, noting that: Koala habitat is ‘critical to the survival of the species,’ and that this is a climate-robust population which “has survived recent and historical temperature increases, drought and bushfires successfully. The amendments proposed by Yancoal do not reduce the clearing and impact on native vegetation and the 500m buffer does not take into consideration wildlife movement across the reserve or contamination and management of the waste water and invasive weed species. Biodiversity offsets Offsets are poorly managed and poorly monitored with little or no public reporting or accountability. ‘Habitat Enhancement’ biodiversity offsets are used to justify habitat destruction. Impact on native vegetation and local ecosystems must be avoided if we are to avoid further loss of mature habitat sites, species decline and extinctions. Existing wildlife are displaced with no record of population numbers prior to clearing, their ability to adapt to habitat changes the consequences of habitat destruction, forced displacement, and loss of food sources is not monitored. Offset replanting programs take decades to establish and create sustainable food sources and wildlife habitat. Over that time the wildlife has either moved on with no knowledge of what might have happened to them or they have died off. Securing and protecting existing forest ecosystems as an offset to areas to be cleared has also resulted in a net loss of vegetation and habitat in the region. Water impacts The wastewater created from the mining activities, and coal mine waste discharges, will increase the physical and chemical changes to Moolarben Creek water quality. Mining discharge downstream below the contamination point can impact the ecosystem of the Moolarben Creek and Goulburn River. This is reflected by marked ecological degradation of stream invertebrate communities. Aquatic macroinvertebrates can also be adversely affected. The mine extension will also lead to water drawdown of up to 5m in the alluvium of Moolarben Creek causing changes in the ground water table levels which are difficult to monitor and can extend far beyond the mining area and stream catchment area impacting vegetation that relies on tapping into current water table levels. To minimize impact of the natural environment and water quality from the existing mining operation the NSW EPA should have increased oversite for ongoing monitoring of wastewater discharge, regular monitoring of creek and river water quality, and ongoing monitoring of the impact on existing flora and fauna from current mining and transport activities. Climate Change DPHI in their assessment report has ignored a key finding of the Net Zero Commission in its Coal Mine Emissions Spotlight Report released in December - that any further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act. They do not make any reference to Finding 4, which states that “Continued extensions or expansions to coal mining in NSW are not consistent with the emissions reduction targets in the Climate Change Act or the Paris Agreement temperature goals it gives effect to”. The project will produce an estimated 64.6Mt of total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions - which is equivalent to 58% of total annual emissions from all sources in NSW. As the NZC has stated, any such emissions are not consistent with NSW climate change targets or the Paris temperature goals. The assessment report also fails to mention that the NSW Government is not on track to achieve either the 2030 or 2035 emissions reduction targets. The proponent has also failed to apply the Court of Appeal decision in the Denman case, which found that the local environmental, social and economic impacts of climate change, including downstream greenhouse gas emissions, need to be considered by decision makers. It’s impossible for the decision maker to consider those matters for the Moolarben expansion, because there has been no attempt to quantify the full economic costs of downstream emissions to NSW and the locality, even though they make up 99% of all emissions from the project. Cumulative impacts The cumulative impacts of this proposal in terms of other current and proposed coal mines in the Mudgee region has not been assessed as an accumulative impact. Both the Ulan and Wilpinjong coal mines also have major expansions proposed, and collectively the three existing coal mines and all their proposed expansions have enormous impacts on biodiversity, water, cultural heritage and our climate. As stated by the Climate Council 'The collective impact on global warming will severely impact the frequency of bush fires and extreme weather events as we move toward 2.6C. Recent Disaster Costs: Following recent disasters (e.g., Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred), the Federal Government has indicated that total costs for national disaster support are expected to reach at least $13.5 billion, with $1.2 billion provisioned in the contingency reserve for future disaster recovery. Long-Term Projection: Without strong action, climate-related damage is projected to cost the Australian economy $8.7 billion annually by 2050. Adaptation Spending: Since 2022, the Federal Government has committed $3.6 billion to adaptation and resilience measures, including the $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund. A report by the Federal Government states the cost of climate related disaster management is $7.1 Billion dollars. As more properties are being impacted or destroyed, more people are being displaced, and more assets become uninsurable. The return in royalties and taxes from expanding this coal mine or any other coal mine will not cover the consequential cost to the community, State and Federal Governments in funding disaster relief efforts coursed by fossil fuel induced climate change. Cultural heritage The project will destroy 55 cultural artefacts, including two shelters, one of which contains grinding grooves. The CHCP recommended protection of that site, but the mining company refused. Regional impacts and jobs The existing Moolarben coal complex will continue to operate until 2038 regardless of whether this expansion goes ahead or not. There are numerous alternative job opportunities available in the region because Mudgee is part of the Central West Renewable Energy Zone and there is a boom in jobs available in renewable projects, with close to 2,000 new jobs predicted over the next decade. |
Janet Lewis
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ID |
23166 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2037 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
Written submission has been attached, below. |
|
Attachments |
23166- Janet Lewis.pdf (PDF, 50.19 KB) |
Angela Burrows
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ID |
23171 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2081 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
I strongly object to this mine extension for many reasons. As a mother, and grandmother of ten grandchildren and it is my highest priority to I do everything I can to leave them and all future generations with a safe and healthy ecosystems, environment and planet. 1. It is now universally recognised that fossil fuels are responsible for drastically increasing carbon pollution of the earth's atmosphere and causing deleterious climate change. It is therefore totally irresponsible to approve any further coal mining. Further mining contravenes the NSW Government Climate Change Act, and is fails to uphold Australia’s Paris agreement responsibilities. 2. The current approval for the Moolarbin mine extends to 2038. It is unreasonable to be seeking or considering granting extensions at this time. 3. Over the years of visiting the area I have seen this once beautiful, rural and biodiverse region, especially around the village of Wollar, destroyed and turned into an unhealthy moon landscape, with farms and communities destroyed. 4. I urge the commission and planners to focus now on the future providing sustainable renewable energy jobs and environmentally sustaining jobs whilst rehabilitating and restoring land and ecosystems after the coal mining damage. 5. Further development of this mine would require more clearing of native vegetation causing destruction of ecosystems including documented critical koala habitat and threatening many other endangered animals, birds, plants and communities. Now is the time to be building and restoring native habitat and undertaking species conservation so important to sustain life.. 6. The beautiful Munghorn Gap Nature reserve, one of NSW oldest reserves and a tourist attraction, depends on the surrounding native vegetation to protect its native ecosystems. This mine extension would bring the moon landscape to surround the reserve on three sides. 7. Rather than destroying this native vegetation it would be so much better to include it in the Munghorn Nature reserve to mitigate the huge losses already caused by mining in this valley. It would add to the tourist attraction and jobs in our world where spending time in nature is now recognised as essential to human wellbeing. 8. Many Aboriginal cultural heritage sites will be affected and so much has already been lost due to the extensive mining locally. Aboriginal community should be given much greater respect. 9. Water is critical for life and especially precious in rural areas. Mining damages local watercourses and draws down the water table. Mining uses large quantities of water to quell dust - so distressing for local communities in times of drought. It would be lifegiving for rural communities and tourism if water conservation is given priority over mining water wasting. For all these reasons I strongly object to the mine extension and look forward to hearing that this proposal has been declined. Thank you Angela Burrows |
Peter Winkler
|
ID |
23181 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2539 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I oppose the extension of the Moolarben Coal mine. The proposed expansion of this coal mine in the New South Wales Central West would displace and reduce the size of a critical koala population. In the context of the global climate crisis extension of coal mining makes the climate crisis worse and jeopardises the future of biodiversity. Australia must transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy as quickly as possible. |
Helen Kveldr
|
ID |
23186 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2429 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I am shocked this is even being considered we are in climate emergency and the 6th great extinction. Why would we even consider a new coal mine? I am concerned about future generations and about all the living creatures which will die if this goes ahead. We cannot afford to keep plundering our planet. There are already better alternatives than coal and these alternatives - solar, wind, wave, etc would all provide energy and jobs. It’s time to stop propping up an industry which is going to end and start looking to a real and positive future for us and all other life in this planet. |
Chris Lee
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ID |
23191 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2088 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Website |
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Submission |
As a nation we have challenging emissions reductions goals committed to by international treaty. We are investing a lot of tax money to support our transition and are making good but still inadequate progress. Our Minister for Climate Change and Energy will be working hard this year to get international commitments to a faster reduction in global emissions at COP31. Expanding or opening coal mines undermines his authority and ability to build global action. We don't need this coal, and the expansion of the mine is contrary to our national climate goals. |
Michael Cleary
|
ID |
23196 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2850 |
|
Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
Submission to the NSW Independent Planning Commission Re: Moolarben Coal Complex – OC3 Extension Project I write to object to the approval of the Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project. I request that the Independent Planning Commission refuse consent for this project on the basis that it is inconsistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development, presents unacceptable environmental and health impacts, threatens regional water security and agricultural productivity, and is contrary to the long-term public interest of New South Wales. ________________________________________ 1. Inconsistency with Climate Policy and the Public Interest The project would enable continued and expanded extraction and export of thermal coal at a time when both Australia and NSW have committed to significant emissions reduction targets. While the proponent may argue that exported emissions are not counted within NSW inventories, the planning system is required to consider downstream (“Scope 3”) emissions when assessing public interest and environmental harm. Combustion of the coal extracted from the OC3 extension will produce very large quantities of greenhouse gases over the life of the project. Approval would therefore: • undermine NSW emissions reduction commitments, • conflict with Australia’s obligations under the Paris Agreement, • and lock in decades of additional global emissions. The NSW Land and Environment Court (Rocky Hill decision, Gloucester Resources Ltd v Minister for Planning) established that the climate impacts of exported coal are a relevant planning consideration. The OC3 extension clearly fails this test because it expands — rather than phases down — fossil fuel production during a period of urgent decarbonisation. ________________________________________ 2. Unacceptable Air Quality and Health Impacts Coal mining in the Mudgee–Ulan region has already resulted in cumulative particulate pollution from multiple existing mines. The OC3 extension would significantly increase: • PM10 and PM2.5 dust pollution • blasting emissions • diesel exhaust exposure • coal handling and transport particulates Fine particulate matter is linked to: • cardiovascular disease • respiratory illness • asthma exacerbation • premature mortality Rural communities have limited access to specialist health services. The burden of disease therefore falls disproportionately on residents of the region. The project adds to an already high cumulative exposure environment and fails the precautionary principle. Approval would effectively shift private economic benefit onto public health cost. ________________________________________ 3. Water Security and Groundwater Impacts The project presents significant risk to both surface and groundwater systems. The Moolarben mine operates in a region where: • groundwater supports agriculture, • aquifers recharge slowly, • and rainfall is highly variable. Longwall and open-cut mining can cause: • aquifer depressurisation • permanent drawdown • fracturing of geological strata • loss of baseflow to creeks Predicted “make-good” provisions do not restore aquifers. Water systems that take centuries to form cannot be replaced through compensation agreements. Given increasing drought frequency in NSW, approval would represent a short-term industrial use overriding long-term regional water security. ________________________________________ 4. Agricultural and Land Use Conflict The Central West and Upper Hunter regions are strategically important agricultural areas. Mining expansion creates: • land sterilisation • dust deposition on crops and pasture • reduced livestock productivity • loss of soil quality • property devaluation Agriculture provides sustainable, intergenerational employment. Coal mining does not. The project therefore represents a direct land-use conflict in which a finite extractive industry displaces a permanent food-producing landscape. Once mined, agricultural capability cannot be restored to its original state, despite rehabilitation claims. ________________________________________ 5. Economic Considerations and Employment Claims Employment benefits are often overstated in mining assessments. Coal mining is increasingly mechanised and provides relatively limited long-term employment compared with: • agriculture • renewable energy development • regional tourism Furthermore, approval risks creating stranded assets and economic instability as global demand for thermal coal declines. The project therefore exposes the regional economy to future shock rather than supporting economic transition. 6. Biodiversity and Ecological Impacts The project area contains remnant woodland ecosystems and habitat for threatened species. Even where offsetting is proposed, biodiversity offsets do not replace ecological function. Mature ecosystems cannot be recreated within human timeframes. Cumulative biodiversity loss across the Western Coalfields is significant. Approval of the OC3 extension would contribute to incremental ecological degradation and habitat fragmentation across the region. ________________________________________ 7. Failure of the Precautionary Principle Under ecologically sustainable development principles, where there is scientific uncertainty but potential for serious environmental damage, approval should not proceed. There remains uncertainty regarding: • cumulative dust impacts • groundwater behaviour • rehabilitation success • long-term climate effects Because impacts may be irreversible, the Commission must err on the side of environmental protection. ________________________________________ Conclusion The Moolarben OC3 Extension is not a neutral development decision. It is a long-term commitment to expanded fossil fuel extraction with permanent environmental consequences and limited regional benefit. The project: • increases greenhouse gas emissions, • threatens water resources, • harms community health, • damages agriculture, • degrades biodiversity, • and conflicts with NSW’s long-term public interest. For these reasons, I respectfully request the NSW Independent Planning Commission refuse consent for the Moolarben OC3 Extension Project. Yours sincerely, Michael Cleary [redacted] |
|
Attachments |
23196_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 141.03 KB) |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
23201 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2516 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I oppose the expansion. I am a young person with a science degree and I work for the protection of the environment. I can see that this expansion goes against common sense. We can't afford to approve any more expansions or approvals of new projects if we meet our NSW climate targets or Aus Paris Agreement. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23206 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I object to this project for the following reasons: The proposal would clear about 450 hectares of native vegetation and extend to within 100 metres of the Munghorn gap nature Reserve. At least 23 threatened species have been recorded in the area including a uniquely resilient koala population. The proposed OC3 extension would generate an estimated 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its life, making its climate impact enormous. The project is expected to cause significant groundwater drawdown of 2-6 metres placing Moolarben Creek at serious risk as a critical drought refuge for wildlife. |
Sanaa Shah
|
ID |
23216 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 22155 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I object the Moolarben OC3 Expansion- it will have negative ramifications for biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions, water resources, and intergenerational equity. As NSW continues to progress it Net Zero objectives, it is bizarre that this mine is being expanded, despite longstanding discontent voiced by the local community and environmentalists. |
Victor Batorijs
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ID |
23221 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2090 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I fully appreciate that this extension will create jobs for the local community but there is simply no justification for supporting fossil fuel based industries, particularly where we have abundant renewable energy resources and this is in the Renewable Energy Zone which will create long term jobs based on clean energy. |
Anka Cleary
|
ID |
23226 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2850 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
|
Submission |
Submission to the NSW Independent Planning Commission Re: Moolarben Coal Complex – OC3 Extension Project I write as a resident of the Mudgee area to object to the approval of the Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project. I request that the Independent Planning Commission refuse consent for this project on the basis that it is inconsistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development, presents unacceptable environmental and health impacts, threatens regional water security and agricultural productivity, and is contrary to the long-term public interest of New South Wales. ________________________________________ 1. Inconsistency with Climate Policy and the Public Interest The project would enable continued and expanded extraction and export of thermal coal at a time when both Australia and NSW have committed to significant emissions reduction targets. While the proponent may argue that exported emissions are not counted within NSW inventories, the planning system is required to consider downstream (“Scope 3”) emissions when assessing public interest and environmental harm. Combustion of the coal extracted from the OC3 extension will produce very large quantities of greenhouse gases over the life of the project. Approval would therefore: • undermine NSW emissions reduction commitments, • conflict with Australia’s obligations under the Paris Agreement, • and lock in decades of additional global emissions. The NSW Land and Environment Court (Rocky Hill decision, Gloucester Resources Ltd v Minister for Planning) established that the climate impacts of exported coal are a relevant planning consideration. The OC3 extension clearly fails this test because it expands — rather than phases down — fossil fuel production during a period of urgent decarbonisation. ________________________________________ 2. Unacceptable Air Quality and Health Impacts Coal mining in the Mudgee–Ulan region has already resulted in cumulative particulate pollution from multiple existing mines. The OC3 extension would significantly increase: • PM10 and PM2.5 dust pollution • blasting emissions • diesel exhaust exposure • coal handling and transport particulates Fine particulate matter is linked to: • cardiovascular disease • respiratory illness • asthma exacerbation • premature mortality Rural communities have limited access to specialist health services. The burden of disease therefore falls disproportionately on residents of the region. The project adds to an already high cumulative exposure environment and fails the precautionary principle. Approval would effectively shift private economic benefit onto public health cost. ________________________________________ 3. Water Security and Groundwater Impacts The project presents significant risk to both surface and groundwater systems. The Moolarben mine operates in a region where: • groundwater supports agriculture, • aquifers recharge slowly, • and rainfall is highly variable. Longwall and open-cut mining can cause: • aquifer depressurisation • permanent drawdown • fracturing of geological strata • loss of baseflow to creeks Predicted “make-good” provisions do not restore aquifers. Water systems that take centuries to form cannot be replaced through compensation agreements. Given increasing drought frequency in NSW, approval would represent a short-term industrial use overriding long-term regional water security. ________________________________________ 4. Agricultural and Land Use Conflict The Central West and Upper Hunter regions are strategically important agricultural areas. Mining expansion creates: • land sterilisation • dust deposition on crops and pasture • reduced livestock productivity • loss of soil quality • property devaluation Agriculture provides sustainable, intergenerational employment. Coal mining does not. The project therefore represents a direct land-use conflict in which a finite extractive industry displaces a permanent food-producing landscape. Once mined, agricultural capability cannot be restored to its original state, despite rehabilitation claims. ________________________________________ 5. Economic Considerations and Employment Claims Employment benefits are often overstated in mining assessments. Coal mining is increasingly mechanised and provides relatively limited long-term employment compared with: • agriculture • renewable energy development • regional tourism Furthermore, approval risks creating stranded assets and economic instability as global demand for thermal coal declines. The project therefore exposes the regional economy to future shock rather than supporting economic transition. 6. Biodiversity and Ecological Impacts The project area contains remnant woodland ecosystems and habitat for threatened species. Even where offsetting is proposed, biodiversity offsets do not replace ecological function. Mature ecosystems cannot be recreated within human timeframes. Cumulative biodiversity loss across the Western Coalfields is significant. Approval of the OC3 extension would contribute to incremental ecological degradation and habitat fragmentation across the region. ________________________________________ 7. Failure of the Precautionary Principle Under ecologically sustainable development principles, where there is scientific uncertainty but potential for serious environmental damage, approval should not proceed. There remains uncertainty regarding: • cumulative dust impacts • groundwater behaviour • rehabilitation success • long-term climate effects Because impacts may be irreversible, the Commission must err on the side of environmental protection. ________________________________________ Conclusion The Moolarben OC3 Extension is not a neutral development decision. It is a long-term commitment to expanded fossil fuel extraction with permanent environmental consequences and limited regional benefit. The project: • increases greenhouse gas emissions, • threatens water resources, • harms community health, • damages agriculture, • degrades biodiversity, • and conflicts with NSW’s long-term public interest. For these reasons, I respectfully request the NSW Independent Planning Commission refuse consent for the Moolarben OC3 Extension Project. Yours sincerely, Anka Cleary [redacted] |
|
Attachments |
23226 - Anka Cleary_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 141.03 KB) |
gary barnes
|
ID |
23231 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2088 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I believe this will do irreversible harm to threatened species and ecosystems. the climate cost is incompatible with NSW climate goals |
Ross Liddle
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ID |
23236 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2206 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
[name redacted]] Tues Feb 17, 2026 To the Independent Planning Commission My name is Ross Liddle. I'm a 68 year old father of three who lives in Earlwood Sydney operates a local handyman business and am deeply disturbed by the continued approval of new coal expansions. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. In a time when it is so clear that our climate is rapidly heating and we’ve already hit climate tipping points we need to stop approving new coal expansions and instead make every effort to transition to net zero energy solutions. In particular, I am concerned about: Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting andvibration impacts. Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Yours sincerely, [name redacted] |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23241 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2850 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Submission Objecting to the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mine Expansion To: The Independent Planning Commission NSW Re: Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project (SSD-33083358) Dear Commissioners, I object to the proposed expansion of the Moolarben Coal Complex (OC3). This project is fundamentally inconsistent with Australia’s rapid transition toward renewable energy. We are moving toward very high levels of renewable electricity within the next decade. Expanding coal extraction now risks locking in unnecessary environmental damage for an industry that may not be needed in 10 years. The mine is located within the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, an area designated to support renewable energy development. Approving a coal expansion in a Renewable Energy Zone directly contradicts the strategic intent for the region. The expansion would destroy native habitat near the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and cause irreversible environmental harm. Once this land is cleared, it cannot be restored to its natural state. Local residents are currently being reminded by council to be mindful of water usage, while mining operations use large volumes in a drought-prone region. The surrounding environment and communities cannot sustainably support further strain. Finally, this expansion primarily benefits a corporation and a limited number of jobs, while the environmental and climate impacts are borne by wildlife, local communities, future generations, and people globally. For these reasons, I urge the Commission to reject this proposal and ensure planning decisions align with a sustainable, renewable future. Yours sincerely, |
Maddy Yerbury
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ID |
23246 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2502 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is Maddy and I am a local resident of Wollongong. I studied biology at university because I care deeply about the environment, and now work in community and environmental organisations. Last year I travelled to Mudgee to visit the town of Wollar and hear from local residents who have been devastated by coal mining development and expansion. Growing up in a coal mining town, I know the significant contributions that industries like coal mining have brought to our workers and communities. I also know that coal mining is destroying our environment, our ecosystems and water that we depend on, and Aboriginal heritage. As a young person, I see these impacts and am terrified by the catastrophic effects that mining and burning coal have on the climate. I am therefore writing to object to the proposed expansion of Yancoal’s Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. On my visit to Mudgee last year, I visited the beautiful Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, which is only 100 m away from the proposed mine expansion. We walked through the reserve, and learnt about the ecosystems and species that the reserve provides habitats for. I am highly concerned that 480 hectares of native vegetation, including 113 hectares of koala habitat where breeding koalas have been sighted, is proposed to be cleared for the expansion. I was also horrified to learn that the proposed expansion is predicted to have serious and irreversible impacts on several threatened species and ecological communities, including Regent Honey-eater, Broad-headed Snake, Microbats (eastern cave and large-eared pied bats), and White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Box Woodland and Derived Native Grassland. I am particularly concerned about the damage that the proposed mining would have on Wiradjuri cultural landscapes, including 55 Aboriginal heritage sites directly impacted. I note that the Cultural Heritage Management Plan recommended protection of these sites, which has been ignored by the proponent. Additionally I am highly concerned about the climate pollution that would be emitted due to this proposed expansion. I understand that an additional 64 million tonnes of greenhouse gases emissions would be produced over the life of the OC3 mine extension if this expansion is to go ahead. This is an unjustifiable cost to the climate, and inconsistent with the NSW Government’s Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the Paris Agreement, especially since NSW is not on track to meet it’s greenhouse gas emission targets for both 2030 and 2035. As a young person, I have experienced a lifetime of extreme weather from severe drought in the early 2000s, to the black summer bushfires in 2019-2020 and the preceding floods. I have witnessed climate fueled disasters like these across the state, the country and the world, and more frequently over the past few years. I am terrified of what the world will look like if we continue to mine and burn coal. I want to see good meaningful jobs that benefit the local communities of Mudgee and surrounding areas, not those that will take their future away from them. The NSW Government cannot afford to allow the approval of new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. For the reasons outlined above I therefore urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. I thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, Maddy Yerbury Wollongong NSW |
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Attachments |
Moolarben submission.pdf (PDF, 33.57 KB) |
Cynthia Alexander
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ID |
23251 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2221 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is Cynthia. I am an Australian citizen. I love this thrilling land of rich beauty, and its people of moral fibre and common sense. I am therefore very surprised and concerned by the proposed further expansion of coal mining in our states and particularly the proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. These are some of my concerns: 1) The expansion of this mine will benefit no one but the mining company, as jobs and commerce in this area are already abundant. I assume that there will be little if any income to NSW or Australia, like so many other mining projects that send profits off shore. 2) There has been inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. 3) The local environment would be further degraded causing: • irreversible threatened animal and plant species habitat loss, • water and ground water contamination and depletion threats, • impacts to neighboring Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, • mining within 100 metres of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve The world is in a climate crisis spiral and weather extremes break records with fearful regularity. This expansion project is estimated to produce 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions, yet NSW is NOT on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. Where is the common sense in approving this mining project? I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the Local environment, climate and community, as well as the wider environment, climate and community. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country should be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, Cynthia Alexander |
David Christie
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ID |
23261 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2779 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
My name is David Christie and I live in the Blue Mountains. I have lived here since 2001, and during that time I have experienced several bush fires. In 2001, bushfires were close to my home in Lawson. In 2002, a fire front roared past my parent’s home in Winmalee while I was manning hoses, in 2013 fires destroyed neighbours on both sides of parent’s home in Winmalee. We evacuated to my sister’s home during fires in 2019. While there is a history of bush fires in the Blue Mountains, these fires are more extreme due to the effects of Climate Change, and the burning of fossil fuels and the subsequent pollution is one of the principle causes of the warming of the planet and the changes to climate. I also have relatives who live in Mudgee and Cooks Gap and the area around the Moolarben Mine. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. I am opposed to the mine expansion: • This area belongs in a protected nature reserve, not an open-cut coal mine. This beautiful valley should be protected as part of a single conservation landscape with the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, not made into an open cut coal mine pit. My wife grew up surrounded by this beautiful bushland. The proposal would clear around 480 hectares of native vegetation and push mining to within 100 metres of the reserve, putting an area of high biodiversity at risk. At least 23 threatened species have been recorded in the area, including critical habitat for a uniquely resilient koala population. There is simply no justification to disturb this significant landscape and ecosystem - this project creates no new jobs, all it does is permanently destroy biodiversity. • Unacceptable and irreversible harm to threatened species and ecosystems. This vegetation is habitat for 23 threatened wildlife species recorded in and around the site, including the Koala, Regent Honeyeater, Large-eared Pied Bat, Eastern Cave Bat and Broad-headed Snake. The NSW Environment Department has warned the project could lead to long-term population declines and affect habitat critical to species survival. Despite this, noise and blasting impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve were poorly assessed, and Yancoal has refused to adopt a recommended 500-metre buffer to protect the reserve and its wildlife. This incredibly rich valley should never be up for mining and should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. • The vegetation to be cleared includes 113 hectares of koala habitat where breeding koalas have been recorded, including in the middle of one of the proposed mine pits, and 80 hectares of Regent Honeyeater habitat with breeding females recorded on site, • A massive climate cost that contradicts NSW climate goals. The proposal would produce an estimated 64.6 Metric tonnes of total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. This is inconsistent with the NSW Net Zero Commission conclusion in their recent Coal Mine Emissions Spotlight Report that any further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with achieving NSW climate targets and the Paris Agreement temperature goals • Serious and long-lasting risks to groundwater and creeks. It would lead to water drawdown of up to 5 metres in the alluvium of Moolarben Ck, which runs into the Goulburn River, and represents a risk to deep-rooted vegetation that uses that water. • The expansion will irreversibly harm Wiradjuri cultural heritage. It would cause serious harm to cultural heritage – at least 55 Aboriginal heritage sites would be directly impacted. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, David Christie [name redacted] |
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Attachments |
23261 - David Christie_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 67.48 KB) |
Kyle Patterson
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ID |
23266 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2095 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is Kyle Patterson and I am mad as hell about Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. This is insanity. Future generations will judge this to be the case. Imagine when your great-grandchildren one day in the future discover those responsible for allowing this to happen. Of course, they won’t. You’ll stop it! This project poses serious, irreversible risks to the environment, the climate, and the community. Instead of being carved up, this biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected — not treated like a spare patch of dirt waiting for excavation. My key concerns include: • Threatened species and habitat loss. Over 113 hectares of koala habitat — where koalas actually live and breed — would be cleared, along with habitat for the Regent Honeyeater and microbats. Biodiversity offsets cannot magically recreate functioning ecosystems, no matter how optimistic the paperwork may be. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. Mining within 100 metres of the reserve, paired with inadequate assessment of noise, blasting, and vibration, is not what anyone would call a “precautionary approach.” It’s more of a “hope for the best” strategy. • Water and groundwater risks. Long term groundwater drawdown threatens Moolarben Creek and groundwater dependent ecosystems that serve as critical drought refuges. Once these systems are damaged, they don’t bounce back with a glass of water and a pep talk. • Climate impacts. An additional 64 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is already struggling to meet its legislated reduction targets is the opposite of climate leadership. It’s like announcing a diet and celebrating with a family sized cake. • Lack of public benefit. There is no compelling jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region that is actively transitioning toward renewable energy. The future is arriving whether we approve new coal projects or not. The NSW Government cannot credibly approve new or expanded coal projects in the midst of a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I strongly urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend refusing the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project. Thank you for considering my submission. Kyle Patterson [redacted] |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23271 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Australia should be leading the world in the transition to Renewable Energy, not the extension of fossil fuel (FF) resources. Australia gets more sunshine than any other country in the world, so we should be fostering the solar industry, not supporting an industry whose days are numbered. Whilst apologists for FFs say that there's great demandfor fossil fuels, that demonstrates complete abrogation of any moral responsibility. There's demand for prostitution, for gambling, for illicit drugs. Should we seek to expand these industries? There was very good demand for slaves and opium, many fortunes were made but history does not remember them kindly and I would respectfully suggest that we are at a similar transition point. Please factor the above into responses to the excuse that "if we don't sell it, then someone else will". The damage that global warming is doing is manifest most particularly in increased insurance premiums. our business insurance has gone from $56,000 to $186,000. That increase, spread across our staff, would allow a wage increase of $7-10,000 PER STAFF MEMBER, a very handy extra in this cost of living crisis, but all of that is lost to our communities in a dead weight cost....and that sort of weight, a significant productivity loss, is a burden not just on our business but hundreds of thousands of businesses and millions of households across NSW. Electricity derived from coal delivers only 35% of the energy that comes out of the ground to the point of use; that is, 65% is wasted as a fuel source but contributes to global warming. As a tax payer and a rate payer and an employer in NSW, I urge the NSW Government to reject the proposal to extend the mine. Best Regards + Thanks, |
Kylien Hitchman
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ID |
23276 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2094 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am a citizen of NSW concerned that the Moolarben Opencut Coal mine is under consideration to be expanded. I am very concerned about its impact on the surrounding biodiversity and its contribution to the climate change crisis. It is unacceptable that the IPC Hearing has been indefinitely postponed when the surrounding residents and concerned citizens need to be heard through ongoing community consultation. I call for the Department of Planning to reject the proposed amendments from Yancoal as they do not reduce the mine footprint and so impact on local biodiversity through vegetation clearing, which can not be remedied/offset with "off-site habitat enhancement". Yours sincerely, Kylien Hitchman |
Kylien Hitchman
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ID |
23281 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2094 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
I am a citizen of NSW concerned that the Moolarben Opencut Coal mine is under consideration to be expanded. I am very concerned about its impact on the surrounding biodiversity and its contribution to the climate change crisis. It is unacceptable that the IPC Hearing has been indefinitely postponed when the surrounding residents and concerned citizens need to be heard through ongoing community consultation. I call for the Department of Planning to reject the proposed amendments from Yancoal as they do not reduce the mine footprint and so impact on local biodiversity through vegetation clearing, which can not be remedied/offset with "off-site habitat enhancement". Yours sincerely, Kylien Hitchman |
Thomas Kendall
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ID |
23286 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2287 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
See attached document |
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Attachments |
23286 - Thomas Kendall.pdf (PDF, 121.73 KB) |
Shreya Ghosh
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ID |
23291 |
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Location |
Western Australia 700089 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
The expansion will threaten the means of livelihood of local communities and the biodiversity in the area. It also places a delicate ecosystem at further risk. It will not generate enough employment to justify it happening since coal jobs remain unfilled. Renewable energy sources can however help in creating new jobs. The pollution caused by the extension is life threatening and unwelcome. I object the development. |
Maureen Kingshott
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ID |
23296 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2454 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission I live in the mid North coast region of NSW which is constantly under threat of wildlife habitat destruction by the NSW Forestry Corporation. In my view the state of our natural environment in NSW generally is far too precarious to permit new or expanded fossil fuel projects. I am therefore writing to object to Yancoal’s proposal to expand its Moolarben OC3 coalmine near Mudgee. My main concerns are that the expansion would cause irreparable damage to the local environment, the many plant and animal species which inhabit that environment, and it would result in even more greenhouse gas emissions than now. I ask you not to approve Yancoal’s proposal for the following reasons: 1. I understand that by clearing 480 hectares of bushland the proposed expansion would result in irreversible damage that cannot be offset. It would impact severely on threatened species including microbats, regent honeyeaters and broadheaded snakes. It would destroy 113 hectares of koala habitat, affecting breeding koalas; 80 hectares of regent honeyeater habitat; and up to 401 hectares of the nationally endangered box gum woodland ecosystem. Any offsets proposed will not be of any use to these important NSW flora and fauna. The ‘habitat enhancement’ offsets proposed by Yancoal appear to be mere greenwashing. 2. The proposed mine expansion will also have impacts on the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve as mining is proposed to take place within 100 metres of the Reserve. The effects on the environment of blasting and mining activities would not be conducive to the resident wildlife in the Reserve or to visitors hoping to enjoy a peaceful experience birdwatching or walking in the Reserve. In my view the area concerned should be part of the Reserve, not part of an open cut coal mine. 3. Moolarben Creek and local ecosystems would be under threat as a result of the long-term drawdown of groundwater required for the expanded mine. 4. There is no apparent public benefit for the expansion, with no new jobs or economic gain likely for surrounding townspeople, with the existing mine proposed to operate until 2038, and renewable energy projects in the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone expected to create many more jobs than the mine. 5. The additional greenhouse gas emissions projected from the proposed expansion (estimated at 64 million tonnes) would not be consistent with the emission reduction targets set out in the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. 6. Neighbouring coal mines, Ulan and Wilpinjong, are also proposing expansions which would affect native plants and animal habitat, similarly to the Moolarben proposal. The cumulative effects of all these proposals should be considered together, not separately. I ask you to reject the Yancoal proposal. Thank you for considering my submission. Yours sincerely Maureen Kingshott |
Kerryn HIGGS
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ID |
23301 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2446 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
My name is Kerryn Higgs. I am a 79 year old retired academic and author, living near Wauchope in mid-north NSW. I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in my state of NSW. This is due to many reasons, but especially the climate impacts of continued coal and gas extraction. I have lived in the same place for well over 50 years and it is clear that our temperatures are a good deal higher than they were when I moved here. Every decade brings more intense heatwaves and some years bring us torrential rainfall of the kind we never saw before in my lifetime or that of others who can remember back 60 or 70 years ago. The road to the mountains which I have taken every year since 1970, was washed away (totally washed out in one place) and covered in landslides (three cases) in the past 5 years, We had rainy seasons regularly, but nothing of this severity had ever happened before. Global warming means the atmosphere holds more moisture, about 10% more at present, and always rising as the temperatures rise, so that the storms are much more destructive. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, so therefore should not be approved. Rather than being cleared and destroyed for a coal mine, this biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected, Here are the main issues I am worried about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas -- and breeding -- have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. And NSW must protect what is left of Koala habitat. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. Coal mines use a lot of water. • Climate impacts -- the project will produce an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. *** The NSW Government should not approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Yours sincerely, Kerryn Higgs |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23306 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
The environment has been of great concern to me for many decades. So, on this basis, I oppose Yancoal’s proposed expansion of the Moolarben coal mine. I am informed that Yancoal has sought to delay the IPC hearing and disrupt community consultation on the Moolarben Open Cut 3 expansion by submitting last-minute minor amendments to its proposal. The amendments do not reduce the mine footprint or any vegetation clearing. They propose offsite “habitat enhancement” that will not lessen the serious impacts on threatened species and ecosystems. Making changes at this stage undermines the consultation process. In short, the proposed amendments do not reduce clearing of native vegetation, are far too late to be considered, and the proposal still would have severe impacts on biodiversity. The proposed expansion of the Moolarben coal mine would clear critical habitat for koalas, Regent Honeyeaters, and microbats, with plans to mine within 100m of the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, one of the oldest conservation reserves in the state. It threatens critical ecosystems, water sources, and cultural heritage on Wiradjuri Country. Despite the climate crisis and NSW’s commitment to reducing emissions, this project would lock in additional emissions from coal mining. The proposal would clear around 480 hectares of native vegetation and push mining to within 100 metres of the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, putting an area of high biodiversity at risk. At least 23 threatened species have been recorded in the area, including critical habitat for a uniquely resilient koala population and clear irreplaceable native bush that cannot be offset. The project would destroy 113 hectares of koala habitat where breeding koalas have been recorded, including in the middle of one of the proposed mine pits. It would clear 80 hectares of Regent Honeyeater habitat with breeding females recorded on site, and up to 401 hectares of the nationally endangered Box Gum Woodland ecosystem. Impacts on threatened species such as the Regent Honeyeater, Broadheaded Snake and microbats are expected to be severe, a risk acknowledged by the NSW Environment Department, which warned the project could lead to long-term population declines and affect habitat critical to species survival. Unbelievably, Yancoal has refused to adopt a recommended 500-metre buffer to protect the reserve and its wildlife. The proposed OC3 extension would generate an estimated 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its life, equivalent to around 58% of NSW’s total annual emissions, making its climate impact enormous. Yet the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s assessment ignores clear findings of the Net Zero Commission that any further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act and the Paris Agreement, and fails to acknowledge that NSW is already off track to meet its 2030 and 2035 targets. The assessment also does not apply the Denman Court of Appeal decision, which requires decision-makers to consider emissions, including downstream emissions (99% of its emissions), and the local climate impacts they cause, leaving the true climate and economic costs of the project unquantified and unaddressed. The economic and social costs of these emissions have not been addressed by Yancoal, and the proposed expansion cannot be justified on employment grounds or benefits to the local community, as the Moolarben mine will continue operating until at least 2038 regardless of this expansion, and coal jobs in the region have remained unfilled for years. At the same time, Mudgee sits within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, where renewable energy projects are expected to create around 2,000 new jobs over the next decade, offering clear alternative employment pathways. Yancoal has indicated that 65% of coal from Moolarben will go to China, 10% to South Korea, 10% to Taiwan, 5% to Thailand, 5% to Japan, and 5% to Others. Given the forecasted decline in Australian thermal coal demand to China and South Korea especially, the expansion would deliver little economic benefit while imposing lasting environmental damage, making its costs far greater than any claimed public benefit. The project is expected to cause significant groundwater drawdown of 2–6 metres, potentially lasting up to 25 years after mining, placing Moolarben Creek at serious risk as a critical drought refuge for wildlife. Independent experts have warned that groundwater-dependent ecosystems along the creek, including deep-rooted riparian trees, are likely to be affected by drawdown of up to 5 metres in the alluvium. These risks are compounded by the proponent’s failure to undertake adequate baseline water monitoring and its poor track record of complying with water monitoring requirements elsewhere in the mine complex. Yancoal are proposing an amendment to conduct 12 months of groundwater monitoring studies before they commence mining. This is inadequate; baseline groundwater monitoring studies should occur before a project is approved, not after. I will not go into the potential destruction of Aboriginal heritage, which would be of great concern to the Wiradjuri people, and to anyone who values Australian indigenous culture. The main concerns I have raised are directly related to the environment, and the fauna relying on it. Thank you for considering my submission. |
Martin Mansfield
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ID |
23311 |
|---|---|
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Organisation |
Cumberland Bird Observers Club |
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Location |
New South Wales 2153 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
My name is Martin Mansfield. I am writing on behalf of Cumberland Bird Observers Club (CBOC) NSW, which has over 450 members. I am the club’s Conservation Officer and this submission has been approved by the CBOC Executive Committee. Thank you for the opportunity to make this submission. CBOC urges that Yancoal’s proposal to expand its Moolarben coal mine be rejected. In particular, we are worried about the impact that the proposal would have on the Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia) which is classified as Critically Endangered under the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. The Regent Honeyeater has suffered a drastic population decline and there are only 250-350 left in the wild. The mine expansion would involve the clearing of 80 hectares of the habitat used by this special bird. Breeding females have been recorded on site. CBOC has a particular concern for the protection and survival of the Regent Honeyeater. Members have participated in plantings of thousands of suitable trees in the Capertee Valley for many years in an effort to increase the number of Regent Honeyeaters and prevent the species’ extinction. The vegetation used by Regent Honeyeaters is also used by other species of woodland birds many of which are also declining in numbers, some of them declining significantly. In addition, Yancoal’s proposed coal mine expansion would produce an estimated 64.6 metric tonnes of total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. This would contribute further to climate change which is the greatest threat to the wellbeing and survival of birds in Australia. We are deeply frustrated that we have to repeatedly take action to try to protect birds and their habitat. It seems that every time birds are in the way of a money-making venture, it’s the birds that have to make way. It’s therefore not surprising that the numbers of many species of birds are in decline, sometimes precipitously, and that more species keep being added to the list of threatened species. Enough is enough! The expansion of Yancoal’s mine poses an unacceptable threat to birds both in the local area and further afield. Cumberland Bird Observers Club therefore urges that it be rejected. |
Martin Mansfield
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ID |
23321 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2153 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
My name is Martin Mansfield. I am passionate about ensuring that my 2-year-old granddaughter, and all other people of her generation and future generations have a liveable planet in which to grow up and prosper. I therefore believe that much stronger action needs to be taken to combat climate change and protect nature. I am writing to express my strong opposition to Yancoal’s proposal to expand its Moolarben coal mine. The scientific evidence is clear that climate change is primarily caused by the burning of fossil fuels and that we need to reduce, at the very least stop adding to, the amount of greenhouse gases that we are producing. Instead Yancoal’s proposal would produce an estimated 64.6 metric tonnes of total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions which is equivalent to around 58% of NSW’s total annual emissions. The proposal contradicts the NSW Net Zero Commission conclusion in their recent Coal Mine Emissions Spotlight Report that any further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with achieving NSW climate targets and the Paris Agreement temperature goals. NSW is already off track to meet its 2030 and 2035 targets and Yancoal’s proposal would make the situation worse. The Premier said recently that it would be irresponsible to close down the NSW coal industry ‘overnight’. This comment was disingenuous because no-one is suggesting that. I’m certainly not. What I’m saying is that we need to stop approving new, expanded or extended coal mines. I do not want my granddaughter to grow up in a world which is experiencing more bushfires, floods, droughts and extreme heat, and in which there is likely to be environmental collapse and social dislocation, all of which are inevitable if climate change continues to worsen. I also want my granddaughter to grow up in an Australia where all our unique species of flora and fauna not just survive but positively thrive. Yancoal’s proposals and many other fossil fuel projects being proposed around Australia are a significant threat to this. The Moolarben mine expansion would clear around 480 hectares of native vegetation including up to 401 hectares of endangered Box Gum Woodland ecosytem, 113 hectares of koala habitat, and 80 hectares of Regent Honeyeater habitat. Regent Honeyeaters are classified as Critically Endangered under the Federal Environment Conservation and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act and breeding females have been recorded on the proposed mine site. Koalas are classified as Endangered and breeding females have been recorded including in the middle of one of the proposed mine pits. How can the NSW Government possibly achieve its aim of ensuring the survival of the koala in NSW if we keep destroying their habitat? Project proponents often claim that they will use offsets to compensate for the damage they do to habitat but most offsets are virtually useless as a means to protect species. In some cases, they are little better than a joke. One project recently approved in Queensland said that it will ’secure’ land to ‘offset’ the vegetation they will destroy. How does buying land with existing vegetation possibly offset destroyed habitat! Yancoal’s proposal would destroy habitat used by 21 other threatened wildlife species that have been recorded in and around the site, including the Large-eared Pied Bat, Eastern Cave Bat and Broad-headed Snake. I note that Yancoal has recently made some minor amendments to its proposal but they do not reduce the amount of vegetation to be cleared. The Moolarben coal mine expansion would also lead to water drawdown of up to 5 metres in the alluvium of Moolarben Creek, which runs into the Goulburn River. This represents a risk to deep-rooted vegetation that uses this water. In addition, and very importantly, the mine expansion would cause serious harm to Indigenous cultural heritage. At least 55 Aboriginal heritage sites would be destroyed, all of which are considered to have high cultural value by the Registered Aboriginal Parties consulted on the proposal. It is sometimes claimed that coal mines are necessary to ensure the maintenance of jobs and regional prosperity but in most cases this is false. It certainly is in this case. There are numerous alternative job opportunities available in the region because Mudgee is part of the Central West Renewable Energy Zone where renewable energy projects are expected to create around 2,000 new jobs over the next decade. Furthermore, the existing Moolarben mine will continue operating until at least 2038. By this time, the demand for coal in the countries to which the mine currently exports its product is highly likely to have significantly declined, eg South Korea has announced that all its coal-fired power stations will be closed by 2040. Therefore the mine expansion proposed by Yancoal is unnecessary. The mine will inevitably close and many of the workers will face long-term unemployment. They will have missed out on the opportunity to transition to good replacement jobs. This is unjust. For the above reasons, I strongly urge that Yancoal’s proposal to expand its Moolarben coal mine be rejected. Thank you for the opportunity to make this submission. |
Lynn Benn
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ID |
23326 |
|---|---|
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Organisation |
Knitting Nannas Hunter Loop |
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Location |
New South Wales 2323 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
We object to the project. Please see attached document. |
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Attachments |
Moolarben To the Planning Commission.docx (DOCX, 16.18 KB) |
Sally Neaves
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ID |
23331 |
|---|---|
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Organisation |
Catholic Diocese of Bathurst Laudato Si' Group |
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Location |
New South Wales 2799 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Object |
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Website |
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Submission |
The Catholic Diocese of Bathurst’s Laudato Si’ Group are opposed to Yancoal’s proposal to expand its Moolarben Coal Mine (OC3) near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. We are a group of 12 representatives from different parishes across the Central West of New South Wales. With the support of the Bishop of Bathurst, we take time to learn about critical environmental issues impacting our communities as core to our faith and mission. We believe we have a responsibility to protect creation for both the spiritual and ecological nourishment we stand to lose. Indeed, too much has already been lost from the cumulative impacts of mining, land clearing and industrialisation of the landscape at a time when the world is reaching a breaking point. We therefore voice our concerns about this mine expansion which would significantly impact our ecological communities as well as people in our school and parish communities. Our key concerns include: • Water impacts: In times of heating and drying, water is more precious than coal. This project could cause groundwater drawdown up to and exceeding 2–6m for more than 25 years post mining significantly altering stream, spring and groundwater dependent ecosystems and potentially Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. This puts Moolarben Creek and Spring Creek at risk, a vital drought refuge for wildlife. • Cultural significance: Mining expansion would damage Wiradjuri cultural landscapes, including sacred sites. We lament that too many places of cultural significance in the Mudgee area have already been lost. • Disturbance to the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve: As one of the oldest and most diverse reserves in the state, we are concerned that the 675 ha destruction from clearing and mining activities will leave only a 100 m buffer between the mine and the reserve. We call for restraint and common sense in determining an appropriate buffer of at least 500m to protect this significant reserve. • Coal extraction and its climate cost: this project will add an extra 30 million tonnes of coal produced over the life of the mine to 2038. An additional 64.6 million tonnes of GHG emissions will be produced. This is on top of the expansion of two other mines in the Mudgee area. Our moral responsibility to our Pacific neighbours already impacted, as well the obvious impacts we are already seeing from climate change in Australia, impels us to responsible action now. • Native species impact: Yancoal is proposing to clear 113ha of Koala habitat with breeding Koalas on site, as well as 80ha of Regent Honeyeater habitat, also with breeding females recorded on site. We also note the documented presence of microbats and Broad-headed Snakes, within the 401ha of nationally endangered Box Gum Woodland, for which the NSW Environment Department has warned would be in serious decline. We know the hard work put in by various local environmental groups and government agencies to protect and increase habitat for these species. Another way forward must be found to prevent any more destruction. For all of these reasons we call upon the Independent Planning Commission to reject the OC3 expansion of Yancoal’s Moolarben mine. Jenny Allen – Bathurst NSW 2795 Helen Croke – Orange NSW 2800 Leanne Bovington – Bathurst NSW 2795 Peter Judge – Newbridge NSW Bernadette Mullaney – Bathurst NSW 2795 Sally Neaves – Bathurst NSW 2795 Ann-Maree O’Beirne RSM – Bathurst 2795 Patricia Powell RSM OAM – Bathurst NSW 2795 Therese Welsh – Eugowra NSW 2806 |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23336 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I object the Moolarbaen Coal Complex OC3 Expansion Project for the following reasons. 1. It needs land and forest clearances which will threaten endangered wildlife and plants in the region such as koalas. 2. Fossil energy such as coal should be stopped as we observe the effect of the global warming such as fires, floods and sever weather events. 3. A coal project expansion means a water consumption expansion. We can't afford this. 4. This project will destroy 55 cultural artefacts and please take this matter seriously. 5. Moolarben is in the Central West Renewable Energy Zone and its renewable energy project will be a big job opportunity for people in the region. 4. |
Kerry Walker
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ID |
23341 |
|---|---|
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Organisation |
Hunter Wildlife Rescue |
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Location |
New South Wales 2293 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, and those described in our submission in relation to the protection of native wildlife within the Project Area and surrounds, Hunter Wildlife Rescue urges the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. |
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Attachments |
Kerry Walker - HWR Submission - Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project _Redacted.pdf (PDF, 788.96 KB) |
Alexandra Barratt
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ID |
23346 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2037 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I object to Yancoal’s Moolarben OC3 Coal Mine Extension (project number SSD-33083358) proposal on the grounds that it will increase greenhouse gas emissions and increase biodiversity loss it if proceeds. Evidence and reasons supporting my objections: Global greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase, causing climate degradation. Emissions caused by this proposal may be released overseas (Moolarben scope 3 emissions), but the atmosphere does not have borders and climate systems are global. NSW is particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts particularly extreme heat, floods and fires. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has pointed out the duties and obligations on nation states to prevent climate degradation to protect human populations. The NSW Net Zero Commission has previously warned that NSW is not on track to meet legislated carbon emission reduction targets. In its Spotlight report (2025), the Commission noted that “NSW consent authorities need to meaningfully consider greenhouse gas emissions and their impacts in all planning decisions, including those for additional coal mining.” The Commission continues “Continued extensions or expansions to coal mining in NSW are not consistent with the emissions reduction targets in the Climate Change Act or the Paris Agreement temperature goals it gives effect to.” As an agent of my government I expect you to act to ensure emissions reduction targets are met, and to protect the people of NSW from additional climate change impacts i.e. extreme heat, floods and fires that will result if this proposal is approved. Approving this proposal would be completely at odds with your responsibilities to us and under law. Furthermore the ICJ has noted that nation states may be liable to pay financial compensation to populations harmed by governments that do not act responsibly with respect to greenhouse gas emissions. If you approve this proposal you also expose the people of NSW to financial risk if damages have to be paid to other nations for damage and loss due to Moolarben scope 3 emissions. I also object on the grounds of the biodiversity loss that will occur if the proposal goes ahead. The world is already suffering effects of biodiversity loss including crop failures, intensified natural disasters and emerging infectious diseases, according to the UK Government National Security Assessment of global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security. Critical ecosystems are at risk of collapse as early as 2030. Halting and reversing biodiversity loss through forest protection is essential and urgent to ensure Australia’s national wellbeing and security. References NSW Net Zero Commission Spotlight Report December 2025 https://www.netzerocommission.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-12/NZC_Coal_Spotlight_Report_2025.pdf International Court of Justice advisory opinion 23 July 2025 https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/187/187-20250723-pre-01-00-en.pdf HM Government National Security Assessment Global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security. Summary released 20 January 2026 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nature-security-assessment-on-global-biodiversity-loss-ecosystem-collapse-and-national-security Alexandra Barratt MBBS MPH PhD Emeritus Professor School of Public Health University of Sydney |
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Attachments |
Moolarben Objection Feb 2026.docx (DOCX, 16.33 KB) |
Anne PENDER
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ID |
23351 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2090 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I am a concerned citizen of NSW - concerned at the way in which this government is allowing both extensions to existing coal mines and additional mines to proceed without due regard to the enduring, apocalyptic consequences for our world. The 10year expansion at Moorlaben will: - devastate 624 hectares of endangered woodland, - threaten vital koala habitat, - put 4 natives animal species at risk of extinction and jeopardise Australia's climate targets. And this all for no good or necessary purpose. The Head of the UN has told the world repeatedly that there is no need for any additional coal mines - yet the NSW government continues to approve new mines - both historically over the course of its time in power and a further 23 proposals currently in the pipeline. Enough is enough. This government must be brought to awareness of their abject failure to consider the damage they do to the whole world in terms of destruction of critically important environment, increasing heating of the atmosphere with its attendant catastrophic climate events and massive social impacts for people everywhere. We live in an interdependent world and we ignore that at our personal, national and global levels. Please exercise your responsibility by rejecting the proposed 10year expansion of Moorlaben mine, already the largest mine in NSW where coal is being dug up on an industrial scale which could have massive impacts on water availability locally. |
Elaine Tan
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ID |
23356 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2114 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I am part of a research group collecting long-term biodiversity data in Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, principally through bird banding, and I am highly concerned about the impacts of development to native biodiversity and water resources. The area has incredible importance for biodiversity and there have been 23 threatened wildlife species recorded in and around the site, including habitat that is critical to the survival of the Koala in a uniquely resilient population. Koalas have been recorded in and around the proposed mine site, including a record of a mother and her joey recorded by Lock the Gate with a thermal drone just over a year ago. The mine will also destroy habitat and is likely to cause serious and irreversible impact to threatened wildlife like the Large-eared Pied Bat, Eastern Cave Bat, Broad-headed Snake, Squirrel Glider, and Regent Honeyeater, and will also clear endangered Box Gum Woodland. There are vital sandstone cliffs and rocky habitat right along the edge of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, which are key habitats for the bat species especially. Blasting and noise represent a major threat to those species. The biodiversity research I am involved in has recorded Rockwarblers in the area, the only bird species endemic to mainland New South Wales. We have also recorded Black-chinned Honeyeaters, a critically endangered bird dependent on the endangered Box Gum Woodland habitat. These populations are threatened by the proposed development in the area. Researchers have also noted several frog species in the area, and native marsupials such as sugar gliders. As part of this biodiversity research, I have been privileged to be able to camp in Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve for a few days once every three months, with the Honeyeater Flats site maintained by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. At night, I and my fellow researchers are often disturbed by mine activities nearby the site, which will get worse if the mine is allowed to clear 480 hectares of native vegetation and mine right up to 100m from the boundary of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. It will also lead to water drawdown of up to 5m in the alluvium of Moolarben Ck, which runs into the Goulburn River, and represents a risk to deep-rooted vegetation that uses that water. I know of several property owners in the area whose water supply may be threatened as well. The mine will also harm NSW by contributing to runaway climate change, with the NSW Net Zero Commission stating clearly in their recent Coal Mine Emissions Spotlight Report that any further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with achieving NSW climate targets or with a safe climate. Further, the assessment of the project has not quantified the economic costs of the downstream greenhouse gas emissions, even though it is now effectively legally required following the Court of Appeal decision on the Mt Pleasant coal mine. This project should not be approved. |
Lynn Benn
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ID |
23361 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2323 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I object to this project. We are facing runaway climate change and we have a critical few years, not to avoid it, but to limit the worst of it. Our Paris agreement targets are not strong enough. NSW is failing to even meet those. We are a wealthy country with plenty of resources. We are also one of the largest per capita exporters of fossil fuels. We have the capacity to lead the world in a rapid transition away from fossil fuels. There are many strong and valid reasons for this project not to go ahead but the deadly exacerbating effect of the emissions that will result is by far the most consequential. The NSW Net Zero commision and the court of appeal finding over the Denman mine have given you the tools. I urge you to rise to the urgency of the situation and find against proceeding with this project. |
Olivia Yu
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ID |
23371 |
|---|---|
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Organisation |
Team Zali |
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Location |
New South Wales 2088 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I would like to prioritise the environment over all else. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23376 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2230 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I write to alert the Independent Planning Commission of the serious damage to critical groundwater and creeks risked by this proposal. The amendment to this proposal by the company that they will conduct 12 months of groundwater monitoring studies is neither sufficient for the scale of damage risked, nor is it appropriate to occur alongside the project proposal (especially with the lack of baseline water monitoring and the company's poor track record of compliance). It is wildly inappropriate to be risking any further irreversible damage to groundwater flow regimes before we even understand the extent of damage already caused (both Nation-wide and with respect to this project). |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23391 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
If not now, when? The matter of urgency Scientists have been advocating strongly for at least 30 years. The ‘ticking clock’, that metaphor for limited time symbolising the relentless passage of time, urgency or a looming deadline, highlights an urgent need to act before a deadline or to signify that opportunities are passing. ‘Seconds to midnight’ refers to the current setting of the Doomsday Clock. That is a symbolic timepiece but one maintained by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, that is, a scientific reality-based representation of how close humanity is to a global catastrophe. Climate endangerment, habitat loss, species protection and the Moolarben proposal As of January 2026, the clock is set at 85 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been to a metaphorical apocalypse since its inception in 1947. Midnight on the Doomsday Clock represents zero hour of a human led global annihilation, typically through nuclear war or environmental collapse. Climate endangerment and slippery targets. It has been estimated that an additional 64 million tonnes of climate pollution will be added by the Moolarben mine. Notably , this is occurring when NSW is already in deficit to its own legislated climate targets. Species endangerment. The Moolarben OC3 expansion would clear 113 hecares of koala habitat, where breeding has been recorded. The Regent honeyeater and microbat habitat are also at risk. Slippery targets and their explanation Motivation I can understand that the Chinese operators and beneficiaries of Yankuang Energy Group are not lying awake worrying about a koala or two or 12. But Australians should be concerned - and are very concerned judging by the last election results on an environment platform. It is not uncommon for people of my age (many of these allegedly indulgent Baby Boomers who have fought for the environment for 50 or more years) to confess they are sometimes glad they won’t be around in 20 years time. Young people are very scared, the leaders of tomorrow (if their protest movement speaker representatives are anything to go by) carrying unfairly a heavy mantle. But motivation does not seem to cover it. Why are Australians seemingly so indifferent to the high costs for little reward of our mineral reserves going offshore? Cognition; Joining the dots NSW is one of three prime culprit states when it comes to koala endangerment, that is, where populations have declined significantly. The koala to our shame is now listed as an endangered species under Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. They were previously listed as vulnerable, specifically linked to habitat loss (alongside disease and bushfires); as of 2026, they are officially listed as endangered. Some estimates suggest a high risk of extinction by 2050 without intervention. Pandas interestingly have gone from endangered to vulnerable since 2016, so the last 10 years has seen Australia going in the opposite direction from that of China, towards further extinctions; the panda it seems is likely to outlive the koala. The data are also officially in about who are the financial beneficiaries of such ‘growth’ measures involving minerals extraction: mostly not local and mostly enlarging the gap between rich and poor. Splitting. But it is hard to think about a looming catastrophe affecting us all. If motivation and cognition don’t seem to lead to rational self protective solutions (which are available if retreating) how are we to explain why for example the NSW government, already in deficit to its own legislated climate targets, might approve an expansion of a culprit coal mine? Splitting is one of the mechanisms interfering in rational thinking. It has its normal origins in early development of infants (all good vs all bad dichotomy that preserves a ‘good’ experience from a perceived threat); the black and white concretism of middle childhood; the regressions of ‘all or nothing’ idealisations and devaluations of adolescent thinking; the not connecting the dots of adulthood. Splitting allows us avoid holding conflicting emotions or thoughts about a person or situation, a reality that is too painful or frightening. While these are normal mechanisms of growth and defence they can become dysfunctional in adulthood. They can also be augmented by politicians or organisations through exploiting social divisions, fears, wishful emotions, phantasy [eg American case study example of the current President]. Is the juxtaposition of a proposal to add millions of tonnes of climate pollution alongside admirable greens initiatives a striking example of adults not connecting the dots? Conclusion: One important – hopeful - thing about splitting is we do know, somewhere, ‘in our hearts’, what is what, ie we don’t just recognise the one perspective, a bit of us understands the other and the underlying dynamic of fear or wish or whatever. Our current situation is the legacy of all of us, for which we are all responsible. Our only hope for solutions being enacted is through acknowledging that, and doing so in every single step we take on these questions, together. We cannot pretend we are doing good by ‘green’ initiatives with one hand while behind the back we are promoting enterprises that work in direct opposition to those. This is one planet, one enterprise, not us and them. We are all currently witness to what not joining the dots looks like in the American case. It is very frightening when the adults have ‘left the room’. A mind in bits. But it does take courage and I feel for administrators, like young people, when left the burden dropped by leaders. |
Suhailah Ali
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ID |
23396 |
|---|---|
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Organisation |
Jubilee Australia Research Centre |
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Location |
New South Wales 2206 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I am making this submission on behalf of Jubilee Australia Research Centre to object to the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mine Extension Project. Jubilee Australia conducts research-based advocacy, in partnership with other organisations and communities across Australia and the Asia-Pacific, to defend the rights of people and the planet over profit, and hold corporations and governments accountable. Our vision is a fairer future where a healthy planet, empowered communities and just economies go hand in hand. Concerns around biodiversity and water resources have been clearly outlined by the combined response of the Biodiversity, Conservation and Science Group of the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service provided here: https://majorprojects.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/prweb/PRRestService/mp/01/getContent?AttachRef=PAE-68741737%2120240625T233829.479%20GMT. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, the International Energy Agency has stated that no new or expanded coal mines are needed in the global pathway to net zero emissions by 2050, in line with limiting the average global temperature increase to 1.5°C, the Paris Agreement’s temperature goal (https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/deebef5d-0c34-4539-9d0c-10b13d840027/NetZeroby2050-ARoadmapfortheGlobalEnergySector_CORR.pdf). The Net Zero Commission’s ‘Coal Mining Emissions Spotlight Report’ states that “Continued extensions or expansions to coal mining in NSW are not consistent with the emissions reduction targets in the Climate Change Act or the Paris Agreement temperature goals it gives effect to” (https://www.netzerocommission.nsw.gov.au/publications/coal-mining-emissions-spotlight-report). The Assessment Report states that “MCO anticipates product coal will predominantly be directed to Asian markets in the short to medium term. Key receiving countries include China (65%), South Korea (10%), Taiwan (10%), Thailand (5%) and Japan (5%)”. China has recently seen coal power generation drop for the first time in 52 years (https://www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-coal-power-drops-in-china-and-india-for-first-time-in-52-years-after-clean-energy-records/), adding a record amount of new clean-power generation last year which was more than sufficient to meet rising demand. Korea has recently joined the Powering Past Coal Alliance, affirming its commitment to phasing out coal power plants (https://poweringpastcoal.org/news/republic-of-korea-and-bahrain-join-the-powering-past-coal-alliance-at-cop30/). Coal is clearly on its way out in key markets in Asia, making the continued production of coal from this mine incompatible with the energy transition that is well underway. Campaigners and communities across Asia are actively resisting coal power, pointing to its array of harms, from air pollution and resulting health impacts, to displacement and disrupted livelihoods; “Shutting down coal plants in Asia and replacing them with renewable energy is both urgently needed and increasingly feasible (…) The benefits of potentially saving tens of thousands of lives, reducing illness and improving ecosystem health are clear”. (https://apmdd.org/asias-coal-reckoning-can-it-shut-down-the-past-to-power-the-future/). It is vital to consider both the local and exported harms of this project. |
Barry Walsh
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ID |
23401 |
|---|---|
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Organisation |
BirdLife Southern NSW |
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Location |
New South Wales 2148 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
See our PDF attachment. |
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Attachments |
23401 - Barry Walsh_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 569.42 KB) |
Peter Whitecross
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ID |
23411 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, I have worked 35 years for NSW Health as a public health professional, now living in Orange. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. Given the impacts resulting from the way the current mining operation has been managed, it is clear that this project will exacerbate the current serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate, community, and economy. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected rather than being permanently destroyed. In particular, I am concerned that: • The trend away from fossil fuel extraction is now well established and continues on economic grounds alone. The estimates by proponents of similar coal projects (Adani/Carmichael) have been shown to be overly optimistic and out of step with current trends, resulting in the granting of exemptions from paying royalties. Further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act and the Paris Agreement, and fails to acknowledge that NSW is already failing to meet its 2030 and 2035 targets. • Yancoal identifies the intended destination of the coal exports but fails to factor in the costs of extreme weather such as increased insurance premiums, loss of real estate value and the destruction of public infrastructure that governments have to replace. Extreme weather while it is distributed globally, is not distributed evenly. Some countries are more vulnerable and much of Australia falls into this category. • At the same time, Mudgee sits within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone declared by the NSW Government. It is expected that renewable energy projects will create around 2,000 new jobs over the next decade, offering clear alternative employment pathways. Given that the NSW Government has recognised the necessity for, and opportunities in renewal energy in this area it would be an ‘own goal’ to approve such an extension of coal mining. Some of the other obvious problems with this proposal include - • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • The project will destroy 55 irreplaceable Aboriginal cultural artefacts, and potentially impact many more. They are all considered to have high cultural value by the Registered Aboriginal Parties consulted on the proposal. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23416 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2166 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
Cultural heritage The project will destroy 55 cultural artefacts, including two shelters, one of which contains grinding grooves. The CHCP recommended protection of that site, but the mining company refused. Cumulative impacts The cumulative impacts of this proposal in terms of other current and proposed coal mines in the Mudgee region has not been assessed. Both the Ulan and Wilpinjong coal mines also have major expansions proposed, and collectively the three existing coal mines and all their proposed expansions have enormous impacts on biodiversity, water, cultural heritage and our climate. Regional impacts and jobs There are numerous alternative job opportunities available in the region because Mudgee is part of the Central West Renewable Energy Zone and there is a boom in jobs available in renewable projects, with close to 2,000 new jobs predicted over the next decade. Further, the existing Moolarben coal complex will continue to operate until 2038 regardless of whether this expansion goes ahead or not. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23421 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2850 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I am deeply concerned about the proposed Moolarbon expansion. The area has experienced water depletion from the growth of mining, in addition to the destruction of the landscape. We know from the experience of other mining communities that the land cannot be restored after substantial mining and we will be left with the scars of a soon to be legacy power source. Weather events and catastrophic sea level changes all over the world are causing destruction to the only planet we have. If this mine expansion continues, and fossil fuels continue to be burnt, it will be too late to turn down the temperature and Mars will look quite charming. I trust you will consider the future of our children and the future of the Pacific Islands in your considerations. Thankyou. |
Jane Hegarty
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ID |
23436 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2329 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am a resident of the local area that this expansion will impact. I object to the expansion of the Yancoal's proposed Moolarben OC3 on the grounds that in a world that is undergoing rapid climate change it seems incomprehensible that our government would allow mining to increase its land area when we should be decreasing the land that is being consumed by coal mining. This expansion would also generate an estimated 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its life which is an unnecessary burden for this region to carry when the State government is already clearing land in the Central West Orana Renewal Energy Zone (CWOREZ)to construct new power lines, energy hubs and has approved a number of renewable energy wind and solar farms. Why is this region being asked to shoulder all this damage to our natural environment for the reduction of emissions when corporations like Yancoal can still expand their mining activities. Lets have some common sense here. The expansion of this mine would impact 113 hectares of native vegetation in an area that is currently undergoing rapid construction and development for renewable energy projects in the Central West Orana REZ. To clear more land that will only result in the emission of more carbon dioxide when the current Australian government is trying to reduce Australia's carbon dioxide output seems to be ludicrous. The loose of native habitat for fauna that is critically endangered like koalas, while trying to protect them elsewhere in our state is also madness. To allow such an expansion seems to contradict the current state government Climate Change Act and the Federal Government commitment to the Paris Agreement. It also will make it harder to meet our 2030 and 2035 climate targets and will undermine the work that is already being done in the local community around renewable energy development. I also have grave fears for the long-term impacts on our ground water and creeks. Water is a valuable resource in Australia because of its scarcity and to allow an international company with no vested interests in protecting Australia's ground water supply to expand a mining development for their own personal financial gain at the expense of local community's access to ground water seems unethical. Australia already has a poor record in its management of waterways and water sources so surely, we should at all times protect this resource for our own citizens and the local fauna and flora. If the government looked at the total loss of biodiversity, the impacts on the environment, air quality and water resources of all the development occurring in the CWOREZ at the moment it must in all honesty reject this expansion proposal because of the cost to our local area. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23441 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Coal burning produces toxic greenhouse gases. The planet in general and the Central West Community specifically are victims of global warming spurred on by greenhouse gases emissions. The water table around Mudgee nourishes world class vineyards. These and the economic benefit derived from wine production are imperilled by this proposed expansion. I also note the continued obfuscation of the approval/ objection process such as the constant delay in community public hearings. It is difficult for an opposition lobby to form when the fair play platform is not in place. The department has a duty of care and moral obligation to provide this. Contrast the mining lobby with unlimited funds and endless spin. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate, and community, and therefore should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected in perpetuity. In particular, I am concerned about: Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23446 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
This coal mine extention is in an area of high biodiversity and it will further impact wildlife extinctions in NSW. The area is quite similar to where I live and I know that this kind of natural landscape supports a wonderful array of native plants and animals. Please consider instead adding this area to the nearby national park. I really hope you will save and protect this land and it can be conserved for future generations to see. Coal mines are causing terrible environmental damage and I fear for the future. Please consider my submission. Thank you |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23451 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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To the International Planning Commission, My name is (Redacted) and I’m a 21 year old student at the University of Sydney and I am deeply concerned about the proposed expansion of the Moolarben coal mine. I am writing to object to Yancoal's proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I oppose the expansion of fossil fuel projects, having visited Moolarben’s grounds recently. I oppose expanding fossil fuel projects in New South Wales and elsewhere. The fossil fuel expansions will devastate local water ecosystems, threaten local wildlife and human residents and also encroach on significant Indigenous land. I feel as if the expansion of this coal mine goes against the current government’s aims to cut down on fossil fuel projects and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Additionally, the government claims that it is enshrining biodiversity and protecting endangered species, yet the proposed expansion of the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project will encroach into irreplaceable koala, honeyeater and microbat habitats. Even when the coal mining ceases, the land which is damaged will take many years to return to its original state. I am concerned about adding to the greenhouse effect. The reach of this expansion will go further than just the site itself and will contribute to the worsening climate crisis in Australia and elsewhere. Beyond this, against the backdrop of so many climate tipping points being reached recently, and with major ecological impacts now inevitable, allowing for the extraction of and combusting of fossil fuels is incredibly reckless and I oppose this expansion on the advice of climate scientists around the world. For the reasons above I strongly suggest the Independent Planning Commission refuse the proposal for the expansion of the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project. Thank you for considering my submission. |
Wendi Etherington
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ID |
23456 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2049 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission My name is Wendi and I am a retired public servant . I love bush walking, being in nature and especially sharing these things with my two grandchildren. Like many young people they are fascinated by Australia's wildlife and are very concerned about their future survival with the challenges of climate change and deforestation. I am writing on all our behalf to object to the proposed expansion of the Moolarben OC3 coal mine near Mudgee.The project has already severely affected the environment and habitat of local species and the expansion would only excacerbate this destruction. There are several threatened species in the area, including koalas, Regent Honeyeaters and microbats. Clearing this habitat can not be undone and no amount of replanting or biodiversity offsets will replace this crucial environment for these precious creatures. The threat to groundwater in the area is very concerning as the nearby Munghorn Nature Reserve and Moolarben Creek will almost certainly be affected with widespread impact again on the local environment and its wildlife. In my lifetime, the impact of climate change has become more and more obvious and most governments, including the NSW Government, are now claiming that they have a plan to net zero and are in agreement with the goals of the Paris Agreement. How then can an expansion of this nature be justified when it will create many more tonnes of additional greenhouse emissions and further impede any progress towards net zero?? I urge those on the Independent Planning Commission to consider these serious issues and refuse the proposed extension project. Thankyou for your work and for considering these issues with the gravity they deserve. Sincerely Wendi Etherington Lewisham NSW 2049. |
Emmanuel Kneeshaw
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ID |
23461 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2539 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, I am a university student studying Earth Science and Politics at Monash University. I learn every day about the cost-benefit analysis of projects and the methods that undermine this process. Environmental Offsets are one such method. They are rarely monitored appropriately and as reported by the Australian Conservation Foundation not legally protected in 70% of cases included in the study. This is why Yancoal's Moolarben expansion should not be approved based on the poor substitute of 'habitat enhancement'. Bushland takes hundreds of years to mature and old growth and developed bushland is becoming scarce in Australia where there is already a 50% deforestation rate. We cannot replicate the 480 hectares of valuable bushland, home to at least 23 threatened species, in our life time, and any claims to 'offset' this damage is false and damaging. Local environmental damage is just one impact which the proposed expansion will have, not only on the local community, but on all Australian's and populations worldwide. Firstly, investing in coal is detrimental to NSW, Federal Government, and global climate goals. We CANNOT afford extending the lifetimes of these mines in any sense- environmentally, socially and economically. Australian's will see little benefit from the profits of this mine which will be mainly sent overseas. Additionally, a faster move away from the coal industry towards renewables will only benefit Australian's who live on the continient with the most potential for renewable power in the world, especially those living in a region where renewables are being prioritised. Every degree of global warming has an additional impact, the severity of which can be viewed in the National Climate Risk Assessment. It doesn't matter where this additional coal is burnt- it will negatively affect Australians. Local environmental impacts to threatened species breeding grounds and groundwater sources is clear, as well as the track record of Yancoal, who have failed compliance checks and groundwater monitoring on the same site they wish to expand. There is no justification for the approval of this expansion that could possibly override the impacts it will have on the local comminity, environment and global population. I urge the independant planning commission to evaluate these impacts with the correct weight and refuse the mine expansion. Thank you for reading my submission, Sincerely, with hope, Emmanuel Kneeshaw |
Jo-ann Holstein
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ID |
23471 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am a financial economist, academic and mother of a young adult. I am deeply concerned about the continued expansion of coal mining in our state. Decisions made today will shape the world our children inherit and expanding fossil fuel projects increases the risks they will face. Our children should be able to live in a safe climate with clean air, secure water and thriving natural environments, not one burdened by escalating climate impacts driven by short-term decisions. I write to object to the proposed expansion of the Moolarben Coal Mine, operated by Yancoal, near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country in the Mid-Western region of NSW. While the mine is already a major thermal coal exporter and the largest coal producer in the state, this further expansion would intensify environmental destruction, cultural harm and climate impacts at a time when NSW should be urgently transitioning away from fossil fuels. The proposal to extend mining operations deeper into this ecologically and culturally significant landscape is unjustified and contrary to the public interest. 1. This landscape should be protected, not mined The valley adjoining the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve forms part of a highly intact and biodiverse landscape that warrants protection, not excavation. This ecologically rich valley should be added to the reserve, not carved into for coal extraction. The expansion would remove approximately 480 hectares of native vegetation and bring mining activities to within 100 metres of the reserve boundary. At least 23 threatened species have been recorded in the locality, including a uniquely resilient koala population. Clearing habitat at this scale, immediately adjacent to one of NSW’s oldest conservation reserves, places extraordinary ecological values at risk. There is no compelling public benefit to justify sacrificing such a significant natural landscape, particularly when the project results in permanent biodiversity loss. The proposed expansion would permanently destroy critical habitat that cannot be meaningfully replaced or offset. This includes: • 113 hectares of recorded koala habitat, including breeding sites located within proposed mine pits; • 80 hectares of habitat for the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater, with breeding females documented on site; • Up to 401 hectares of the nationally endangered Box Gum Woodland ecological community. The NSW Environment Department has acknowledged the risk of serious and irreversible impacts, including long-term population decline and loss of habitat essential to species survival. Despite these risks, noise and blasting impacts on the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve have been inadequately assessed. The proponent has also declined to implement a recommended 500-metre buffer to protect the reserve and its wildlife, instead proposing mining as close as 100 metres from its boundary. 2. A Major Climate Impact Inconsistent with NSW Law and Policy The OC3 extension is estimated to generate approximately 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its operational life, equivalent to around 58% of NSW’s total annual emissions. This is an enormous climate burden. The assessment process has failed to properly consider the findings of the Net Zero Commission, which clearly state that further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with the objectives of the NSW Climate Change Act 2022 and Australia’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. NSW is not currently on a credible pathway to achieve its 2030 and 2035 emissions reduction commitments. Furthermore, the assessment does not properly apply the Denman Aberdeen Muswellbrook Scone Healthy Environment Group Inc v MACH Energy Australia Pty Ltd [2025] decision, which requires decision-makers to consider downstream (Scope 3) emissions and the local climate consequences they generate. These impacts have not been meaningfully quantified in economic or social terms. The climate costs, environmental, social, and economic, remain unaddressed. 3. Limited Economic Benefit The expansion cannot credibly be defended on employment or regional prosperity grounds. The Moolarben mine will continue operating until at least 2038 regardless of whether this expansion proceeds. The proposal does not deliver significant new employment, and coal mining roles in the region have remained difficult to fill for years. At the same time, Mudgee lies within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, where renewable energy developments are expected to create approximately 2,000 jobs over the coming decade. These projects offer long-term, future-focused employment pathways aligned with NSW’s clean energy transition. Additionally, a significant proportion of Moolarben’s coal is destined for export markets, including China, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Japan. Forecast declines in demand for Australian thermal coal, particularly from China and South Korea, further weaken the economic case for expansion. 4. Water and Cultural Heritage Risks The project is predicted to cause groundwater drawdown of between 2 and 6 metres, with impacts potentially lasting up to 25 years beyond the life of mining. This poses a serious threat to Moolarben Creek, a critical drought refuge for wildlife. Independent hydrogeological experts have warned that groundwater-dependent ecosystems along the creek, including deep-rooted riparian vegetation, may suffer significant harm from drawdown of up to 5 metres in alluvial systems. These concerns are compounded by inadequate baseline water monitoring and the proponent’s compliance history elsewhere in the mine complex. The proposal to conduct only 12 months of groundwater monitoring prior to mining commencement is insufficient. Robust baseline studies should be completed before approval, not deferred until after consent is granted. The expansion would destroy 55 Aboriginal cultural artefacts of high cultural value, with dozens more potentially affected. Registered Aboriginal Parties have identified these sites as significant. Continued expansion of mining operations fragments and degrades Country, compounding cumulative harm to Wiradjuri cultural heritage. This undermines the ability of Wiradjuri people to maintain connection to Country, practise culture, and protect sacred sites of profound and irreplaceable importance. Conclusion The cumulative effects of this proposal, combined with expansions at neighbouring mines, have not been adequately assessed. Modifications to the Ulan Coal Mine and Wilpinjong Coal Mine would result in further clearing of similar connected landscapes, water systems, biodiversity corridors, and cultural heritage areas. All of these projects affect many of the same threatened species identified as at risk of serious and irreversible impacts. Evaluating each proposal in isolation fails to account for the broader and compounding ecological damage across the region. The proposed expansion of the Moolarben Coal Mine would result in permanent biodiversity loss, substantial climate harm, long-term water impacts, and irreversible damage to Wiradjuri cultural heritage, without delivering meaningful new economic benefits. At a time of escalating climate crisis and biodiversity decline, this project represents a step backwards. This valley should be protected and incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve as part of a coherent conservation landscape. For these reasons, I strongly urge the refusal of this expansion. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23476 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
4To the Independent Planning Commission, I'm a student currently living in the Blue Mountains and I'm writing to you about Yancoals proposed Moolarben OC3 Coal mine expansion, near Mudgee, Wiradjuri Country. While the whole project is cause for concern, there are a few key points I'd like to focus on. Habitat loss, particularly habitat for Endangered species, such as the Koala breeding population, the Reagent Honeyeater breeding population and the Micro-bats living and thriving in the area. The impact on the nearby Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with limited assessment of the impact of noise, vibration effects, etc. Cultural impact, with the proposed expansion to destroy 55 irreplaceable cultural artefacts, and harm dozens of others. Climate Impact, with the project to bring a devastating estimated 64 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Lack of Benefit, with the expansion to bring no new jobs and no new energy supplies for NSW. Conversely, green energy projects in the area are forecast to bring almost 2,000 jobs in the coming years. I hope you will take into due consideration the above points and I thank you for considering my submission. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23481 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2205 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Dear Commissioners, I am a grandmother who wants, not only a sustainable planet for future generations but beautiful places for them to visit and rejuvenate. I am writing to urge you to reject Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee. This a beautiful part of Australia and instead of expanding damaging, polluting industries such as coal mining, we need to preserve it for the restorative benefits, the tourist industry and the green jobs that it provides. We can also look at future employment in this area that is environmentally sustainable, innovative and future-focused. You will be aware of the risks to the plants, animals and birds - many of them endangered - in this area, and also the risks to the groundwater and creeks. We should acknowledge that humans exist in harmony and interdependence with nature. Therefore, it is important for our mental and physical health that such regions should be preserved intact. I encourage you to consider the great benefits to humans, animals, plants and birds when making the decision on this expansion. Please reject it. Thank you for considering my submission. |
Grace Amarante
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ID |
23486 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2040 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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To whom it may concern at the Independent Planning Commission, My name is Grace and I’m an undergraduate student who is very concerned about the proposed expansion of Yancoal’s Moolarben OC3 coal mine and I object to it. The intolerable blazing heat is becoming more apparent to me and I am anxious about how the worsening climate crisis will impact living across the world. With the estimated emissions coming from Moolarben if this project is approved being 64 million more tonnes of greenhouse gases, this is not a small contribution to the global greenhouse effect around the world. At a time at which many different climate scientists have suggested that global warming is now reaching invariably bad outcomes, approving this project seems irreconcilable with New South Wales’ climate targets. Having experienced the devastating impacts of the bushfires in 2020, including the warnings about health risks, pollution and changes to lifestyle, I empathise with the locals of the local communities surrounding the coal mine. If the proposed changes happen, there will be devastating losses to both local ecosystems and the residents of that area in the way of damaged water systems, pollution and other ecological issues. Thank you for considering my objection. |
Georgia Conechado
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ID |
23496 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2204 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Please see attached PDF. |
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Attachments |
Moolarben OC3 Submission - GC.pdf (PDF, 44.43 KB) |
Stuart Guthrie
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ID |
23501 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2096 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am opposed to further coal mining as it's fundamentally toxic, terrible for our childrens future and likely to be a stranded asset with no money to repair the terrible damage it will do to the region when the mining company goes bust. India and China have reached peak coal (read the Guardian about it) and we do NOT need more coal mines. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23506 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2173 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Submission attached |
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Attachments |
23506 - Shirisha Nampalli_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 76.27 KB) |
Virginia Pidcock
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ID |
23516 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is Virginia. I am a recent retiree, having worked for 48 years in the health and community sectors. I am deeply concerned about the impacts of climate change and I see the future of humanity on earth being threatened by these impacts. I have grandchildren who will be dealing with the consequences of our generation’s inactions at this critical time. I believe it is incumbent on all levels of society to take strong steps to reduce the impacts of climate change and to look to securing a sustainable future. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. The proposed amendments do not reduce clearing of native vegetation, are far too late to be considered, and the proposal would have severe impacts on biodiversity. It is important that the valley be part of a single conservation landscape with the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and not be made into an open cut mine pit. This will allow the continued protection of biodiversity and the habitat of a koala population. I am concerned that the mine expansion: • will create irreparable damage to ecosystems and severely impact threatened species, a risk acknowledged by the NSW Environment Department. • will create noise and blasting impacts. These have been poorly assessed with no buffer zone agreed to. • will put water and groundwater at risk. This includes long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. Baseline groundwater monitoring studies should occur before the project is approved. • will generate an estimated 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its life, equivalent to around 58% of NSW’s total annual emissions. The true climate, economic and social costs of these emissions have not been addressed. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, Virginia (Redacted) |
Rhonda Daniels
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ID |
23521 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2232 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am a Life Member of the Australian Plants Society NSW and Sutherland Shire Environmental Citizen of the Year 2025. I am well aware of the importance of our natural environment for human health and wellbeing, and actively work to protect our environment. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community. It should not be approved. I ask for this rich biodiverse area to be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, • I object to the threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • I object to the impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • I object to the water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • I object to the climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions. • I object due to the lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend refusing the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project. The last minute proposed amendments do not reduce clearing of native vegetation, are far too late to be considered, and the proposal would still have severe impacts on biodiversity. Yours sincerely, Rhonda Daniels |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23526 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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I am concerned about this development, due to the risk it poses to the biodiversity of the area through habitat destruction and possible pollution. I am also concerned about the fact that this will support greenhouse gas production and thus contribute to the greater climate crisis. |
Steven Gott
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ID |
23531 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2783 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission, Re www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/cases/moolarben-coal-complex-oc3-extensionproject I am writing to express my concern with the proposed moolarben coal complex OC3 extension project. I was listening to a farmer speaking on the radio this morning as I travelled to work – she spoke about the extreme drought that they are having to work with and how this is creating mental and financial stress on their lives, she said that the drought was “unprecedented”. Unprecedented is said so frequently in NSW with respect to floods, fires, hail and wind events that it loses its impact – this means that these weather events have never been known before! These unprecedented events are due to climate change as a result of mines like this one being responsible for spewing 64.6 million tonnes of green house gas emissions into our atmosphere – why do we even think of allowing this project to go ahead, clearly the project developers will never be convinced that climate change is real and that coal mining is a major contributor. I also watch the weather forecast on TV and see the graphs that peak in 2025/26 for the number of days in NSW that are above 30 and 40° Celsius – what are the proponents thinking when they see these simple graphs showing climate change. I am hopeful that by making this submission that an independent group of people can see sense and stop these ridiculous projects from going ahead. There is no doubt that this is a project that will cause untold damage to NSW, Australia and the whole planet earth for the following six reasons. 1. This area belongs in a protected nature reserve, not an open-cut coal mine due to the number of threatened species that have been recorded in the project area. 2. The unacceptable and irreversible harm to threatened species and ecosystem that cannot be rectified through any offset scheme. 3. The project would create a massive climate cost that contradicts NSW climate goals, the OC3 extension project would generate an estimated 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its life, equivalent to around 58% of NSW’s total annual emissions, making its climate impact enormous. 4. The economic argument does not stack up, given the forecasted decline in Australian thermal coal demand to China and South Korea especially, the future for this area of NSW lies in the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone. The expansion would deliver little economic benefit while imposing lasting environmental damage, making its costs far greater than any claimed public benefit. 5. Serious and long-lasting risks to groundwater and creeks, these risks are compounded by the proponent’s failure to undertake adequate baseline water monitoring and its poor track record of complying with water monitoring requirements elsewhere in the mine complex. Yancoal are proposing an amendment to conduct 12 months of groundwater monitoring studies before they commence mining - this is inadequate, baseline groundwater monitoring studies should occur before a project is approved, not after. 6. The expansion will irreversibly harm Wiradjuri cultural heritage. 7. The cumulative impact of this project expansion with the proposed expansions of neighbouring mines being the Ulan Coal Mine Modification 6 and 8 and the Wilpinjong Coal Mine Modification. Australia is not the greatest country to live in whilst we continue to approve massive climate changing coal projects and allow companies like the proponent to export coal to other countries at the current rate. I look forward to hearing that this project is not approved to proceed. Yours Faithfully Steven Gott Lawson NSW 2783 |
Pam Atkins
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ID |
23536 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Victoria 3350 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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We do not need more coal. We have other cleaner and less expensive ways to generate electricity. This will not benefit the local community, the rest of Australia, or the rest of the world. It will harm our children's future. Look at the bigger picture and do the right thing - stop helping only fossil fuel industry with short term gains when it damages the health and well-being of everyone else. We are approaching tipping points that will make the planet uninhabitable. Don't go down in history as enablers of our destruction. |
Annabelle MacClelland
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ID |
23541 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2256 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is Annabelle, I am a student in Sydney and the Central Coast and I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in our states, due to the climate impacts being felt in my area. People are already sitting through extreme heatwaves, our energy bills are going up due to the added cost of air conditioning, and I know communities across NSW are facing the same struggles. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, Annabelle MacClelland Patonga NSW 2256 |
Majid Saghafi
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ID |
23546 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2067 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
I object to approval of this development |
Geoff Selwood
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ID |
23556 |
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Organisation |
Orange Field Naturalist and Conservation Society |
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Location |
New South Wales 2800 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Orange Field Naturalist and Conservation Society's reasons for objecting to this proposal are in the attached file. |
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Attachments |
Geoff Selwood - Moolarben OC3 OFNCS submission_Redacted_0.pdf (PDF, 1.15 MB) |
Elizabeth O'Brien
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ID |
23561 |
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Organisation |
The LEAD Group Inc charity |
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I discovered during my attendance at 3 hearings of the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the Impacts of Gold, Silver, Lead & Zinc Mining that the IPC is not a fit instrument for protecting the environment, biodiversity, cultural heritage or preventing a climate crisis, as its only criteria seem to be whether a mining project will increase government mining royalties or employment taxes. This proposal doesn't even increase employment so hopefully even the IPC will listen to all the objectors and the likes of David Attenborough and Greta Thunberg and set a precedent by NOT approving more coal mining. What particularly concerns me about this coal mine expansion proposal is the proposed increase in coal exports at a time when all future-oriented national and state governments are decreasing coal use and increasing renewable energy use, which is quite compatible with agriculture and will not increase either local or overseas toxic particulates or carbon emissions from coal mining and burning. I have already advised the NSW Environment Minister that it is not adequate to only require mine proponents to assess fauna and flora - like the 23 threatened species in the vicinity of this proposed mine expansion - and this proposal is just another example of the possible loss of vital-to-life fungal species before they are even described and understood as to their benefits, such as "eating rock, making soil, digesting pollutants, nourishing plants, surviving in space, producing food, making medicines, manipulating animal behaviour and influencing the composition of the Earth's atmosphere." [Ref: "Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds, and Shape Our Futures" by Merlin Sheldrake (2020)] It is just so incredibly short-sighted in 2026 to seek to mine more coal to be burnt on this planet, when every single thing we can do to avert a climate crisis, our grandchildren will be asking why didn't we do it? This proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion MUST NOT BE APPROVED. Reducing coal exports MUST happen before we can all tell our grandchildren we did everything we could to avert a climate crisis and hand on a healthy biodiverse environment in NSW. Please restore my faith that IPC decision-makers are pro the future of the planet and not just pro-short-term profits. |
Rosemary Stapleton
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ID |
23566 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2800 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission method |
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Submission |
Please see my reasons for objecting to this coal mine expansion in the attached file |
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Attachments |
Rosemary Stapleton - 2026-02-17 Moolarben OC3 R Stapleton Submission_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 112.52 KB) |
Daryn Poulden
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ID |
23571 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2424 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am writing to object to the proposal by Moolarben Coal Operation Pty Ltd for the expansion of the existing mining complex. Over the years Mudgee and surrounds has grown as a key tourist area in NSW - people visit from all over NSW and Australia and Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve is a popular tourist destination. The mine has already had a negative impact on the Reserve and any attempt to increase the size of the mine will further the damage and could have a negative impact on tourism. Who wants to come to a beautiful part of the world to see rich biodiversity, cultural heritage sites, special fauna and habitats and be exposed to ugly open cut mines and hectares of land clearing. I am very concerned about the impact an extension of the mine will have on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve which is known for its rich biodiversity, cultural heritage sites, threatened species habitat and significant sandstone feautures. The mines promises "habitat enhancement" but this is hardly a remedy for the ongoing large scale clearing of native vegetation (480 hectares); the impact on critical habitats and threatened species; the impact on the Goulburn River system; the impact on Aboriginal heritage sites. How does this request fit in with the various environment acts and laws and the Biodiversity Conservation Act? How can this project be managed in accordance with the NSW net zero emissions police objective? Research is advising that the use of fossils fuels must end. There has been a huge move to renewables. How can the ongoing extension of mines be allowed? Given the increased temperatures, periods of drought, floods, fires - the increase in serious climate events being experienced across the state and across Australia important decisions about how to manage the environment must be made. Requests for new mines and request for the extension of existing mines must be stopped. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new mines of or expand present mines - there is a climate and biodiversity crisis happening. I am 74 years old I am very concerned what the world will be like for future generations if hard decisions are not made now. I urge the Planning Commission to refuse the request for the extension of the Moolarben Coal Mine. |
Mark Horn
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ID |
23581 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2066 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I object to this DA, on several grounds. 1. The valley where development is proposed is effectively adjacent to a Nature Reserve (Munghorn Gap) and will destroy the ecological context (e.g. migration of species) of that Reserve and its visual setting as part of a wider landscape. 2. The proposed development will have a severe impact on many species of native plants and animals, especially koalas. 3. The proposal to extend coal mining is contrary to national policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The distinction between “types” of emissions (Scope 1, 2 and 3) is immaterial in this context, since the coal would be mined in order to be burnt, and its burning would entail massive amounts of CO2 and CH4 into the atmosphere. 4. Any jobs created by the proposed mining operation would be temporary; that is, any boost to employment would be ephemeral. 5. The proposed development would cause long-term damage to groundwater systems, with consequent impacts on the ecological roles played by Moolarben Creek as a refuges for wildlife during times of drought. |
Kate Cash
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ID |
23586 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2782 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Moolarben OC3 Coal Mine Extension Project, Project Number SSD-33083358. I am writing to express my OBJECTION to the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mine Extension Project, Project Number SSD-33083358. The mine will clear 480 hectares of native vegetation and mine right up to 100m from the boundary of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. The proposed expansion of Yancoal’s Moolarben coal mine would extend close to the edge of one of the oldest conservation reserves in NSW, the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, posing a serious threat to a healthy koala population and their critical habitat. Yancoal has move to have the Independent Planning Commission hearing postponed and to interrupt the community consultation on the Moolarben Open Cut 3 expansion, by making more minor amendments to its proposal. The changes do not reduce the footprint of the mine at all but merely propose to manage more areas of vegetation outside the mine area for so-called ‘habitat enhancement’. This amendment won’t make any difference to the direct and indirect impact on threatened wildlife and ecosystems. This beautiful valley should be managed jointly as part of a whole conservation landscape with the magnificent Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, not turned into an open cut coal mine. The mine will clear 480 hectares of native vegetation and mine right up to 100m from the boundary of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. The area has incredible importance for biodiversity and there have been 23 threatened wildlife species recorded in and around the site, including habitats that are critical to the survival of the Koala in a uniquely resilient population. The NSW Government committed to stopping the decline of Koalas in NSW. The Biodiversity, Conservation and Science Group (BCS) at NSW DCCEEW has highlighted the threat this project poses to the Koala population, noting that: Koala habitat is ‘critical to the survival of the species,’ and that this is a climate-robust population which “has survived recent and historical temperature increases, drought and bushfires successfully. Koalas have been recorded in and around the proposed mine site, including a record of a mother and her joey recorded by Lock the Gate with a thermal drone just over a year ago. The mine will also destroy habitat and is likely to cause serious and irreversible impact to threatened wildlife like the Large-eared Pied Bat, Eastern Cave Bat and Regent Honeyeater, and will also clear endangered Box Gum Woodland. There are vital sandstone cliffs and rocky habitats right along the edge of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, that are key habitats for the bat species. Blasting and noise represent a major threat to those species. The mine extension will also lead to water drawdown of up to 5m in the alluvium of Moolarben Creek causing changes in the ground water table levels which are difficult to monitor and can extend far beyond the mining area and stream catchment area impacting vegetation that relies on tapping into current water table levels. The wastewater created from the mining activities, and coal mine waste discharges, will increase the physical and chemical changes to Moolarben Creek water quality. Mining discharge downstream below the contamination point can impact the ecosystem of the Moolarben Creek and Goulburn River. To minimize impact of the natural environment and water quality from the existing mining operation the NSW EPA should have increased oversite for ongoing monitoring of wastewater discharge, regular monitoring of creek and river water quality, and ongoing monitoring of the impact on existing flora and fauna from current mining and transport activities. The mine will cause serious harm to cultural heritage - there are 55 Aboriginal heritage sites within the mine footprint that will be directly impacted and a further 12 that may be indirectly impacted. The mine will also harm NSW by contributing to runaway climate change, with the NSW Net Zero Commission stating clearly in their recent Coal Mine Emissions Spotlight Report that any further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with achieving NSW climate targets or with a safe climate. DPHI in their assessment report has ignored a key finding of the Net Zero Commission in its Coal Mine Emissions Spotlight Report released in December - that any further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act. The project will produce an estimated 64.6Mt of total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions - which is equivalent to 58% of total annual emissions from all sources in NSW. As the NZC has stated, any such emissions are not consistent with NSW climate change targets or the Paris temperature goals. The assessment report also fails to mention that the NSW Government is not on track to achieve either the 2030 or 2035 emissions reduction targets. The proponent has also failed to apply the Court of Appeal decision in the Denman case, which found that the local environmental, social and economic impacts of climate change, including downstream greenhouse gas emissions, need to be considered by decision makers. It’s impossible for the decision maker to consider those matters for the Moolarben expansion, because there has been no attempt to quantify the full economic costs of downstream emissions to NSW and the locality, even though they make up 99% of all emissions from the project. Further, the assessment of the project has not quantified the economic costs of the downstream greenhouse gas emissions, even though it is now effectively legally required following the Court of Appeal decision on the Mt Pleasant coal mine. Biodiversity offsets are poorly managed and poorly monitored with little or no public reporting or accountability. ‘Habitat Enhancement’ biodiversity offsets are green washing and used to justify habitat destruction. Existing wildlife are displaced with no record of population numbers prior to clearing, their ability to adapt to habitat changes the consequences of habitat destruction, forced displacement, and loss of food sources is not monitored. Offset replanting programs take decades to establish and create sustainable food sources and wildlife habitat. Over that time the wildlife has either moved on with no knowledge of what might have happened to them or they have died off. Impact on native vegetation and local ecosystems must be avoided if we are to avoid further loss of mature habitat sites, species decline and extinctions. Cumulative impacts The cumulative impacts of this proposal in terms of other current and proposed coal mines in the Mudgee region has not been assessed as an accumulative impact. Both the Ulan and Wilpinjong coal mines also have major expansions proposed, and collectively the three existing coal mines and all their proposed expansions have enormous impacts on biodiversity, water, cultural heritage and our climate. The existing Moolarben coal complex will continue to operate until 2038 regardless of whether this expansion goes ahead or not. There are numerous alternative job opportunities available in the region because Mudgee is part of the Central West Renewable Energy Zone and there is a boom in jobs available in renewable projects, with close to 2,000 new jobs predicted over the next decade. This expansion project should not be approved. |
Brynn Davis-Hay
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ID |
23596 |
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Location |
Victoria 3004 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
Our land is our birthright. As a young person I recognise the theft that is taking place of our natural resources. This is an attack on the right to peaceful enjoyment of our lives. Myself and other young women I know have made the decision to not have children, we do not trust they will enjoy the same quality of life that we were afforded. The decisions being made by this government do not reflect the mandate given to them by their constituents. It is well recognised by experts and scientists we are on the brink of a climate catastrophe. The idea of opening new coal mines right now is an abomination and a disrespect. The labor government acts as if it is so inclusive of indigenous communities and issues but these actions show you have zero respect for the land or country. I am disappointed in this government. |
John Clarke
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ID |
23601 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2850 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am making this submission to voice my objection to the proposed OC3 development from Yancoals Moolarben Coal mine. I live in the Mid Western Region and have been a resident for 16 years now. During this time I have seen the development and expansion of three very large thermal coal mines in the region where I live. Taking a short car drive past the mine's open cut workings the scale of the vegetation clearing and despoiling of the natural landscape becomes evident. This expansion proposed by Moolarben will further impact our natural environment. I have had visitors from other areas convey their concerns to me as to the size of these open cut mining operations. They were unaware of the scale of the workings they saw as they passed by. If this proposal is approved then the NSW Gov. will fall behind in its 2030 emissions targets as these sort of developments are very large emitters of methane, a very potent GHG. Also my concerns are for the towns of Mudgee and Gulgong where the presence of high income earning mine employees is causing localised inflation. Also becoming obvious is the lack of tradespeople in the towns I mentioned as they are being offered work at either of these three operating coal mines. As a local person I again voice my objection to this proposal. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23606 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2066 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is (Redacted), I am a 17 year student in Sydney and I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in our states, due to the climate impacts being felt in my area. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, (Redacted) |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23611 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2131 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Considering the fact that Australia is trying to meet an emissions target and also develop our renewable energy network, it seems counterintuitive to be increasing the capacity of a coal mine. Biodiversity will absolutely be affected by the extension of the coal mine and the very late amendments made on behalf of the coalmine developers will do nothing to prevent the destruction of environment and protection of this biodiversity. Any development such as is proposed for this coalmine extension is bound to upset natural water resources in the area. Our water is our life blood. Mess it up and we are failing everyone in the local area as well as in Australia . |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23616 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2085 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Dear Independent Planning Commission A development application has been received from Yancoal to extend open cut mining operations at the Moolarben Coal Complex. The application proposes to extend the existing OC3 open cut pit as well as develop four new open cut pits along the floor of the Moolarben Valley. Further scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions data has been requested from Yancoal, and that “rigorous environmental standards” and “public accountability” will be upheld by the government in their assessment. Knowing the number of greenhouse gas emissions that are cumulative from all operating fossil fuel projects in NSW must be considered as cumulative negative impacts to the environment, climate and people. When the Department referred the Moolarben OC3 project to the Independent Planning Commission (IPC), they gave no recommendation on whether it should be approved or rejected. This is the first time a coal mine has been referred to the IPC with NO recommendation of approval by the government and that indicates that the NSW Government is also concerned. The danger of expansion of this coal complex to biodiversity, climate and the local community is real. These factors MUST be seriously considered in the IPC’s assessment. Based on the following issues I strongly reject the Moorarbeen Coal Complex OC3 extension project. 1. Cumulative Damage The current Moolarben coal operation is already NSW’s biggest producing coal mine. The project is now before the NSW Independent Planning Commission, the body that will decide whether NSW’s biggest producing coal mine even now is allowed to expand even further. Strong public opposition already exists right now in the region and local government area of this coal mine. Stubbornly Yancoal – the proponent has not listened to the ongoing concerns of the local community. The community have already been vocal over many years concerning the irreparable damage this current project has already caused in their local area. Wollar and the Mudgee region locals have spent over two decades resisting the devastating impacts of coal mining. The fight for climate justice is intergenerational and is at both local and global considerations. Three coal mines exist near Mudgee and Wollar already, and with a focus on the Moolarben coal mine – NSW's largest producing coal mine and the seriousness of their proposed expansion this will put further strain on nature, add to climate emissions and affect the local community even more. Even a NSW petition garnered over 2000 signatures in October 2024 strongly objecting to further coal expansion in the Mudgee Region of NSW. Cumulative damage MUST be considered. The three Mudgee Region coal mines are Yancoal/Moolarben, Glencore/Ulan and Peabody/Wilpinjong and they were the largest producing coal mines in NSW in 2023 and still are. The combined production of 36.7 million tonnes (MT) of coal in 2023 is equivalent to 89 MT CO2e. The overall CO2e could be as great as 1.7 billion tonnes with current approvals and proposed expansions. The proposed OC3 extension alone would generate an estimated 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its life, equivalent to around 58% of NSW’s total annual emissions, making its climate impact enormous. These negative impacts are cumulative across NSW. Nature is being challenged to the highest level in order to survive, and with ongoing native forest logging and deforestation clearing still continuing and increased natural disasters that not only affect people but also nature in that their habitats are burnt or flooded, we must factor in these cumulative challenges for nature, climate and people. The Moolarben OC3 is already NSW’s biggest producing coal mine in its present state and despite this still wants to expand and destroy our climate and nature even more! 2. Concerns- Negative Impacts • Nature We must protect and save species and their habitat and protect Wiradjuri cultural heritage. If approved, the Moolarben OC3 expansion would clear 113 hectares of koala habitat, where breeding koalas have been recorded, destroy Regent Honeyeater (critically endangered) and microbat habitat, and bring mining within 100 metres of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve (second oldest reserve in the state). Birds Australia has identified this area as extremely important for bird life, as it is in very good condition and can support the Regent Honeyeater who has a state recovery plan. The NSW Government has recognised the peril of this bird in terms of their survival and has actively supported breeding these birds that are released into the wild to help in their recovery. Why would the NSW government approve Yancoal’s expansion as it WILL jeopardise the survival of the Regent Honeyeater (less than 250 in the wild) and all their conservation efforts to date to increase its chances of survival in the wild? Untouched habitat MUST remain untouched to support our wildlife. On this basis alone this coalmine MUST be rejected. As this is a 10 year expansion project, it will gut all species habitat. It will also threaten VITAL koala habitat also an endangered species. It would clear 80 hectares of Regent Honeyeater habitat with breeding females recorded on site, and up to 401 hectares of the nationally endangered Box Gum Woodland ecosystem that they depend on to survive. Four species will be adversely affected by this expansion. The Regent Honeyeater, Koala, Broad- headed Snake and microbats are at a greater risk of extinction. Even a further drop in their numbers will affect the health of vital ecosystems in the area. That will be the cost to nature and it will never recover! In total at least 23 threatened species have been recorded in the area. Yancoal proposes as last-minute changes off site “habitat enhancement” that will supposedly not lessen the serious impacts on threatened species and ecosystems. As to Yancoal’s process, ecologists are meant to check for wildlife with proper reporting, and limited if any data has been provided. Minimal if any government compliance will not ensure that Yancoal will follow correct procedures to relocate wildlife. Protocols around bulldozing trees with no clear reporting, no stringent conditions is lacking. Who follows up that Yancoal is meeting these conditions? The proposed late amendments on ‘habitat enhancement’ do not reduce clearing of native vegetation, and are far too late to be considered. The expansion will go between the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and the Goulburn River National Park. These important conservation areas are set aside to support critically endangered species like the Regent Honeyeater and endangered species like the Koala, identified through thermal drone surveys that has revealed a Koala breeding colony. Why should this coal mine expansion be approved to accommodate Yancoal at a cost to losing these conservation areas that were established in the first place to protect threatened species? The Biodiversity Assessment Report has also identified that this is a highly successful significant area for biodiversity with species such as the Pink- Tailed Legless Lizard, Large-Eared Pied Bat, Mased Owl, Powerful Owl, Squirrel Glider, and the Broad Headed Snake. All species are worth protecting. • Emissions The proposed OC3 extension would generate an estimated 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its life. The current damage Yancoal’s coal mining has already done to nature, climate and the town of Wollar, must be recognised. A coal expansion that involves four new open cut pits will risk even more major damage to nature and climate. Yancoal seems to be forgetting that they have operated for decades since 2004 and already have caused immense damage to habitat and native wildlife and cumulatively added to climate emissions. Yancoal has negatively impacted people’s lives in the local community. This added 64+ million tonnes of climate pollution is at a time when NSW is already failing to meet its legislated climate targets, and communities here in NSW and across the world are facing climate-fuelled disasters. This appears to be a selfish action on the part of Yancoal to cause even more environmental damage and wreck people’s lives further. The three mines in the Mudgee area - Yancoal/Moolarben, Glencore/Ulan and Peabody/Wilpinjong- have approval to produce a combined 58 million tonnes of coal per year, the largest producer, Yancoal/Moolarben was approved until 2038. In 2023 their combined production was 36.7 million tonnes (MT) of coal. That’s an increase of 21.3 million tonnes (MT) of coal if expansions are approved. All three mines propose to expand their area of impact, increase production rates and extend the period of mining activity. This is strongly opposed. Current economic, social and environmental impact of extreme weather events in NSW is a warning that additional release of carbon into the earth’s atmosphere is unsustainable. Climate science and the International Energy Agency have declared that to ensure a safe climate future no more new coal can be mined. Yancoal is proposing to mine new coal. This must be rejected. These mines are within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone where competition for skilled workforce, accommodation and services is very high. There is no justification to expand coal mining in a region with fast-tracked renewable energy generation. Coal is an industry from the past. We cannot and must not approve this expansion proposal by Yancoal. • Air Pollution and Water Pollution Constant coal dust effects the health of nature and communities. Those with upper respiratory diseases will be affected. Most people are not financially in the position to leave their homes and relocate. Koalas and other native wildlife reside in their current habitat because it supports their existence. They cannot leave to find another habitat. The local community and nature were there before Yancoal. This proposal cannot have priority over people’s and native animal’s lives and their health. Dust, smells, vibration and noise and lighting at night time will be ongoing . Large trucks will operate at night time. Farming families already who used to live close by to the coal mine have already been driven out of their homes because of noise pollution, air pollution and night lighting. They were there before Yancoal but they had to go to preserve the quality of their lives. Families experienced trauma. Yancoal did not care. I plead with the IPC to show compassion in their decision. Yancoal’s proposed expansion will further affect the remaining local community. Their quality of life will be negatively impacted. Governments when making important decisions on projects must consider the cumulative effects over time to people’s lives and that this project expansion will magnify those impacts that they already have had to live with. Please show compassion for local communities and their rights and not just consider the rights of big companies to expand. This expansion will also be a huge disrupter for native animals who just want to be left in peace and undisturbed. Air pollution, habitat destruction, increased carbon emissions, and pollution of their waterways that sustain them will be the result of this expansion. Yancoal will need water and will take from local water supplies and river systems that will result in further degradation of the environment that will further affect animals and their ability to survive. Native animals will be worse off, and most will not survive. Constant blasting in itself can be frightening for these animals. Ongoing transport vehicles and large trucks moving through the adjacent area will affect species habitat that will become excessively noisy. The tranquility and peace of their natural environment will disappear. Their once pristine protected habitat will erode away and with it these animals. This is NOT acceptable. These animals are being edged out and are losing their habitat to big companies who exploit our natural resources to sell to overseas countries. Whilst not a multi- national company Yancoal exports its coal to China, Japan and South Korea and is majority owned by a Chinese state-owned enterprise. Yancoal’s presence to date has negatively impacted native wildlife and local communities. Please DO NOT approve this expansion as it will cause more damage. Protect the wildlife and their habitat and the local communities’ homes. They existed before Yancoal and have a right to now have some protection from this greedy company. • Social Impacts Yancoal is a big company that has come in and bought up many properties in the adjoining area. These properties and the infrastructure on them has been left to rust and rot and erode away. Yancoal came in, bought up and neglected this whole area with the purpose and intent to destroy to satisfy their own agenda. Yancoal has negatively impacted this regional community. Their past actions are indicative of a company that did not care for the environment and nature but also the local community. The village area of Wollar and its original ambience and tranquillity has been disturbed. Save Wollar Action group has been organised because people- the local community- care about what has happened to their community and town because of Yancoal’s actions. We should all care and so should our NSW Government. People have a right to feel safe in their regional towns and villages. They are NSW residents and should not be pushed out of their homes with a huge buy out of properties by this company. Renewables are taking a place in the area as well as it lies within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone that is focused on expanding renewables. This presents a decided conflict of focus by the government when they are supposed to be supporting climate targets and renewables not a dirty coal expansion. 3. Conclusion If approved, the Moolarben OC3 expansion would clear 113 hectares of koala habitat and destroy Regent Honeyeater (critically endangered) and microbat habitat and bring mining within 100 metres of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve- a conservation area. It would add an estimated 64 million tonnes of climate pollution — at a time when NSW is already failing to meet its legislated climate targets. We do not need another huge coal expansion in NSW that further erodes environmental values and supercharges climate change and worsening natural disasters. Please protect nature, people and our climate. I strongly oppose Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project. Reject this coal expansion. Thank you |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23621 |
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New South Wales 2850 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I am a Grandmother and member of the Mudgee community. I regularly reflect on my Grandchildren’s futures and what legacy I, and my generation will leave for them. Current scientific research and major climate institutions make it clear that approving and expanding coal mines runs directly counter to established environmental science and global climate goals. Expanding coal mining is incompatible with achieving international and national climate commitments, worsens environmental degradation, and intensifies climate-related harms that will affect future generations unless the global energy system transitions rapidly away from fossil fuels. While the economic benefits may be presented as short-term gains, the long-term costs—health impacts, environmental clean-up, and the loss of natural beauty—will far outweigh them. I cannot support a project that prioritizes temporary profit over the well-being of our children and grandchildren. We have a responsibility to leave them clean air to breathe, safe water to drink, and a healthy environment in which they can thrive and enjoy. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23626 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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The Moolarben project is not only endangering our native wildlife but also us. The coal mine would not only clear 480 hectares of native bushland, critical to many species survival, but also 113 hectares of koala habitat, an already endangered species in Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, where koalas have been recorded to be breeding. This project would not only take away native wildlife’s habitat and food source, but their water source, putting the Moolarben creek at serious risk. A water source for fauna but also the flora ecosystems along the creek are warned to be at critical risk of collapse. The expansion of the coal mine could also put human health and lives at risk. Coal mines are proven to increase respiratory illnesses as well as cardiovascular and carcinogenic diseases. This particularly hits home for many in New South Wales, especially in the Hunter region as there are recorded cases of the coal mines particularly around Singleton and Muswellbrook causing an increase in rates of asthma, heart disease, and respiratory illness to local residents as the mines have expanded. The people, the wildlife, and the environment of Moolarben do not need nor want the expansion of the Moolarben coal mine. #StopMoolarben |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23631 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I do not support the expansion of Moolarben OC3 coal expansion. Adding more pollution to the expanding climate change is a negative outcome. Economic outcomes do not justify the selling off of our natural heritage, causing irreversible loss of wildlife habitat and the destruction of ground water. These are our most precious commodities. As a volunteer for the environment for the past 21 years, I strongly disagree with any damage/loss to the unique natural environment left in Australia. I cannot balance out any gains made by this expansion. Mining has a poor environmental record worldwide. Yours sincerely |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23641 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2830 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Approval of the proposed extension of the Moolarben coal mine would be wrong in so many ways. Pumping more carbon into our atmosphere - the only atmosphere we have - is reprehensible. The science is settled and unequivocal. The negative effects on surface and sub-surface water will be profound. Biodiversity will suffer. Labour and resources will be diverted away from solar and wind energy projects which are much less damaging to the environment. How can we teach our children and grandchildren to be better stewards of the planet if we were to give them such a poor example as extending the mine and other dirty fossil fuel projects? |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23646 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2330 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I live in the Hunter Valley on a property which has been in my husband's family for over 100 years. The farm was almost entirely undermined for coal in 1990 - 2003. I am very aware of the damage to the environment from mining. The proposed development would destroy the biodiversity of the region. 480 hectares is a significant area to clear and many species would lose habitat. NSW is experiencing drastic climate change, with another drought looming in the area. The emissions would exacerbate this situation. Mining destroys groundwater and creeks. This cannot be repaired. Once water is lost it does not come back. I live with this issue daily with the destruction of a permanent creek on our property. I urge the NSW Planning Commission to refuse the Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project. It is time for the Government to take some responsibility to protect our environment. |
Dante Reyes
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ID |
23651 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Pollution bad |
Kate Bowman
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ID |
23656 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2260 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I object to this under the basis that this expansion would cause irrepearable damage to the local area (an area I am most fond of) and contribute to increasing green house emissions. It makes no sense to approve such expansions in todays world with renewable options available. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23661 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2008 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I object the project on grounds of - greenhouse gas emissions - reduction of biodiversity - water usage |
Susan Pilkington
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ID |
23666 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2088 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I oppose the extension of coal mining in this area as fossil fuel excavation denies our children and grandchildren a future. We must urgently uncouple our dependence on mining for our wealth and livelihood. It is disrespectful to the traditional owners of the land and adversly affects the flora and fauna in such a beautiful area. |
Mathilda Bowman
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ID |
23671 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2260 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I am thirteen years old and have been learning about coal and the effects of both mining and burning at school for many years. I have attended protests, and advocated during school assemblies for No Coal from a young age. I am deeply worried about the future of our planet and the lack of care by people in power to this issue. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23676 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2008 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
This crazy nonsense needs to stop! We're in the middle of a worsening climate crisis and are talking about new mines that'll make it worse? |
Merinda Voigt
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ID |
23681 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2260 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Hello, My name is Merinda Voigt and together with millions of Australians I am extremely concerned and disappointed about the continuing operation of coal mining in Australia. The proposed expansion of NSW’s biggest producing coal mine Moolaben is an act of both environmental and cultural vandalism with disastrous consequences. The projected temperature increases, increased bushfire threat and loss of life due to human induced climate change from sources such as burning coal produced from this mine demands immediate action across every policy level well beyond the tokenistic and poor responce from the government that we have had so far. The onus is on the entire global community and calls for an urgent global response not just passing the buck.Your legacy will be written on how this government rises to this challenge. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23686 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2233 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Extension of this open cut mining operation directly negatively impacts the quality of life and economic viability of all people due to a warming planet and environmental degradation. Climate change is currently impacting all world communities and wildlife, it is imperative we significantly plan and act to reduce greenhouse gas emissions now! |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23691 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2850 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission. I have been a resident and Medical Doctor in Mudgee for the last 13 years. I am concerned about the expansion of coal mining in the Mudgee region for a number of reasons. I am concerned about the climate impacts of ongoing mining. It is widely acknowledged through robust science that use of fossil fuels is contributing to climate change and that climate change is having a significant impact on the health of people around the globe. Australia will struggle to meet the healthcare needs of our population in the years to come. This will be made harder if we are not able to reduce our emissions in line with has had previously been agreed upon in the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. I agree that we need ongoing employment and growth for Mudgee but feel that this should be in new industry not in extending extraction of coal past what has already been approved. From a local environment point of view , loss of 480 hectares of native vegetation with the support it provided for native animals and birds can not be replaced. The project it expected to require significant groundwater, in a time of increasing droughts and fragile ecosystems I struggle to see how we can risk this precious resource. For these reasons I urge that the Independent Planning commission recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23706 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2500 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee. I am concerned that this project will cause further incremental and irreversible damage to the adjoining Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • The ongoing loss of suitable habitat and loss of habitat connectivity for endangered native species. • The Mughorn Gap Nature Reserve, The Drip Gorge and adjoining Goulburn River National Park have lost connectivity for native wildlife by the existing mining operations stretching from Ulan to Wollar in the valley. • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. You only have to look at aerial photos of the industrial mine complex stretching from Ulan to Wollar to see that the current setbacks are totally irresponsible and completely ignorant of the impacts on the adjoining native vegetation areas. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. The loss of natural groundwater within this landscape will be devastating for native vegetation, ecosystems and endangered wildlife that are already at critical levels. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23711 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission, I am a student in Sydney and I am very concerned about the expansion of coal mining, as we can feel the impacts of climate change already. We feel the extreme heat, with our energy bills rising from the added cost of air conditioning, and the sudden weather shifts impacting plans. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. This project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. The area is rich in biodiversity and should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve for protection. This expansion risks threatened species and additional habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. Any proposed biodiversity offset could never replace the already established habitat that supports these and more species. The proposed project also impacts the protected Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. Additional environmental consequences are posed given the water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. Not to mention the vast climate impact this project would have, with its estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is already not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. There is a lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23716 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2800 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee. I am concerned that this project will cause further incremental and irreversible damage to the adjoining Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • The ongoing loss of suitable habitat and loss of habitat connectivity for endangered native species. • The Mughorn Gap Nature Reserve, The Drip Gorge and adjoining Goulburn River National Park have lost connectivity for native wildlife by the existing mining operations stretching from Ulan to Wollar in the valley. • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. You only have to look at aerial photos of the industrial mine complex stretching from Ulan to Wollar to see that the current setbacks are totally irresponsible and completely ignorant of the impacts on the adjoining native vegetation areas. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. The loss of natural groundwater within this landscape will be devastating for native vegetation, ecosystems and endangered wildlife that are already at critical levels. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. |
Cynthia Nadai
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ID |
23726 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2040 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is Cynthia. I have visited the area from Sydney and was struck by its extraordinary beauty. I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in NSW. My particular concern is the climate impact of this proposed project. I am fighting our local Council who are advocating for converting 2 natural grass fields into synthetic grass. We MUST do all we can to combat climate change. Expanding the Moolarben mine is completely WRONG. We should be investing in renewables not depending on coal as a dirty energy source. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23731 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2088 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am a mother of two young children in Sydney who values nature and clean air. I’m concerned with repeated allocation of natural habitats to industry that burns fossil fuels and/or damages ground water resources. The amendment here does not reduce clearing of native vegetation and is far too late to be considered. It also doesn’t preserve or create jobs, so has no clear value to the community. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23736 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2132 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Dear Commissioners I am a deeply concerned NSW citizen who strongly opposes the proposed development. As a well educated middle class professional I understand the economic and financial arguments the expansion of the coal mine present. I also understand the continued need for energy to sustain Australia's economic growth. However, the proposed development is a backward to step in the fight against climate change. As is now almost universally agreed, climate change is real. While the coal that would be mined by this expansion, would mostly likely to exported to other countries, the sale of this coal is just as morally bankrupt as the user of it. A similar argument is that of the tobacco giants that we just sell cigarettes we don't make people smoke them. Clearly some countries are tempted to use coal as it is a relatively cheap resource. As in the tobacco case, mining companies have a responsibility to transition to cleaner renewal energy. If this proposal is passed, it sends a clear signal to big polluters and mining companies that Australian governments don't really care about climate change or meeting net zero omission targets. Such a decision goes against the tide of history and future generations will look at such decisions with incredulity that governments and mining companies were so short sighted and only interested in the immediate return on investment. While a transition to renewal energy is understandable and necessary to ensure communities who rely on mining are not unduly impacted, the granting of this proposed development does not do those communities any favors as is delaying the inevitable. Fossil fuel mining cannot continue unabated without further catastrophic impact on the climate. Please consider carefully a decision which will impact many generations to come |
Claire Bettington
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ID |
23741 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2035 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
see attached file |
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Attachments |
SUBMISSION C. Bettington, Moolarben OC3 proposal, 17-2-2026.docx (DOCX, 21.5 KB) |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23746 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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As a long-term Mudgee resident I am against Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project for many reasons: Professionally as a paediatric physiotherapist the extension would have negative impact on both physical and mental health of community by polluting the air and waterways and robbing the local population and visiting tourists of the pristine Munghorn Nature Reserve we have enjoyed countless times over the last four decades for family outings and picnics. The extension would severely impact Mudgee tourism opportunities by removing such a stunning nature reserve from visitors no longer keen to visit this site which would be only 100m from the mine expansion site. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23751 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2011 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission Objecting to the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mine Extension Project # SSD-33083358 https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/moolarben-oc3-extension-project When I first moved to NSW for work several decades ago, I fell in love with the abundance and diversity of NSW’s natural environment and it is a major reason I have lived in NSW since. Back then, you could expect to see koalas in the Blue Mountains and regent honeyeaters in bushland closer to Sydney. To me, these large and interesting birds came to seem emblematic of the wealth of NSW’s natural environment. Decades on, we have a much better understanding of the contribution of healthy, diverse and accessible local ecosystems to the wealth, health (physical and mental) and resilience of NSW’s communities but I am immensely saddened by how much NSW’s natural heritage has been depleted and devalued, in large part due to regulations that permitted a short term, piecemeal lens on land clearing and development. Much of the area proposed for clearing around the Munghorn Gap Reserve, one of NSW’s oldest nature reserves, is a case in point. The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) estimates as few as 200 regent honeyeaters remain in the wild, with only 3 contemporary breeding sites (Capertee Valley, Upper Hunter Valley (Goulburn River) and Lower Hunter Valley (Cessnock).(1) Incredibly, hopes are now pinned on interventions like captive breeding programs to save them from extinction. In the face of the desperate need to address the wave of threatened extinctions resulting from past policies and practices, it seems like the height of irrationality to contemplate approving the destruction of a place where breeding females have been recorded, with the risk that fragmented habitats, noise, dust, lights and traffic from 24 hour operations will inevitably disrupt and endanger all the species that live in and around the valley, not to mention precious potable water resources, all on the basis of a proposal that contains notable gaps and inadequacies and promises insufficient public benefit. Indigenous rights and concerns must also be taken seriously and upheld. I object to the proposal on the following grounds: 1. Inadequate assessment of environmental impact » Yancoal's proposal extends open cut mining operations immediately south of the approved and operational open cut pit 3 (OC3), as well as development of four new open cut pits to the east and south-east of the approved OC3(2), so that the cumulative impacts of all of these proposals are of concern. I note that the submissions of both the Independent Expert Advisory Panel for Mining (IEAPM or (’the Panel’) and DCCEEW as well as the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI)’s December 2025 Assessment Report agree on the need for more comprehensive and transparent data from the proponent, especially regarding downstream emissions, biodiversity, and water impacts. Specifically: » The IEAPM’s submission supports concerns that in conjunction with existing mines, significant groundwater drawdown of 2–6 m could occur, placing groundwater-dependent ecosystems and deep-rooted riparian trees along Moolarben Creek at serious risk - substantial enough to warrant careful consideration and additional mitigation measures. These risks are compounded by the proponent’s failure to provide adequate information to enable decision-makers to accurately assess groundwater impacts. The OC3 Expansion assessment relies heavily on the proponent’s own groundwater model, which the Panel, the Independent Expert Scientific Committee (IESC), and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) have all considered inadequate for local-scale prediction. Major issues include poor hydrogeological characterisation, inadequate monitoring and baseline data, unexplained discrepancies between measured and modelled data and insufficient quantification of drawdown in alluvium and impacts on baseflow. Together with Yancoal’s poor track record of complying with water monitoring requirements in the existing mine complex(3) decision-makers cannot be satisfied with Yancoal’s concern for the impacts of its operations on groundwater. Other submissions from Water for Rivers(4) and residents in the region have noted damage from coal-washing water released from the existing mines and other risks to local waterways, as well as a lack of information in the proposal. » The DHPI Assessment Report notes some gaps remain in the data provided regarding emissions, specifically cumulative greenhouse gas emissions and downstream emissions. It recognises Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions of 64.6 Mt CO2-e would represent ~0.012% of global emissions and contribute to local climate impacts in the locality. It also recognises “specific features of the locality that render it vulnerable to the effects of climate change”. (5) » The proximity of the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve demands thorough environmental impact assessments and protection, yet Yancoal has refused to adopt even a recommended 500-metre buffer to protect the reserve and its wildlife from noise and blasting impacts.(6) Further deficiencies are enumerated at https://mdeg.org.au/yancoals-moolarben-oc3-expansion/. » The Commission should be aware that legal challenges may arise if climate and environmental impacts are not adequately addressed, and specifically its duty to consider the impacts of all emissions associated with a project on the local environment and community, including ‘Scope 3’ (exported) emissions confirmed in NSW Court of Appeal's 24 July 2025 'Denham’ decision. » Given the proposal before it does not enable adequate consideration of the cumulative impacts of multiple mining projects in the region, including downstream environmental effects, the proposal should be rejected on those grounds alone. 2. The costs outweigh the public benefit » As I understand it, the currently proposed OC3 extension project amounts to a plan to destroy: • 113 hectares of koala breeding habitat - including in the middle of one of the proposed mine pit, critical to the survival of the species. Yancoal itself acknowledges the project would displace a “critical” koala population • 80 hectares of Regent Honeyeater breeding habitat • up to 401 hectares of the nationally endangered Box Gum Woodland ecosystem critical to the survival of several threatened and endangered species including large-eared pied bat, eastern cave bat, broad-headed snake, regent honeyeater, pin-tailed legless lizard, koala, swift parrot, squirrel glider.(7) » In exchange for its proposed destruction of our natural heritage, Yancoal's 2022 EIS claims a project NPV A$1,857M (assessable revenue net of allowable deductions,(8) equivalent to ~ A$200M over the life of the project (to 2038) at the current ad valorem royalty rate of 10.8%, or perhaps up to $300M allowing for inflation. This is a drop in the bucket in comparison to the economic cost of more severe and frequent storms, floods, and other natural disasters which is already estimated to be in the billions, and increasing – with the steepness and scale of the increase dependent on the success of CO2 reduction measures.(9) » Despite NSW being one of the largest exporters of coal globally, coal royalties contributed just 2.8%-3% of total state revenue in the most recent budget year. This share is expected to decrease gradually in the coming years as both the NSW economy diversifies, and global demand for coal reduces.(10) With no mechanism to enable repatriation of any portion of production or profits from Australian energy resources exported by majority foreign-owned resource companies (including windfall profits such as those seen in 2022-23 as a result of international supply disruptions), any benefits posited from increased resource security / price suppression, and the vast majority of profits from the expansion, will flow offshore rather than benefiting NSW or Australian residents. » A key rationale expressed by many proponents of the project that the expansion should be supported to create regional employment opportunities during the transition to a lower carbon economy. While I fully support a ‘just transition’ and support for workers in industries and regions affected by the clean energy transition, this claim seems contested. Coal jobs in the region have reportedly remained unfilled for extended periods. The DHPI Assessment Report acknowledges that no new jobs will be created, rather, the benefit seems to be limited to maintaining the current employment ‘trajectory’ (i.e., status quo) with supposed ‘flow on social and economic benefits, particularly for local employees and suppliers’. (11) In contrast, renewable energy projects within the broader region around the existing mines occupy are expected to create around 2,000 new jobs over the same period.(12)Given this, the claim that the expansion is justified because it will maintain mining employment necessary for the local economy is irrational. The proposal also fails to consider how the proposal could impact existing labour and accommodation shortages within the region. » The NSW government’s Net Zero Commission report confirmed that any coal mine expansion endangers NSW's ability to meet its 2030 and 2035 targets and is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act and the Paris Agreement. It is obviously counterproductive for the NSW Government to continue approving increased coal extraction while pushing forward on establishing large-scale renewable energy projects, climate adaptation and resilience programs to meet its legal and other obligations. » Decision-makers weighing the net public benefit against the risk of lasting environmental damage, significant and long-term health and safety risks and direct economic cost of climate change-fuelled natural disasters, must find that the latter outweighs any relatively minor and short-term economic benefit. 3. Disrupted planning process and outcomes » The recent amendments proposed by Yancoal seem to demonstrate an egregious lack of respect for the community and the planning process itself and risk community trust that the planning process for coal mines is fair and consistent. I am particularly concerned by a report on Yancoal’s website that it is preparing a second set of amendments ‘including additional environmental management commitments’ (13) – while the community consultation phase is ongoing. » Yancoal has demonstrably not met previous undertakings regarding water use and impacts and despite ample opportunity for Yancoal to improve biodiversity outcomes by acting on agency advice provided to them since planning commenced in 2022, it appears no agreements have been reached between Yancoal and the government agencies which have made numerous suggested improvements for biodiversity outcomes. » The DHPI Assessment Report notes that ‘a number of residual concerns remain’ i.e., proposed amendments appear inadequate to address concerns raised about the direct and indirect impact on threatened wildlife and ecosystems, in particular the areas of critical koala and regent honeyeater habitat proposed for clearing, given the significant concerns raised about increased mortality from fragmentation of endangered species habitat arising from the use of ‘offsets’ and concerns about the effectiveness of proposed mitigations loss of existing contiguous habitat; inadequate buffers to mitigate impacts from blasting, and so on (the report outlines, in some detail, the differing views of the Conservation Programs, Heritage and Regulation (CPHR) unit and the (Mining) Panel whether unmitigated impacts on the regent honey eater and Box Gum Woodland ecosystem are serious and irreversible enough to cause extinction or not) (14). Why take the risk?! It’s not as though we can use coal royalties to buy new regent honeyeaters. » The recent proposed amendment to conduct, post-approval, baseline groundwater monitoring studies permitting assessment of potential cumulative impacts of mining operations across and immediately adjacent to the OC3 extension area for 12 months, signals an apparent disregard for both decision-makers and for community concerns and should be rejected. » How can we have confidence in a community consultation process or a decision process based on partial information? Decision-makers must be provided all relevant data before a project is approved, not after. I urge the Commission in the strongest possible terms to reject the proposal (including any subsequent amendments) to expand the existing mining operation into the proposed OC3 site, in recognition of the significant unmitigated risks it embodies. Instead of another coal mine, I urge relevant Departments to recognise that the high environmental values of the area documented through this process deserve full and ongoing recognition and protection by incorporation into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, accompanied by revegetation of degraded grasslands and full restoration of the existing MCO sites when mining operations cease. Yours sincerely (Name withheld) References (1) https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/local-land-services/projects/nht-regent-honeyeater-conservation (2) ‘MCC’ and ‘MCO’ refer to Moolarben Coal Complex/Operation, i.e., the broader mining entity and operations related to the Moolarben site, including the proposed OC3 Expansion (3) https://mdeg.org.au/yancoals-moolarben-water-failure/ (4) https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/moolarben-oc3-extension-project#:~:text=Object-,Water%20for%20Rivers,-Object (5) DHPI Assessment Report December 2025 https://majorprojects.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/prweb/PRRestService/mp/01/getContent?AttachRef=SSD-33083358%2120251218T071610.639%20GMT p. 94 par 375-6 (6) Recommendation of the NSW Biodiversity Conservation and Science (BCS) Group, cited in https://mdeg.org.au/yancoals-moolarben-oc3-expansion/ (7) DHPI assessment Report, Table 8, pp 30-31 (8) majorprojects.planningportal.nsw.gov.au APPENDIX K - Economic Assessment for Moolarben OC3 Extension, NSW Planning Portal page 12 (9) NSW Treasury. An indicative assessment of four key areas of climate risk for the 2021 NSW Intergenerational Report. April 2021. p. 25 (10) https://australiainstitute.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/P1696-Coal-Royalties-in-NSW-Web.pdf (11) ibid., p.109, par 417 (12) https://mdeg.org.au/yancoals-moolarben-oc3-expansion/ (13) https://www.yancoal.com.au/our-sites/moolarben/ (14) ibid, pp. 38-53 |
Name Redacted
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23761 |
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Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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Every year Australia adds new species to State and Federal lists of endangered species. The big drivers of this unconscionable situation are habitat loss and climate change. This extension proposal if approved will not only destroy important habitat but will also add more carbon into our atmosphere continuing to drive climate induced extinctions. At what point of this critical climate situation do we say enough we must change direction and protect our planet our home? I object to the proposal. |
Helen Kvelde
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ID |
23766 |
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Organisation |
Midcoast knitting nannas |
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Location |
New South Wales 2429 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Midcoast knitting nannas are extremely concerned about this proposed development for many reasons. Firstly we object to any new coal mines in this time of rising temperatures. Here in the midcoast we have already suffered greatly from climate change with drought fires and two floods in the last 7 years. People have lost their homes animals livelihoods and some have lost their lives. Governments promises help but it seems that not much actually arrives. And nannas personally know people who were rendered homeless in fire and flood who are still homeless. If we do not stop rising temperatures the numbers of people affected will increase. Secondly midcoast nannas believe it is our duty to protect other species not drive them to extinction by destroying their habitat. This development threatens several endangered species that we know of such as koalas and greater gliders. Also nannas are very concerned about the effect on water. After air water is the most importantly thing all living creatures need to survive. It seems crazy to do anything to damage our sources of clean water. We know there are other ways to source the power we need. It’s time to stop relying on coal and use renewables. Give workers a just transition by training them in renewable energy which is also cheaper snd surely that’s a win win for everyone except the coal mine owners. And they don’t seem to pay tax anyway. Sincerely Helen Kvelde On behalf of Midcoast Nannas |
Amelie Adkins
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ID |
23771 |
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Location |
Victoria 3749 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I am strongly opposed and disgusted by the proposed expansion of the Moolarben Coal Mine. It appears the Earth is almost on fire, and the government looks like they could care less. The entire proposal is a colossal (Redacted) to our country’s environment, people and future. In a approving this expansion plan our government is helping hammer in the final nail of our future – it’s bloody revolting. It is critical that the IPC help reinforce how terrible this expansion is for humanity at the largest. I beg. I implore. Please. Please officially recommend that the destruction that Moolarben Coal Mine expansion will cause does not go ahead. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23776 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2795 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is (Redacted), I am a 34 year old community leader working in Bathurst NSW and I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in our region, due to the climate, water and long term biodiversity impacts. I live on a property on the outskirts of the village of Peel and have seen the devastating heatwaves, singe hilltop and paddock trees in our area; especially around the Turon and Sofala area. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am distressed that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. I realise that many of these submissions and objections may sound similar, so I will write something a little different, imagining if the mine expansion was sadly approved: Silence, as a lone koala searches for its mate, 113ha cleared in ever shrinking islands of vegetation loss, like death by a thousand cuts. No more, do the microbats fly, hunt insects at night and no more does the Regent honey eater sing in the morn; they have been crushed or have moved on, they are refugees for the remaining allowed land preserved to protect threatened species. Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, was once bigger…animals don’t acknowledge the arbitrary lines and tenures we make until we explode them out of the landscape creating tunnels within 100 metres of the reserve, vibrations that crack rock and drain soil moisture – ah but not just any moisture, as the years pass Moolarben Creek and groundwater disappears, community mentions it, the bores are tainted and low, a farmer remarks ‘it sure has been getting hot these days’. The world holds its breath as around 64 million tonnes of greenhouse gas enters the atmosphere, the world asks why are we still doing this can’t we see what we are doing? We had the vision we were in a renewable energy zone, jobs on the horizon. The alure of delusional greed was our downfall as we now live in a dying landscape, public benefit lost, only private company gain and riches sent overseas, the jobs they promised don’t seem worth the heat and super storms that strip the soil clean only to evaporate quickly after like our children’s futures. How much longer do we burry our heads in the coal dust in a climate emergency and biodiversity crisis? Will we ever meet our net zero and Paris agreement targets? I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, (Redacted) Peel NSW 2795 – Wiradyuri Country |
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Attachments |
Jack Fry - submission_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 120.56 KB) |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23786 |
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Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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Please reconsider this expansion. It provides a real threat to local wildlife and to ground water. What is more Australia has set targets to combat climate change and global warming, and this goes against these. We need renewables not more coal. |
Geoff Allshorn
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ID |
23791 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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Submission attached |
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Attachments |
Geoff Allshorn - Submission 17 February 2026_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 133.29 KB) |
Katherine Kotarska
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ID |
23796 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2850 |
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17/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is Kate Kotarska and l live in Caerleon, on the outskirts of Mudgee. I write to oppose the expansion of Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion. I base my opposition on a number of factors: 1. Climate Change impacts As a qualified environmental scientist and someone who has worked in climate and energy policy over the last 20 years, I find it almost inconceivable that at this stage in the climate crisis we are still fighting the creation of new coal mines and the expansion of existing ones. Australia is a signatory to the Paris agreement which is a legally binding international treaty adopted in 2015 aimed at limiting global temperature rise to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, above pre-industrial levels. Under the Paris Agreement, Australia has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and has set a 2030 target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43% below 2005 levels. In September 2025, Australia submitted an updated nationally determined contribution with a 2035 target of a 62-70% reduction in net national greenhouse gas emissions below 2005 emissions levels, covering all sectors of the economy and all greenhouse gases. This will be implemented as an emission budget over 2031–35. This target aligns with Australia’s Net Zero Plan, which charts out Australia’s path to achieving our commitment to reach net zero by 2050. The Australian Government and State Government’s including the NSW Government are taking ambitious action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging the roll out of renewable energy infrastructure to decarbonise the energy sector. Here in the Central West we have the roll-out of the first NSW Renewable Energy Zone. It hardly bears thinking about that while one part of the NSW Government is working to decarbonise our electricity supply, proposals like this are still being given serious consideration by the IPC. The proposed Moolarben extension would generate an estimated 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its life. This is equivalent to around 58% of NSW’s total annual emissions. The Net Zero Commission’s December 2025 ‘Coal Mining Emissions Spotlight Report’ found that “continued extensions or expansions to coal mining in NSW are not consistent with the emissions reduction targets in the Climate Change Act or the Paris Agreement temperature goals it gives effect to”. The Net Zero Commission’s 2024 Annual Report found that: • NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets for 2030 and 2035 • any increased emissions from the sizeable pipeline of proposed coal project expansions and extensions would require other sectors to make greater reductions for the state to meet its targets. In Denman Aberdeen Muswellbrook Scone Healthy Environment Group Inc v MACH Energy Australia Pty Ltd [2025] NSWCA 163, the NSW Court of Appeal overturned the approval for the Mount Pleasant coal mine expansion. The court ruled the IPC failed to properly consider the local climate impacts of Scope 3 emissions. The decision clarifies that simply acknowledging greenhouse gas emissions will have global effects is insufficient; decision-makers must assess how those emissions impact the local area, even for Scope 3 emissions (coal burned overseas). The economic and social costs of these Scope 3 emissions have not been addressed by Yancoal. The Mudgee region, and indeed the whole State, have recently endured several week-long heat waves, where temperatures regularly climbed above 40 degrees. This has impacts on local agriculture, water use, fire risk, and native animal deaths due to extreme heat. This is a sign of things to come if climate change risks are not taken seriously. 2. Biodiversity Impacts I have also studied ecology at a tertiary level and am dismayed at the coal mine expansion’s impacts on biodiversity. DPHI’s Moolarben OC3 Extension Project State Significant Development Assessment Report found that Yancoal’s initial proposal would “directly disturb approximately 675 hectares (ha) of land, including 480 ha of native vegetation. Key biodiversity impacts include disturbance of 401 ha of Box Gum Woodland Critically Endangered Ecological Community (CEEC) and 81 ha of Regent Honeyeater ‘important mapped’ habitat, which are candidate species for serious and irreversible impacts (SAII). The project would also impact habitat for the Koala and Squirrel Glider (113 ha), Swift Parrot (106 ha), Pink-tailed Legless Lizard (207 ha), and Gang-gang Cockatoo (106 ha). Due to the proximity to rocky features in the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, the project has potential to indirectly impact threatened microbat habitat as a result of blasting.” Following Yancoal’s amendments, the Conservation Programs, Heritage and Regulation Division of the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, The Environment and Water (NSW DCCEEW) stated that the project would still result in serious and irreversible impacts (SAII) on Box-Gum Woodland CEEC and the Regent Honeyeater. The report notes that “the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has raised various concerns regarding the close proximity of the project to the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve (the reserve) and recommended a 500 m setback between the project and the edge of the reserve to adequately manage potential environmental impacts. Concerns raised include: • blasting and potential vibration impacts on geological features and rocky habitat; • risks to public safety; • light and noise impacts on biodiversity values; and • groundwater drawdown beneath the reserve and associated impacts on groundwater dependent ecosystems (GDEs).” Setback from the reserve was increased under the amended application from 50m to 100m, not the 500m recommended by the NPWS. This biodiversity rich valley should be preserved and considered for incorporation into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. 3. Impacts on ground water, creeks, and riparian zones As a result of open cut mining, impacts on groundwater and surface water resources would be significant. This includes groundwater drawdown in the shallow alluvium of up to 5 metres (m) and potential impacts on groundwater dependent ecosystems. These impacts could last for many years after mining has ceased. Moolarben Creek is a critical drought refuge for wildlife. The Mining Panel has advised that there is a moderate risk to deep-rooted groundwater dependent vegetation and recommended conditions to manage this risk, including the expansion of the groundwater monitoring network. Inadequate baseline groundwater monitoring studies have occurred to date. 4. Workers urgently needed for the REZ and unnecessary for further coal expansion The Mudgee area is within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). The REZ is forecast to support an annual average of about 1,850 direct jobs in the local area during construction, and about 930 ongoing operational jobs from 2034. There are clear alternative employment opportunities within the REZ. The existing Moolarben mine will continue operating until at least 2038. Coal from Moolarben is shipped overseas to China, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Japan. Australian thermal coal exports face a significant, structural decline due to accelerating energy transitions in South Korea and China, with projected falls in demand threatening to reduce export values by up to 50% over the next five years. South Korea aims to phase out coal by 2040, while China is boosting domestic production and renewables. The expansion may well deliver little economic benefit while causing irreversible environmental damage, making its costs significantly greater than any proposed public benefit. 5. The expansion will harm Wiradjuri cultural heritage The Moolarben OC3 Extension Project State Significant Development Assessment Report found that a total of 138 Aboriginal heritage sites were identified in the study area, with 55 located wholly or partially within the surface disturbance footprint. A further 12 sites could be indirectly impacted from blasting. These sites have high cultural value by the Registered Aboriginal Parties consulted on the proposal. This expansion contributes to the cumulative degradation of Country from ongoing mining, undermining the Wiradjuri people’s cultural and spiritual connection to the land. 6. Cumulative impacts This proposed expansion should be considered in the context of the cumulative impacts of this expansion along with the proposed expansions of neighbouring Ulan Coal Mine Modification 6 and 8 and the Wilpinjong Coal Mine Modification 3. All of these expanded mines will impact threatened species, water resources, and cultural heritage values. Thank you for considering this submission. Sincerely, Kate Kotarska. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23801 |
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Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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Submission Opposing the Moolarben Coal Mine Expansion (OC3) I strongly oppose the proposed expansion of the Moolarben coal mine. The project would cause serious and irreversible environmental, cultural and climate harm, while delivering little public benefit. The valley should instead be protected as part of a conservation landscape with Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. 1. Destruction of Critical Koala Habitat The proposal would clear 113 hectares of koala habitat, including areas where breeding koalas have been recorded. The NSW Biodiversity, Conservation and Science Group has identified this habitat as critical to the survival of the species and described the local population as climate-resilient, having survived drought, bushfire and rising temperatures. Destroying habitat for a climate-robust koala population is unacceptable, particularly during a biodiversity crisis. These impacts cannot be adequately offset. 2. Serious and Irreversible Biodiversity Impacts The project would clear approximately 480 hectares of native vegetation, including up to 401 hectares of the nationally endangered Box Gum Woodland ecosystem. Offsets cannot replace the losses . At least 23 threatened species are at risk, including the Regent Honeyeater, Large-eared Pied Bat, Eastern Cave Bat, Broad-headed Snake and Squirrel Glider. Vital sandstone cliffs and rocky habitat along the edge of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve provide key bat habitat. Blasting and noise threaten these species. The recommended 500-metre buffer to protect the reserve was refused. Biodiversity offsets cannot justify permanent destruction of irreplaceable habitat. 3. Significant Groundwater Risks The project is expected to cause groundwater drawdown of 2–6 metres, including up to 5 metres in the alluvium along Moolarben Creek. This threatens groundwater-dependent ecosystems and deep-rooted riparian trees, and puts a key drought refuge at risk. Baseline groundwater monitoring has been inadequate, and monitoring is proposed after approval rather than before. Given the proponent’s poor water compliance history, these risks are deeply concerning. Other mines have continued to pollute long after closing, there is no reason to risk further pollution by expanding or extending operations. 4. Massive Climate Impacts Inconsistent with NSW Law The expansion would generate an estimated 64.6 million tonnes of lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions which is equivalent to around 58% of NSW’s total annual emissions. This is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act 2021 and Australia’s obligations under the Paris Agreement. The Net Zero Commission has clearly stated that further coal mine expansions are not compatible with NSW’s emissions reduction targets. The assessment also fails to properly consider downstream emissions (which make up 99% of the project’s emissions) and the local environmental, social and economic costs of climate change. 5. Irreversible Harm to Aboriginal Cultural Heritage The proposal would destroy at least 55 Aboriginal cultural artefacts, including two shelters despite recommendations for protection. These sites are of high cultural value and form part of Wiradjuri Country. Their destruction would contribute to the cumulative degradation of culturally significant landscapes. A significant number of sites were destroyed during earlier mining establishment. 6. Cumulative Impacts Ignored The cumulative impacts of this expansion alongside proposed expansions at: Ulan Coal Mine Wilpinjong Coal Mine have not been properly assessed. Together, these projects would compound damage to biodiversity, water systems, cultural heritage and the climate. 7. No Clear Economic Justification The existing Moolarben mine will continue operating until at least 2038 regardless of this expansion. The project does not create meaningful new employment. Meanwhile, the Central West Renewable Energy Zone is projected to create a significant number of jobs over the next decade, during construction and ongoing, offering sustainable alternative employment pathways. Conclusion The Moolarben expansion would permanently destroy critical koala habitat, endangered ecosystems and Aboriginal heritage, create major climate harm inconsistent with NSW law, and put groundwater systems at risk without delivering significant public benefit. The recent amendments proposed by Yancoal, do not improve the outlook and clearing of native vegetation, and the flow on devastation to fauna and biodiversity. For these reasons, I urge the IPC to refuse approval of this project and protect this landscape as part of a broader conservation area linked to Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23806 |
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Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am writing to urge the Commision to reject the Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project on the following grounds: - as Australia meets a benchmark of less than 50percent of our energy production being from fossil fuels, the future of coal production is moving in the right direction to save our planet for future generations. Expanding coal production now is a backward step and threatens our ability to meet our climate objectives - the proposed expansion threatens endangered species native to the proposed area, including regent honeyeaters and koalas - the cultural heritage of the indigenous people will be threatened by the proposed expansion. As a mother and grandmother, after a career in primary and tertiary teaching , I ask that the welfare of future generations be considered and valued above the profits of a mining corporation and this proposal be rejected. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23816 |
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Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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I strongly oppose this development. My main reason is preservation of natural habitat, as well as issues of climate and water pollution. As a resident of Canberra/ACT, I can appreciate the benefits of effective environmental protection policies and strategies that ensure the safety of biodiversity. This development would threaten koala habitat as well as multiple other endangered species, and clear 401 hectares of the nationally endangered Box Gum Woodland ecosystem. The project will cause drawdown of the alluvium by up to 5m along Moolarben Ck, and put at risk deep-rooted trees that use that water. |
Hayden Smith
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ID |
23821 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2233 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I find it absolutely ludicrous that an extension and expansion of this coal complex would even be considered, when the effects of fossils fuels is not only scientifically proven to be detrimental to the environment but also financially unviable without enormous government subsidies. If this extension goes ahead I feel it’s hugely disrespectful to young people as it directly signals policy makers do not care about the detriment they will and are causing to the quality of life Younger people will experience in the future. |
Mandy Gyles
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ID |
23826 |
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Organisation |
Australian Conservation Foundation - Hunter community |
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Location |
New South Wales 2291 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission. I am writing on behalf of the Australian Conservation Foundation's Hunter community to express our alarm at the proposed expansion of the Moolarben OC3 Mine near Mudgee. This expansion should not go ahead because of the devastating impact it would have on biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions, water in the landscape, and local Aboriginal culture. The proposed expansion and clearing poses unacceptable and irreversible threats to Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve where at least 23 threatened species have been recorded. For example, it would critically impact the habitat of a uniquely resilient koala population, the Regent Honeyeater, Broad- headed Snake and microbats. The proposed extension would generate an estimated 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its life, equivalent to around 58% of NSW’s total annual emissions, making its climate impact enormous. The project would also cause significant groundwater drawdown of 2–6 metres, potentially lasting up to 25 years after mining, placing Moolarben Creek at serious risk as a critical drought refuge for wildlife. The project will destroy 55 irreplaceable Aboriginal cultural artefacts, and potentially impact dozens of others. They are all considered to have high cultural value by the Registered Aboriginal Parties consulted on the proposal. In addition, there has been poor assessment of the cumulative and irreversible impact of this proposed mine expansion combined with that of the proposed expansions of neighbouring mines which threaten similar species due to clearing and loss of habitat. For these reasons, I urge you to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering our submission. Sincerely, Mandy Gyles Australian Conservation Foundation, Hunter Community Newcastle NSW 2291 |
Catherine Turner
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ID |
23831 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2090 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I object to the mine extension. Tree clearing required will have a negative effect on wildlife. The project poses irreversible threats to groundwater and creeks. The ares should be added to the adjacent nature reserve. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23836 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2122 |
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17/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission My name is (Redacted). I have a Masters in Global Studies, and I'm a mother of a child facing a lifetime in a warmer, more dangerous climate future, one where droughts, storms, fires, and famines will be more extreme and more commonplace. Habitable zones are shrinking forcing whole societies to relocate. Political friction, war, and extremism will rise. We have a moral obligation to mitigate this to the extent we have the power. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I gather there are multiple coal mine expansion applications all impacting the breeding grounds and homes of the same group of 23 threatened species - including koalas, Regent Honeyeaters, microbats, Box Gum ecosystems,and broadheaded snakes - and the cumulative effect of the separate extensions has not been taken into account in assessments. What might be deemed acceptable risk from each expansion individually may have a far greater impact on species survival when combined. Furthermore, ground water drawdown of up to 5 metres threatens the whole ecosystem at Moolarben Creek, including trees, and remove a refuge for native fauna during drought. While Yancoal have offered to conduct testing, the expectation is that this testing will be done after the mine expansion is approved, which is nonsensical and leaves the government without any way to regain control. The Registered Aboriginal Parties to the consultation have noted 55 significant cultural sites that would be destroyed if the mine expansion proceeds. That this is being contemplated is a disgrace. How can the government claim to value Aboriginal people and their concerns while permitting destruction of sites of cultural significance en masse? Finally, the NetZero Commission has found that coal mine expansions are inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and our commitments under the Paris Agreement, while the Denman Court of Appeal decision requires decision makers to consider all emissions, including downstream emissions from burning after export. I exhort you therefore to abide by this legal precedent and to rule out the Moolarben OC3 coal expansion. The argument that the mine is needed for revenue and jobs is not aligned with reality. The expansion will create negligible employment, as even current vacancies in the industry cannot be filled. Meanwhile the growing renewables in the area is driving job growth. Rather than turning this area containing so many threatened species and cultural sites into a mining pit, the area ought to be made an added to the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. Australia has some of the richest biodiversity in the world, which is something we should treasure. Sadly, we also have the highest rate of extinctions. With climate change forcing many many species into stress, strong biodiversity is vital for the survival of whole ecosystems. I thank you for taking the time to consider this submission. (Redacted) Eastwood NSW 2122 |
Alannah Dair
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ID |
23841 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2204 |
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17/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is Alannah, I am a 29 year old art installer living and working across Dharug and Gadigal land in Sydney. I am concerned about the expansion of Yancoal's Moolarben coal mine, due to the current impacts of climate change being felt across all states of this country. Since I moved from Brisbane 6 years ago, I have witnessed an increase in extreme weather here in NSW such as bushfires, 40+ degree days, torrential rain and flash flooding. I am concerned that this project, this expansion of mining, would cause even further irreversible harm to the climate, the surrounding environment and community. This rich biodiverse area slated for the expansion of the Moolarben coal mine should instead be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. I am concerned about threatened species and habitat loss within this area, including the clearing of koala, Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. I am further concerned about the impacts of noise, and the operation of machinery on the surrounding Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and don't believe there has been adequate assessment as to the impacts of conducting further operations within 100 metres of the reserve. I am further concerned about the groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. At a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets it is of no benefit and only hinders us to create further carbon emissions. Finally, I personally, don't see the justification from a job related standpoint for this expansion. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, Alannah Dair |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23846 |
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Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Submission on Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. Although I am not a local resident, I am concerned that this project would have a much wider impact than just on the local community. I believe it would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, the climate and the broad community. The proposed expansion would clear critical habitat for koalas, Regent Honeyeaters, and microbats. It would clear around 480 hectares of native vegetation and push mining to within 100 metres of the Munghorn Gap Nature reserve, one of the oldest conservation reserves in the state. It threatens critical ecosystems, water sources, and Aboriginal cultural heritage. The plan to mine within 100 metres of the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve will put an area of high biodiversity at risk. At least 23 threatened species have been recorded in the area, including, as mentioned above, Regent Honeyeaters and microbats. This area provides a critical habitat for the local koala population. This rich biodiverse valley should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, not made into an open cut coal mine pit. The proposed coal mine expansion would be a major risk to water and groundwater resources. This includes long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. The climate impacts are enormous, with the proposed OC3 extension estimated to generate 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its life, equivalent to around 58% of NSW’s total annual emissions. This is at a time when NSW is falling behind in meeting its legislated emissions reduction targets. There is no clear justification in terms of employment for this for expanding coal mining in this region, where renewable energy development is being prioritised. Renewable energy projects are expected to create clear alternative employment pathways. I am aware that Yancoal has submitted last-minute minor amendments to its proposal, thus delaying the IPC hearing. The proposed amendments do not reduce clearing of native vegetation, and the proposal would still have severe impacts on biodiversity. I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. |
Sarah Fordyce
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ID |
23851 |
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Location |
Australian Capital Territory 2614 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I strongly oppose this development. My main reason is preservation of natural habitat, as well as issues of climate and water pollution. This development would threaten koala habitat as well as multiple other endangered species, and clear 401 hectares of the nationally endangered Box Gum Woodland ecosystem. The project will also cause drawdown of the alluvium by up to 5m along Moolarben Ck, and put at risk deep-rooted trees that use that water. I live in Canberra and value living somewhere that protects native habitat and waterways, and wish this also for the community of Mudgee and surrounds. |
Millie Jones
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ID |
23856 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2080 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Hi there. My name is millie and i grew up among the gorgeous nature and wildlife of the mudgee region. Mudgee's art and nature made me the person i am today and visiting puttabucca wetlands, and the drip, and hands-on rock inspired me to have a keen interest in nature and the the natural world into my adult life. I wouldn't trade my outback floral countryside upbringing for anything - it's made me a more well rounded person than my city-born peers. Growing up i knew a lot of my friends had parents that worked in the mines and i understood that it was companies like yancoal that let those families eat, but this expansion is going to starve those families faster. It has become clear to me as i watch this expansion drag on and unfold you, reading this, know that it will ruin mudgee too. I want the Moolarben OC3 Expansion to be rejected because it will kill the wildlife that make my outback australian unique and important. I want the Moolarben OC3 Expansion to be rejected because it will prevent the creation of hundreds of high-paying jobs in sustainable energy in the midwestern region. I want the Moolarben OC3 Expansion to be rejected because it will destroy a literal nature reserve in the mudgee region that i got to explore as a kid, and stop future generations from experiencing the magic of australian nature that shaped me as a person. I want the Moolarben OC3 Expansion to be rejected because it will further poison the groundwater used to grow crops and protect even more important flora and fauna in the midwestern region. I'm appalled at this expansion proposal and it makes me embarrassed to share the earth of the wiradjuri with people who want to drain it of its life, beauty and ecosystems. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. I stand with the Nature Conservation Council, Manjot Kaur and the future of the midwestern region. Thank you for considering my submission. Thank you so much, Millie(Milla) Jones, Formerly of Mudgee 2850, Currently Mt Kuring-Gai 2080 |
Kristin Dawson
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ID |
23861 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2530 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I object to this expansion because of its impact on our native fauna - it would mean clearing 113 hectares of koala habitation and further destruction of the life chances of this endangered animal; it also contains habitat for the Regent Honeyeater and microbats. It also will come very close to the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. Most of all in a world and particularly our own nation there is increasing natural disasters due to climate change fuelled by industries such as this one. This extension will release an estimated 64 million tonnes of pollution into our atmosphere- and with this extension of mining NSW will fail in reaching its legislated reduction of emissions targets I object to this extension for the above reasons. We are here now and morally responsible for the planet we leave for our children’s future. Science has demonstrated the harmful impact of fossil fuel extraction and burning. |
David Allworth
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ID |
23871 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2850 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
See attachment. |
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Attachments |
23871 - David Allworth_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 51.22 KB) |
Yvonne Ingeme
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ID |
23876 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission, RE: Objection to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee Hi my name is Yvonne and I am an ecologist, and have seen first hand how continued habitat lost impacts threatened species and communities. I am very concerned about the potential expansion of this and other coal mines in Australia, due to the resulting climate impacts that I also experience in my area. Extreme heat waves are causing not only increased deaths in our community but also a massive increase in deaths of native animals, many dying during heatwaves unobserved by people but some species give a clear indication of the impacts of heatwaves on native animals such as ringtail possums and flying foxes which simply drop out of trees dead from the extreme heat events. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. This area plays a critical role in supporting the habitat and threatened species populations within the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and its removal will lead to decreased resilience of that reserve. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded. It would clear 80 hectares of Regent Honeyeater habitat with breeding females recorded on site, and up to 401 hectares of the nationally endangered Box Gum Woodland ecosystem and remove microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. Removal of this habitat will undermine the resilience of the habitat within the reserve. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Yours Sincerely, Yvonne |
Rhys Tranter
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ID |
23881 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2298 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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To the NSW Independent Planning Commission, My name is Rhys Tranter, and I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed expansion of the Moolarben Coal Mine (OC3) near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. This proposal would significantly extend one of NSW’s largest thermal coal operations at a time when we are facing a worsening climate and biodiversity crisis. It would clear approximately 480 hectares of native vegetation, push mining to within 100 metres of the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, and cause unacceptable and irreversible harm to threatened species, water systems, and cultural heritage. At least 23 threatened species have been recorded in the project area. The proposal would destroy more than 100 hectares of koala habitat, including areas where breeding koalas have been recorded, as well as habitat for the Regent Honeyeater, microbats and endangered Box Gum Woodland. These ecosystems cannot simply be “offset” elsewhere. Once they are gone, they are gone. I am also deeply concerned about groundwater impacts. Significant drawdown is predicted, with risks to Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that serve as critical drought refuges. The proponent’s proposed amendment to undertake groundwater monitoring after approval is inadequate. Baseline data should be established before approval, not after. The climate impacts are substantial. The project is estimated to generate 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its life. This is inconsistent with the intent of the Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and Australia’s obligations under the Paris Agreement. Approving new or expanded thermal coal projects undermines NSW’s legislated emissions reduction targets and ignores the broader economic and social costs of climate pollution. The proposed late-stage amendments do not reduce the mine footprint or vegetation clearing. They appear to be an attempt to minimise scrutiny rather than meaningfully reduce impacts. These changes are too late in the process and do not address the serious and irreversible environmental harm identified. As a social worker who has experience with rural Australians, I am deeply concerned that this will not create sustainable and ethical employment opportunities or afford the local community long-term prosperity as suggested by Yancoal. This will reinforce a divide between people who work for the mind and those who do not, and leaves communities highly vulnerable to market volatility, without providing training or support around climate resilience. Finally, this project cannot be justified on employment grounds. The mine will continue operating for years without this expansion, and the region is already transitioning toward renewable energy development. The environmental and cultural costs of this proposal far outweigh any claimed public benefit. For these reasons, I urge the Commission to refuse approval for the Moolarben OC3 extension. This biodiverse valley on Wiradjuri Country should be protected, not permanently scarred by expanded open-cut mining. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, Rhys Tranter Waratah, NSW |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23896 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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I am a community member, that strongly object to Moolarben expansion project. I am concerned about the environmental issues that this expansion will cause. Fauna, flora and the wild animals that rely on this land and have been for years being destroyed and extinct is not a future I would like to see. Once you disturb it, it will never be the same. The cultural areas of the wiradjuri people being destroyed and disturb, those you will never get back. Water table being disturb or destroyed, especially when the area is in drought and what water is there, is for the animals and the environment. For these reasons and many more, I OBJECT to Moolarben expansion |
sharon Kinnison
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ID |
23901 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2105 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission, I am 78 years old and especially concerned about the preservation of functioning ecosystems, biodiversity and water for future generations. This project should not go ahead. It will heavily impact and threaten all of the above. I am also concerned about the expansion of coal mining in our states, due to the climate impacts. I am coastal but everywhere storms and other extreme weather events including fire are more frequent and more extreme. I object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. Off site biodiversity offsets can not replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that arecritical drought refuges for wildlife. 100 metres would not flow to the creek or underground water • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Sincerely, Sharon Kinnison Scotland Island NSW 2145 |
Beau Cummins
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ID |
23906 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2777 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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As you read these words, at a time before this proposed development is either approved or rejected, there are hundreds of thousands of creatures that call this place home. Life requires us to make countless decisions using our ethical compass. There is no scenario in which an individual with sound ethics would approve this development. An approval can only mean that we value profit over life. We're better than that. I believe that you, the person reading this is better than that. Don't overcomplicate the matter. It is not complex. There is only one just response to this proposal. Pause. Consider the life that is at stake. |
Catherine Ciret
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ID |
23911 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2095 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. The proposed expansion would cause unacceptable and irreversible harm to threatened species and ecosystems by clearing critical habitat for koalas, Regent Honeyeaters, and micro bats. In addition, the proposed OC3 extension would generate an enormous amount of greenhouse emissions (estimated 64.6 million tonnes over its life) which contradict the NSW commitment to mitigate climate change (NSW Climate Change Act 2023). I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23916 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2031 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Moolarben Coal Submission My name is [name redacted], I have a background in public health, and am a parent to two young people aged 16 and 20. I’m writing this submission to oppose the Moolarben Coal Expansion as I’m extremely concerned about the climate disasters which will be fuelled by this coal expansion, and how it will impact communities near Mudgee, already impacted by extreme weather events, and how it will impact my two children and other young people. The IPCC has already warned that in order to keep warming at 1.5 degrees, and prevent catastrophic global warming, there should be no new fossil fuel projects bought online, that means in Australia, we should stop expanding existing coal mines. In addition, last October the world reach the first global tipping point, with 160 scientific experts warning that warming at 1.2 degrees was irreversibly destroying coral reefs. And as coral reefs are an essential part of the marine ecosystem, including in supplying the world with fish, this would be catastrophic for our marine environment, and decimate millions of people’s livelihoods. The report from scientists and conservationists warns the world is also “on the brink” of reaching other tipping points, including the dieback of the Amazon, the collapse of major ocean currents and the loss of ice sheets. The Global Tipping Points report, led by the University of Exeter and financed by the fund of the Amazon owner, Jeff Bezos, includes contributions from 160 scientists from 87 institutions in 23 countries. The Global Tipping Points report warns the world is also “on the brink” of reaching other tipping points, including the dieback of the Amazon, the collapse of major ocean currents and the loss of ice sheets. And as you are aware, reaching one tipping point can then speed up other tipping points. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. The proposed OC3 extension would generate an estimated 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its life, equivalent to around 58% of NSW’s total annual emissions, making its climate impact enormous. Yet DPHI’s assessment ignores clear findings of the Net Zero Commission that any further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act and the Paris Agreement, and fails to acknowledge that NSW is already off track to meet its 2030 and 2035 targets. The assessment also does not apply the Denman Court of Appeal decision, which requires decision-makers to consider emissions (including downstream emissions (99% of its emissions) and the local climate impacts they cause, leaving the true climate and economic costs of the project unquantified and unaddressed. The economic and social costs of these emissions have not been addressed by Yancoal. • There is no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The government should focus on creating more renewable jobs, and ensuring that people in coal mining regions are supported with free TAFE and other training supports to retrain and become technicians for renewable energy projects, especially as it sits within an area designated for renewable energy projects. pathways. Yancoal has indicated that 65% of coal from Moolarben will go to China, 10% to South Korea, 10% to Taiwan, 5% to Thailand, 5% to Japan, and 5% to Others. Given the forecasted decline in Australian thermal coal demand to China and South Korea especially - the economic argument could be even weaker than Yancoal has outlined in the May 2025 Resource Assessment. Clearly, the expansion would deliver little economic benefit while imposing lasting environmental damage, making its costs far greater than any claimed public benefit. • The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thanks for considering my submission, [name redacted] Randwick, 2031, NSW. |
Margaret Sewell
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ID |
23921 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2795 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Opposition to Moolarben Coal Complex Extension Project I am writing to express my strong objection to the Yancoal proposal to extend Moolarben OC3. NSW, Australia and the world do not need more coal extraction and burning, with its deleterious effects on the climate here and worldwide, and on local biodiversity, with potential extinctions of koalas and regent honey-eater populations. I am a resident of Bathurst, so for me, Mudgee is local, and for many people it is a key tourist centre. This is partly due to the beautiful surrounding areas, now being systematically destroyed by mining. Increases in coal mining will reduce the value of tourism in the area, and also reduce jobs available in hospitality as fewer tourists visit Mudgee. Jobs in mining will not make up for this. Conversely, employment in renewable energy is increasing. Australia and the world need to be reliant on renewable sources of power, rather than continuing to dig up and destroy the habitat of endangered species. Coal power is complicit in increasing global warming, or global weirding, as climate scientist Katherine Hayhoe terms it. This increases extreme weather events such as raging bushfires, with their concomitant health effects, cyclones, hurricanes and floods. The proposed mine extension is in fact close to an existing REZ, with wind farm approvals. This needs to be the future for Australia, and we are already heading towards significant amounts of renewable power being available to replace coal. Yancoal’s proposed amendment which has halted the IPC hearing offers small extensions of Habitat Enhancement Areas which do not in fact reduce the destruction that open-cut mining brings to the area and would only inadequately remediate it. In addition to koalas and regent honey-eaters, micro-bats and small insects are threatened by this proposal, and biodiversity will be lost. A meaningful amendment could have addressed reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and the importance of Net Zero. Yancoal’s attempts at greenwashing will also not rehabilitate water losses, as the destroyed ground cannot be reconstructed. Water flows will be disrupted, and much of this precious resource will be lost. As baseline monitoring has not been undertaken, this is difficult to quantify. Destruction of large numbers of Wiradjuri Indigenous artefacts brings Juukan Gorge to mind. The spiritual significance of this destruction cannot be overstated, and it is easily avoidable. As I now have a young grandchild of my own, Tim Winton’s novel Juice really hit home. The protagonist found that his many times great-grandparents were the generation that refused to restrict their comfortable lifestyles by limiting their use of fuels that they dug up and burned, leading to catastrophic climate effects with huge impacts on future generations. His generation was forced to live underground for many months of the year, as being above ground was impossible. In the remaining months of “winter”, people could only be above ground in the early morning, and late afternoon, heavily covered, to grow what was necessary to enable their subsistence lifestyle and support them through the underground months. This is the foreseeable future for our descendants if we continue down this path. I do not want to be part of that older generation that ignores the effects on our young people. I do what I can to reduce reliance on coal-fired power, with solar panels and an EV, and so do many others, but decisions to completely stop coal mining and burning need to be made now. For these reasons, and the many other reasons that other submissions will have highlighted, I call on the IPC to reject this extension proposal. |
Cosmin Luca
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ID |
23926 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Re: Objection to the Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Expansion My name is Cosmin Luca. I am a student of Econometrics and Data Science at the University of Sydney. I am writing to strongly object to the Moolarben OC3 expansion. I endorse the submissions made by other objecting organisations. In particular, I support the Nature Conservation Council’s detailed assessment of the water degradation and ecological risks associated with this expansion. On all economic, social, and environmental grounds this proposal threatens the future of sustainability and prosperity in New South Wales. 1. Economic Transfer Pricing & Resource Depletion Yancoal is majority-owned (over 60%) by the Shandong Energy Group. The economic structure of this project appears designed for vertical integration, allowing Australian coal to be exported at or near cost production price to the parent company. This effectively offshores the profits while Australia retains the resource depletion and environmental liabilities. It is a poor return on investment for the state. 2. Environmental & Water Security Risks The environmental costs are extraordinary. I object to the scale of land clearing and the irreversible impact on local wildlife habitat. Furthermore, the risk of water quality degradation and drought pressure places an unacceptable burden on the Mudgee community and downstream agricultural assets. 3. Climate Policy Contradiction This expansion is completely at odds with our climate obligations. It contradicts the NSW Net Zero Commission’s objectives, undermines the Federal Government’s legislated emissions reduction goals, and weakens our 2025 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) ahead of the COP31 Presidency Australia will preside over. We cannot claim to be aiming for Net Zero domestically or internationally while approving new thermal coal capacity. 4. Labour Hysteresis By expanding thermal coal capacity while the global economy transitions to clean energy, we are entrenching the local workforce in a dying industry. This increases the risk of labour hysteresis—trapping the community in a sector that cannot offer long-term security, rather than transitioning workers toward sustainable, future-proof employment. This project fails to serve the public interest and should be rejected. Sincerely, Cosmin Luca Student, Econometrics and Data Science University of Sydney |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23931 |
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Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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I wish to formally express my concerns regarding the real and potential impacts of the proposed Open Cut 3 (OC3) expansion of Yancoal’s Moolarben coal mine, particularly in relation to its proximity to the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and surrounding natural areas. As a long-term and frequent visitor to this region, I have spent many years exploring and enjoying the Mugnhorn Gap Nature Reserve, the Goulburn River National Park, the Drip Gorge, Ferntree Gully, and Ganguddy (Dunns Swamp). Through these experiences, I have developed a deep appreciation for the biodiversity and unique environmental values of this area. As an avid birdwatcher, I am especially concerned about the ecological integrity of the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, which is home to more than 150 bird species. The Reserve and surrounding national parks are places of immense environmental, recreational, and personal significance to many visitors, including myself. When reviewing the map of the proposed OC3 extension, it is clear that habitat loss, noise, dust, light pollution, and potential groundwater degradation will have serious implications for the birds, wildlife, and plant communities of the Nature Reserve. OC3 does not exist in isolation. The existing Wilpinjong mine already abuts substantial sections of the northern and eastern boundaries of the Reserve and has itself submitted a proposal for expansion. Both the OC3 and Wilpinjong mines would effectively operate with minimal buffer between open-cut excavation and this sensitive environmental area. In the case of OC3, a buffer of only 100 metres is proposed. This is wholly inadequate. A buffer of at least 500 metres should be required to provide any meaningful protection. It is difficult to understand how it can reasonably be asserted that there will be little or no negative impact on the birds, animals, vegetation, and groundwater systems of the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve under such conditions. In addition to these environmental concerns, I wish to raise the following issues: Light and noise pollution: Residents of Kains Flat and surrounding areas are already experiencing significant light and noise pollution from the Wilpinjong mine. The addition of OC3, located even closer to Kains Flat, will undoubtedly exacerbate these impacts. Greenhouse gas emissions: The excavation and burning of an additional 30 million tonnes of coal from OC3 is estimated to generate approximately 65 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. This is inconsistent with both national and international efforts to reduce emissions and address climate change. Economic transition and regional planning: The continuation of coal extraction at this site until at least 2038 risks undermining investment in the newly established Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone. If Regional NSW is to transition toward a more sustainable and resilient economic future, government decisions and those of its statutory bodies must align with forward-looking economic and environmental priorities. Cumulative impacts: The cumulative effect of continued mining in the region is deeply concerning. In addition to the Moolarben, Wilpinjong, and Ulan coal mines, Bowdens has received approval to develop a lead, silver, and zinc mine at Lue and holds exploration licences across substantial areas of Bara, Botobolar, and Kains Flat. The combined impact of these developments must be properly assessed. National interest: It is also worth noting that coal is not listed by the Australian Government as a critical mineral. Given this, it is reasonable to question what long-term benefit this expansion provides to the Australian public. In my view, the benefit appears negligible at best when weighed against the environmental and social costs. Before the Commission makes its determination, I respectfully request that the community be provided with a guarantee of a genuinely independent, transparent, and scientifically rigorous assessment of the potential impacts of this proposal on biodiversity and groundwater systems in and around the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. Thank you for considering my submission. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23936 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2043 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Submission Opposing Expansion of the Moolarben Coal Mine, New South Wales To whom it may concern, I write as a medical practitioner in New South Wales to formally oppose the approval of the proposed expansion of the Moolarben Coal Mine. My concerns are grounded in both the direct health impacts of coal mining and the broader public health consequences of climate change. From a clinical perspective, coal mining poses well-established risks to respiratory and cardiovascular health. Mining operations generate particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants associated with increased rates of asthma exacerbations, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular events, and premature mortality. Communities living near coal extraction and transport corridors bear a disproportionate exposure burden. As a doctor, I routinely see the impact that poor air quality has on vulnerable populations — particularly children, older adults, and those with pre-existing medical conditions. I have had vulnerable patients die because of the impact of pollution on their lung disease. Beyond local pollution, the most significant concern is the contribution of new coal projects to climate change. The health consequences of climate change are no longer theoretical — they are presenting daily in clinical practice. Increasing temperatures are associated with higher rates of heat stress, dehydration, renal impairment, and cardiovascular strain. In addition, there is robust evidence that mental health presentations increase during periods of extreme heat. From a psychiatric perspective, hotter days are associated with: - Increased emergency department presentations for acute mental illness - Exacerbation of mood disorders and psychosis - Increased anxiety and distress - Higher rates of substance use relapse - Elevated suicide risk during heatwaves As a psychiatrist working within the NSW health system, I am acutely aware that our services already operate under strain. We simply do not have the resources to cope with extra mental health presentations and crises from rising temperatures. Climate-related stressors — including prolonged heat, bushfire smoke exposure, and disaster events — are increasing the psychological burden on individuals and communities. Approving new fossil fuel developments that lock in future emissions directly contributes to these escalating pressures. The approval of further coal extraction is inconsistent with the obligation to protect public health, particularly when safer energy alternatives exist. Health is not an abstract externality; it is the core responsibility of public policy. Decisions made now will shape the environmental conditions that determine the physical and mental wellbeing of current and future generations. I feel as a doctor that it is my responsibility to advocate against dangers to public health, such as the proposed extension to the Moolarben Coal Complex. For these reasons, I strongly urge the decision-making authority to reject the proposed expansion of the Moolarben Coal Mine. Protecting public health requires decisive action to reduce fossil fuel dependence, not expand it. Yours sincerely, [name redacted] |
Marisa Koszta
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ID |
23941 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2795 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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To the Chair, I’m a woman in regional NSW, a mother and grandmother. I work full time and travel every day and watch the evidence of disappearing landscape, less habitats, less protection with excess roadkill and costly insurance. We plough through with little respect for the consequences. It is with sadness that I write to you. I do hope my letter will resonate with you and your understanding of an environment like numerous that should not be lost to further mining. There seems to be again the short sighted application for this expansion of the Moolarben mine. One would imagine that the company would invest in the rehabilitation and moving to renewable energy, rather than destroying a integral ecosystem~ a critical and important habitat to future proof. Isn’t there a case more than ever needed, now, that the chair consciencely make a decision to not approve the expansion, you have the power. “The Drip” could carry on into the future because of wise decisions, to protect and future proof for my grandchildren and theirs plus cultural investments that may carry on through time. The refuge for flora, fauna, microscopic life forms the education for all in the future and a place to rest and embrace nature at its best. Science has provided us with the evidence of the irreversible purge of greenhouse gases generated and therefore responsible for extremities of whether events. It would be a game changer to see Moolarben embrace a green energy option, show the world what can be achieved when taking a positive business change - inject money into employment to decommission a coal mine that has expired and spend the money building renewables. Thank you for your time. Yours Sincerly Marisa Koszta |
Uzma Rayani
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ID |
23946 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2009 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is Uzma, I am a 42 year old Professional in Sydney and I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in our states due to the climate impacts being felt in Australia, and globally. I see the increased rates of wild fires, flooding and other natural disasters that are causing loss of lives and livelihoods in South Asia, the America's, and here in Australia. We are seeing biodiversity reduced across the globe and it deeply saddens me that my country, Australia, is directly and indirectly responsible for these atrocities. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: - Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. Please do not permanently destroy our biodiversity. - Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. - Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. - Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. Additionally, the proposed amendments do not reduce clearing of native vegetation, are far too late to be considered, and the proposal still would have severe impacts on biodiversity. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, Uzma Rayani |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23951 |
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Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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I am greatly upset that this is being pushed ahead inspite of damage to the environment and the local community. Please do not go ahead with this. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23956 |
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Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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I am writing to express my deep concern and formal objection to the Moolarben Open Cut 3 extension. Beyond the technical data, I am heartbroken by the proposed destruction of our shared natural heritage. I urge the Commission to consider the following: *A Sanctuary Under Threat: The Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve is a rare pocket of silence and wilderneThe Moolarben complex already has enough coal to last until 2038. There is no moral or environmental justification for this extension. I ask the Commission to choose the survival of our ecosystems over the expansion of a dying industryss. Allowing a massive open-cut pit within 100 metres of its border is an act of environmental negligence that will scar this landscape for centuries. *Silence of the Bush: We are in a biodiversity crisis. To knowingly clear 113 hectares of Koala habitat and the homes of the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater is to accept the permanent silencing of our native birds and wildlife for short-term profit. *Water is Life: In an increasingly dry continent, our groundwater and creeks (like Moolarben Creek) are sacred. We cannot risk the lifeblood of this land for coal that we no longer need to power our future. *Generational Responsibility: As a citizen, I feel a profound responsibility to protect what remains. Adding 64 million tonnes of CO2 into our atmosphere is a step backward at a time when we should be healing the planet for our children, not further wounding it. *The Moolarben complex already has enough coal to last until 2038. There is no moral or environmental justification for this extension. I ask the Commission to choose the survival of our ecosystems over the expansion of a dying industry. |
Denise Turner
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ID |
23961 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2578 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I object to the Moolarben OC3 expansion for the following reasons: This expansion would clear 113 hectares of native bushland which is known habitat for Koalas, Regent Honeyeaters and micro bats. Biodiversity and species survival should be prioritised over short term coal mining expansion. Preservation of this habitat is especially significant because it is within 100 metres of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. Species survival is dependent upon area size and linkage of habitats. Scientists are warning of the catastrophic impacts of Climate Change. We are already experiencing climate warming and unless carbon emissions are reduced the impacts will worsen. This expansion would increase carbon pollution by around 64 million tonnes. We cannot allow this expansion to proceed. The time has come for us to prioritise the future of our children over short term economic gain. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23966 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2193 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is [redacted], I am from Sydney I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. My objection is based on the climate impacts for future generations . We can already feel the impact of climate change from increasing hot summers and drought and need to address these issues by moving away from fossil fuels to more sustainable energy sources such as wind and solar I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. |
Monika Maria Doepgen
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ID |
23971 |
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Location |
Western Australia 6640 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I am a concerned citizen and very worried about the increase of greenhouse gas emissions from burning coal and deforestation, which accelerates climate change. Which causes more severe weather events like extreme heatwaves, flooding and droughts. I am objecting to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country because of the potential harm to the environment. Biodiversity - Threatened wildlife and vegetation The project could lead to long-term population declines and affect habitat critical to species survival. The coal mine extension would be deforesting huge areas of vital habitat for endangered koalas, critically endangered Regent Honeyeater, Broad-headed Snake, Squirrel Glider and over 400 hectares of the nationally endangered Box Gum Woodland ecosystem. There are vital sandstone cliffs and rocky habitat right along the edge of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, which are key habitats for the Large-eared Pied Bat and Eastern Cave Bat species especially. Blasting and noise represent a major threat to those threatened bat species. Greenhouse gas emissions - contradicts NSW climate goals The proposed OC3 extension would generate an estimated 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its life, equivalent to around 58% of NSW’s total annual emissions, making its climate impact enormous. Yet DPHI’s assessment ignores clear findings of the Net Zero Commission that any further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act and the Paris Agreement, and fails to acknowledge that NSW is already off track to meet its 2030 and 2035 targets. The assessment also does not apply the Denman Court of Appeal decision, which requires decision-makers to consider emissions (including downstream emissions (99% of its emissions) and the local climate impacts they cause, leaving the true climate and economic costs of the project unquantified and unaddressed. The economic and social costs of these emissions have not been addressed by Yancoal. Water resources - Serious and long-lasting risks to groundwater and creeks The project is expected to cause significant groundwater drawdown of 2–6 metres, potentially lasting up to 25 years after mining, placing Moolarben Creek at serious risk as a critical drought refuge for wildlife. Independent experts have warned that groundwater-dependent ecosystems along the creek, including deep-rooted riparian trees, are likely to be affected by drawdown of up to 5 metres in the alluvium. The proponent has not done proper baseline monitoring of water, and it has a very poor history elsewhere in the mine complex, by failing badly to do ongoing water monitoring required. Other - Irreversible harm to Wiradjuri Cultural Heritage The project will destroy 55 irreplaceable Aboriginal cultural artefacts, and potentially impact dozens of others. They are all considered to have high cultural value by the Registered Aboriginal Parties consulted on the proposal. This expansion contributes to the fracturing of the landscape, and to the cumulative degradation of Country from ongoing mining, undermining the Wiradjuri people’s ability to practice culture, maintain connection to Country, and preserve sacred sites of immense and irreplaceable significance. Other - Offsets Yancoal’s proposed expansion would cause serious and irreversible damage to nature, clearing irreplaceable native bush that cannot be offset. Biodiversity offsets are deeply flawed and simply justify habitat destruction when in fact, impacts on native vegetation must be avoided if we are to avoid further species extinctions. This incredibly biodiverse rich valley should never be up for mining and should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. Other - Regional impacts and jobs There are numerous alternative job opportunities available in the region because Mudgee is part of the Central West Renewable Energy Zone and there is a boom in jobs available in renewable projects, with close to 2,000 new jobs predicted over the next decade. Further, the existing Moolarben coal complex will continue to operate until 2038 regardless of whether this expansion goes ahead or not. Other - Cumulative impacts The cumulative impacts of this proposal in terms of other current and proposed coal mines in the Mudgee region has not been assessed. Both the Ulan and Wilpinjong coal mines also have major expansions proposed, and collectively the three existing coal mines and all their proposed expansions have enormous impacts on biodiversity, water, cultural heritage and our climate. For the reasons outlined above, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Our future generations deserve to enjoy all our unique and beautiful wildlife as we have been fortunate enough to do so. The last minute minor amendments just proposed by Yancoal do not reduce the mine footprint or the clearing of native vegetation at all and are far too late in the process for consideration now. Thank you for considering my submission. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23976 |
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Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am writing to OBJECT to the Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project. Project Number SSD-33083358. Please see the attached submission document which details my objection. |
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Attachments |
23976_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 65.95 KB) |
Leila Mangos
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ID |
23981 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2117 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is Leila Mangos, I grew up in regional NSW and now live in Sydney's Western suburbs, and I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in our states, due to the the irreversible damage climate change and non-renewable mining will have on our precious ecosystems, our coasts, First Nation's sovereignty and culture, and future generation's quality of life. All of my friends and family at home on the Central Coast NSW and my community in Sydney are aware of the direct link between coal mining and an unsustainable economic and environmental future, with many already experiencing the health impacts of heatwaves, have had homes damaged by frequent dangerous weather, and have bushfire anxieties, namely friends on the Central Coast whose homes were immensely at risk by the recent Koolewong fires. I know communities across NSW are facing the same struggles. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, Leila Mangos Dundas Valley NSW 2117 |
Michelle Griffiths
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ID |
23986 |
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Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission, I am writing to you, to oppose Yancoal's proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion, near Mudgee, NSW. It may have economic benefits but I am deeply concerned about the environmental and ecological impacts such an expansion would have on the region. Yancoal proposes to clear 480 to over 600 hectares of woodland. This includes between 113 to 480 hectares which is critical habitat for koalas, 80 hectares which is critical habitat for the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater and 106 hectares which is critical habitat for the endangered Gang-gang Cockatoo. The Broad-headed Snake is another endangered species found in the proposed area to be mined along with large-eared Pied Bats and Eastern Cave bats. At least 23 species have been recorded in the area, many of which are endangered. We should do everything in our power to protect the environment rather than expand a coal mine which would operate for ten years at the risk of losing species that are already endangered. Australia has one of the worst extinction rates in the world, so it's time we chart a new course, one in which our natural world is not disregarded or taken for granted but given priority. Once the habitat is cleared, there's no getting it back. It's gone and so too, the endangered wildlife. In Yancoal's Rehabilitation Management Plan, they stipulate on page 19 with regards to water quality the following:- • Water retained on site is fit for the intended land use (s) for the post-mining domain(s). • The potential ecological, hydrological and geomorphic impacts from post-mining water discharges on receiving creeks are assessed and appropriate mitigation measures are effectively implemented as part of the closure plan. These points are vague with regards to water quality which is essential for the health and well- being of nature and human life. Mine rehabilitation often fails to prevent long-term water contamination because, while surface landscapes may be restored ( although never to how they were), underground voids or waste piles continue to generate contaminant such as acid mine drainage (AMD) that leach into groundwater and surface water for decades or centuries after closure. The expansion could further risk water contamination which is vital for nature and human health alike and therefore, should be avoided despite Yancoal's mitigation measures which are not guaranteed. The Berrima Colliery, Medway, NSW, closed in 2013 and it is still discharging polluted water into the Wingecarribee River which is completely unacceptable. The expanded coal mine is estimated to increase greenhouse gas emissions by 64 Million tonnes despite Yancoal believing their efficient mining practices will minimise emissions. This is not ideal for our environment or our climate and the additional emissions would be inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. As an Australian who cares for our natural world, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to unequivocally take a stand for our natural world and its vulnerability, which is priceless and irreplaceable and henceforce recommend the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be denied. Thank you for your time and consideration. Yours Sincerely, Michelle Griffiths |
Vivian Harris
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ID |
23991 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2112 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I’m writing to strongly object to the proposed Moolarben OC3 Extension Project. From what I’ve read, the impacts on the environment, local water systems, cultural heritage and the surrounding community would be both significant and irreversible. One of my biggest concerns is the plan to clear more than 113 hectares of koala habitat—an area where koalas are actually living and breeding. It’s not just koalas at risk either; this extension would also destroy habitat for Regent Honeyeaters, microbats, the Broad headed Snake, and other threatened species. These ecosystems are already under huge pressure and once this habitat is gone, it is gone forever. Offsetting is in no way a replacement for a functioning, living ecosystem. I’m also very concerned about how close the mine would come to the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, apparently only 100 metres distance in some places. That reserve is one of the most important refuges for wildlife in the region. In addition, the noise, blasting and vibration impacts have not been properly assessed. It is simply irresponsible and risky to push industrial activity so close to such a sensitive area. On top of that, the project is expected to add around 64 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is already behind on its own climate targets. Approving a new coal expansion really is totally out of step with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act and the national commitments we have made under the Paris Agreement. There are also real risks to local water. This includes long term groundwater drawdown, potential impacts on Moolarben Creek and threats to groundwater dependent ecosystems that wildlife rely on, particularly during times of drought. These concerns don’t appear to have been addressed in a meaningful way in the proposed development plans. Given the state of our climate, the ongoing biodiversity crisis as well as the lack of any clear public benefit from this proposal, this project is detrimental to the people, land, flora and fauna of NSW. For all these reasons, I strongly urge the Independent Planning Commission to reject the Moolarben OC3 Extension Project. Thankyou for your consideration. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
23996 |
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Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission, I object to the expansion of coal mining in NSW, due to the climate impacts being felt in local rural areas. Climate change has resulted, for example, in more frequent and sudden flooding of a friend's place in the Ourimbah Creek catchment area on the Central Coast (thus damaging/eroding). This in turn has damaged habitat for critically endangered species such as the Platypus, koala, spotted quoll and many other species in the local area. I object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee. I am concerned that this project would cause irreversible Environmental harm, affecting climate and rural community, and should not be approved. This unique biodiverse area would best be added to the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and, actually be protected not exploited. My reasons are :- Threatened species and habitat loss due to clearing of 113+ hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining (blasting etc) proposed in extremely close proximity of 100 metres of the reserve. Water / Groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown risking Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems; these are critical drought fauna refuges. Climate impacts - an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions exacerbating the fact NSW will not meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. No clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining around Mudgee, where renewable energy development is the priority. Overall, our NSW Government cannot afford to approve expanding coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. Therefore, I seek the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for your consideration. Yours Sincerely, [name redacted] |
Name Redacted
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ID |
24001 |
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Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission, As someone who grew up in Sydney's Western suburbs, and I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in our state, due to the the irreversible damage climate change and non-renewable mining will have on our precious ecosystems, our coasts, First Nation's sovereignty and culture, and future generation's quality of life. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, [name redacted] |
Name Redacted
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ID |
24006 |
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Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission, I grew up in Wagga Wagga and now live on the regional Central Coast of NSW, and all my life, bush, waterways and biodiverse environments have enriched my quality of life and my community. We have the immense responsibility to protect ecosystems at risk. I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in our state, due to the the irreversible damage climate change and non-renewable mining will have on our precious ecosystems, our coasts, First Nation's access to sacred sights, and future generation's quality of life. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, [name redacted] |
Name Redacted
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24011 |
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Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission Re: Moolarben Coal OC3 Extension- under consideration I am a parent, and social worker/counsellor in private practice, serving the Mudgee region. I have lived in Mudgee now for twenty years, and have raised four children here- three of whom were born in Mudgee, the youngest is in upper primary school. I am concerned about this proposal and argue that it should not be approved. The negative impacts on our climate, and on our local environment are significant. I’m concerned about the impact of the coal to be mined on global heating, and the impacts on inland Australia, including the Mudgee region, of these impacts. It’s often argued by industry locally that these local proposals have trivial impact. This is not the case. The amount of coal mined in the Mudgee and surrounding regions shipped out of Newcastle is very significant and measurably worsens CO2 emissions. The argument that as the coal is for export, Australians and our governing bodies are not responsible for the resultant emissions, is a ridiculous argument. The only purpose of mining coal is to burn it. CO2 emissions are the inevitable result. The bushland which would be impacted is crucial habitat for many species, especially a breeding population of koalas, the threatened Regent Honeyeater, as well as microbat species which are important for the ecosystem. There has been pressure in Mudgee and surrounds to suppress, rather than research, report on, and protect, information about the koala breeding population in the proposed site and nearby (including on land under threat from other companies’ mine proposals). The proposal to mine up to 100m from the border of the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve is very concerning as it is clear that the reserve will be impacted. Water requirements and the risk of groundwater contamination are also of concern to me. Whilst the company applying doubtless has a financial interest in this ‘extension’, or new section of mining, being approved, the disadvantages for the community are too great. It is not an appropriate juncture to be expanding coal mining- particularly in an area of such ecological significance where the environmental harms to critical species are so great. Additionally I argue against the acceptance of the amendments to the proposal. The request to amend the proposal while the engagement and consultation process is underway is disruptive to the process. The proposal should be considered in its originally submitted form, or alternatively withdrawn, and re-submitted in its new form following the appropriate process. The amendments do not address the significant impacts on threatened species and the effect of seeking to include this information at such a late stage is to undermine effective community consultation on the proposal. I therefore argue that both the inclusion of the amendment, and the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my concerns Sincerely [redacted] |
Adrienne Murphy
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ID |
24021 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2780 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I object the Moolarben Open Cut 3 Coal Mining Extension Project near Mudgee for the reasons outline below. The area has incredible importance for biodiversity and there have been 23 threatened wildlife species recorded in and around the site, including habitat that is critical to the survival of the Koala in a uniquely resilient population. The Biodiversity, Conservation and Science Group (BCS) at NSW DCCEEW has highlighted the threat the project poses to the Koala. The mine will also destroy habitat and is likely to cause serious and irreversible impact to threatened wildlife like the Large-eared Pied Bat, Eastern Cave Bat and Regent Honeyeater, and will also clear 401 hectares of endangered Box Gum Woodland. Biodiversity offsets are deeply flawed and simply justify habitat destruction when in fact, impacts on native vegetation must be avoided if we are to avoid further species extinctions. Further, the amendments just proposed by Yancoal do not reduce the clearing of native vegetation at all and are far too late in the process for consideration now. It will also lead to water drawdown of up to 5m in the alluvium of Moolarben Ck, which runs into the Goulburn River, and represents a risk to deep-rooted vegetation that uses that water. The company has not done proper baseline monitoring of water, and it has a very poor history elsewhere in the mine complex, by failing badly to do ongoing water monitoring required. The mine will cause serious harm to cultural heritage - there are 55 Aboriginal heritage sites within the mine footprint that will be directly impacted and a further 12 that may be indirectly impacted. The mine will also harm NSW by contributing to runaway climate change, with the NSW Net Zero Commission stating clearly in their recent Coal Mine Emissions Spotlight Report that any further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with achieving NSW climate targets or with a safe climate. Further, the assessment of the project has not quantified the economic costs of the downstream greenhouse gas emissions, even though it is now effectively legally required following the Court of Appeal decision on the Mt Pleasant coal mine. The cumulative impacts of this proposal in terms of other current and proposed coal mines in the Mudgee region has not been assessed. Both the Ulan and Wilpinjong coal mines also have major expansions proposed, and collectively the three existing coal mines and all their proposed expansions have enormous impacts on biodiversity, water, cultural heritage and our climate. There are numerous alternative job opportunities available in the region because Mudgee is part of the Central West Renewable Energy Zone and there is a boom in jobs available in renewable projects, with close to 2,000 new jobs predicted over the next decade. Further, the existing Moolarben coal complex will continue to operate until 2038 regardless of whether this expansion goes ahead or not. This beautiful valley should be managed jointly as part of a whole conservation landscape with the magnificent Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, not turned into an open cut coal mine. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
24026 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2281 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Expansion of this coal mine is an act of environmental vandalism on many fronts. Destroying habitat fair Koalas and endangered birds like the regent honeyeaters. This expansion is contrary to Labours own stated laws to protect biodiversity and limit greenhouse gas emissions. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
24031 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, Without the ability to share in a public hearing, I am writing in response to the proposed Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension project by Yancoal on Wiradjuri Country. My name is [name redacted], an Australian who enjoys spending time outdoors, and am passionate about protecting the natural environment. I am a strong believer in doing good for people and the planet, including Australia’s native biodiversity. I often volunteer in conservation efforts such as beach and park clean ups and tree plantings. I am deeply concerned about expanding and continuing coal mining in NSW and across Australia. Climate change is real, its impacts already expansive and worsening, and this proposal goes in the direct opposite direction of a safer, cleaner future for all. I object the proposal and am disappointed the public hearing became postponed indefinitely. This project would cause irreversible harm onto our environment, climate, and community. I urge you to not approve Yancoal’s project. This rich biodiverse area should instead be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. My concerns include: 1. Demolition of natural ecosystems and risks onto waterways, There’s no sensible justification for clearing native vegetation and biodiversity. Such actions result in further worsened conditions for threatened species such as koalas, regent honeyeaters, and microbats who currently live there . No offset actions can replace the habitat of these already threatened species. The area is the home and breeding location for these beautiful innocent creatures and permanently destroying it would cause irreversible damage. No amount of commitments by Yancoal to replant trees and flora would recreate what we have currently – 113ha of koala habitat, 80ha of regent honeyeater habitat, and 401ha of the nationally endangered box gum woodland ecosystem. The risks are known and recognised by the NSW Environment Department, and destroying Australia’s biodiversity will be in direct contradiction of protection and conservation. To approve this project without adequate groundwater monitoring studies reveals how communities are not a focus for Yancoal. Further, such studies’ completion should occur well prior to a project’s approval, not after. 2. Lack of public benefit, Australia is seeking to move away from coal mining, instead focusing on renewal energy projects. At the same time, Asian economies have been predicted to move away from relying on Australia’s exports of thermal coal. Surely, this project, with lasting environmental damage, little economic benefit, and costs significantly outweighing any claimed public benefit must not be approved. 3. Harm onto Wiradjuri cultural heritage, Yancoal’s project will destroy over 50 irreplaceable Aboriginal cultural artefacts, with potential to damage many more. According to the Registered Aboriginal Parties, all have high cultural value, and ignoring and openly going against their advice, knowledge, and perspectives will be detrimental. Already, the natural landscape is fracturing, undermining the Wiradjuri community’s ability to connect, practice culture, and maintain connection to Country. Protecting and preserving sacred sites should be the minimal action done. The Independent Planning Commission must not approve the proposal. Any approval risks a destruction of sacred sites – something happening far too often. We know and see the consequences forever felt in Western Australia on Puutu Kunti Kurrama Pinikura Country when the Juukan Gorge was destroyed. From loss of Country with deep cultural and spiritual significance, as well as sacred artefacts, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to not allow the same to occur here in NSW. 4. A complete disregard for the estimated >64.6m tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. An absence in acknowledging or applying any consideration onto the NSW Climate Change Act, Paris Agreement, the Denman Court of Appeal decision, to me, heightens the lack of care in the ecological, social, and economic costs of greenhouse gas emissions Yancoal would produce. Continued approvals of mining projects contradicts NSW climate goals. The estimated 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions is enormous and unwanted, in fact, unwanted globally. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for your time reviewing my submission. Sincerely, [name redacted] |
Harry Mangos
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ID |
24036 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2250 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in our state, due to the the irreversible damage climate change and non-renewable mining will have on our precious ecosystems, our coasts, First Nation's Peoples access to sacred sites, and future generation's quality of life. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, Harry |
Name Redacted
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ID |
24041 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2217 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Dear IPC NSW, I have considered the Assessment Report prepared by the Department along with the recommended conditions of consent for the Moolarben coal complex extension project ( "the mine extension application"). The recommended conditions of consent are grossly inadequate. They fail in a meaningful way to deal with the highly detrimental impacts upon threatened species and biodiversity, the expected considerable greenhouse gas emissions, and significant groundwater draw down, proposed by the mine extension application. The recommended conditions of consent effectively have nothing to say about the impact of scope 1 to scope 3 GHG emissions locally, and generally upon NSW residents. That the scope 3 GHG emissions will be burnt internationally doesn't minimize their significant, negative impact upon me and other NSW residents, as it is trite to say we all share the same atmosphere (and the same planet). The mine extension application proposes substantial, irreversible and detrimental impacts upon the Box Gum critically endangered community, critically endangered Regents honey-eater, critically endangered Swift parrot, endangered Gang Gang parrot, the koala (which is at risk of being extinct in the wild in NSW by 2050), squirrel glider, pink-tailed legless lizard and broad headed snake, among other species from the clearing of these communities and habitats. The primary response of the recommended conditions of consent to the losses of these individual species and ecological communities, some critically endangered, is the retiring of biodiversity offset credits and payments. The NSW Audit Office, and other bodies at a state and federal level, have established that biodiversity offset credits fail to protect NSW species and biodiversity. Respectfully, the proposed harm and damage to the affected species and ecological communities is unacceptable, irreversible and can't be "off set" in the manner envisaged in the recommended conditions of consent. It follows that I object to the mine extension application. I respectfully request that the Commission reject the mine extension application, including on the following grounds: 1. Its serious, irreversible impact upon endangered and threatened species and ecological communities, and upon local biodiversity generally, particularly the box gum woodland, regent honey eater, koala, swift parrot, broad headed snake and micro-bat species. 2. The 64.6 million of CO2 equivalent GHG emissions that it will generate over its life that will have an enormous, clearly negative impact. NSW is already failing to meet its GHG emissions targets. Approval of the mine extension application will be inconsistent with NSW's GHG emission targets, and with meeting the Paris Agreement targets, as the Net Zero Commission recently found. It will also be inconsistent with the short term to long term interests of the people of NSW. Respectfully, it is difficult to understand how the mine extension application can be recommended, or approved, on this ground alone in light of the current, dangerous impacts of climate change upon the state of NSW and its residents. 3. The expected groundwater draw down of up to 5 metres, its detrimental impact upon Moorlaben Creek, and its negative impacts upon ground water dependent ecosystems. It is inadequate that the applicant proposes an amendment to undertake 12 months of ground water monitoring studies before the commencement of mining. The Department assessment report and the evidence also does not support that approval of the mine extension application is necessary for jobs in the local community and the region, let alone that there is an overall benefit in the approval of the project for the region or NSW. |
Chantelle Leenstra
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ID |
24046 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Australia has a Net Zero Commision and agreed to the Paris Agreement. Allowing this expansion is not in agreement with either of these and so must be denied. |
Benjamin Patch
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ID |
24051 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Australia's pristine environment and unique wildlife is under threat of further irreparable damage due to the expansion of the Moolarben Coal Mine being operated by Yancoal. As somebody who has spent much time in the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, and met with Wiradjuri people to whom this area is significant, the thought that the beautiful honey eater birds there may be pushed closer to extinction makes me think: will the externalities of this mine expansion will be held to the level of priority they deserve? Nothing can replace the Creating four new open cut pits when Australia has just committed to 62-70% emission reductions by 2035 is a clear contradiction. Actions would not be aligned with promises. The false dichotomy of "renewable energy vs. economic prosperity" is exactly that: a false dichotomy created by large mining companies and those with whom their interests align, to try to convince us that devastating projects like this expansion are necessary. Let us not allow Australia to regress further behind the next generation of energy production. Let us protect the wildlife and the culturally significant land. Let us pivot our economy to one that is more beneficial to all. Let us cancel this coal mine expansion. |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
24056 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is [name redacted], I am a musician living in Southern Sydney and I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in NSW. The impacts we are already feeling from the climate crisis should be obvious enough reason to say no to more coal. I object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. In particular, I am concerned about: • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Yours sincerely, [name redacted] |
Peter Bennett
|
ID |
24061 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2088 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am a retired doctor and I believe the scientific evidence that says that we must move away from reliance on fossil fuels for energy. I believe that expansion of coal mines in NSW is a betrayal of our children's and grandchildren's futures, both because of the destruction of the natural environment and because of the cumulative effect on our climate. In addition this proposal will permanently destroy sites of cultural heritage significance. The time has come to try to preserve what we still have and not to continue clearing native bush for financial profit. I ask that this proposal, the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project, be refused |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
24066 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am a retired medical practitioner and I live in NSW. I write to express my alarm at the proposed extension of the Moolarben coal mine by Yancoal. Apart from the unsightly destruction of the environment and the associated risks to wildlife and their habitat, coal mining will inevitably result in increased particulate matter/coal dust in the air from fugitive emissions. There is a known association between the chronic inhalation of small particles and lung and heart disease, as well as other health problems. Lung and heart disease are already common in a number of rural areas in NSW. Increased exposure to coal dust can be expected to worsen the problem. A recent visit that I made to Newcastle revealed that coal dust exposure was also a problem there, because of fugitive emissions from the coal loading facilities. Of additional concern to me is climate change and the potentially devastating effects that this will have on our world – already, changed weather patterns (including worsening heat waves, drought and cyclones), bushfires and flooding are having major effects in Australia and elsewhere in the world. Adverse impacts on our health and our health systems will increase, and health services will be unable to respond adequately without significant investment to increase their resilience in the face of this threat. The burning of fossil fuels such as coal is a major contributor to climate change – extracting coal, gas and oil from the ground and burning them has to be reduced and stopped as soon as possible for our children and grandchildren to have any chance of a safe and healthy future on this planet. To me, it makes no sense for Australia to keep on strongly supporting industries that we know cause harm. As stated in the ‘Coal Mining Emissions Spotlight Report’ published in December 2025 by the NSW Government Net Zero Commission: ’Continued extensions or expansions to coal mining in NSW are not consistent with the emissions reduction targets in the Climate Change Act or the Paris Agreement temperature goals it gives effect to.’ The transition to clean energy sources must be much quicker. The coal mining industry employees only a small proportion of the Australian working population – far fewer than, say, health. As coal mining and other fossil fuel extraction hopefully winds down and stops, as it must, it is important that all those who work in these industries and their families are supported and given every opportunity to find suitable alternative skilled employment with similar financial benefits. Renewable energy projects could have a key role in providing employment. Finally, as is the case with many Australian fossil fuel miners, Yancoal has overseas owners. Whilst coal mines have local employees and associated supporting businesses, the large majority of coal mining profits from Australian mining are sent overseas and do not benefit Australia. |
|
Attachments |
NZC_Coal_Spotlight_Report_2025.pdf (PDF, 7.56 MB) |
Calum Harvey-Scholes
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ID |
24071 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2517 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Please see attached. |
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Attachments |
24071 - Calum Harvey-Scholes_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 67.83 KB) |
Helen Hudson
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ID |
24076 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, Submission from Dr Helen Hudson, age 76, retired Science teacher and concerned grandparent. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. This should not be approved. The expansion of coal mining in NSW is outrageous for the following reasons 1.Climate change We are already dealing with serious impacts of climate change and the situation can only get worse unless serious efforts are made to reduce the burning of fossil fuels. My concern is that once we reach the tipping point, it will be impossible to prevent the effects of climate change and the damage done. 2 . Ecosystem destruction. It is important that we preserve habitat for native species. . This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. 3. Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. 4. Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. 5. Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. In Summary The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, Helen Hudson |
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Attachments |
24076 - Helen Hudson.pdf (PDF, 56.52 KB) |
Jann Dark
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ID |
24081 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2065 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am a resident of Northern Sydney and a member of the Lane Cove Bushland and Conservation Society and previously the Lane Cove Coal and Gas Watch. I am very concerned about global warming and despair every time I see a proposal for more thermal coal mines and expansions of coal mines. For this reason I am writing to you to express my opposition to the proposed expansion of the Moolarben Coal mine near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. We are all affected by coal mining and the greenhouse gasses emitted by burning coal, no matter where we live. I suffer during heat waves in Sydney, my energy bills grow, my cost of living rises as food becomes more expensive due to the pressure extreme weather events put on farming. My mental health also worsens as I see governments continue to ignore the science and allow coal mining to continue, and I see here and around the world, people suffering from climate related disasters and environments destroyed. Every time a new or expansion of a coal mine is approved we delay transition to safer cleaner renewable energy, both here and overseas. Too many people in Australia and around the world are suffering, and dying, from the impacts of global warming. Estimations are that this expansion will add 64 tons of climate pollution into the atmosphere. NSW and Australia, have no hope of achieving climate targets at this rate. Too much land in the Hunter Valley and surrounds has been destroyed for coal mining. This mine expansion endangers 113 hectares of Koala habitat as well as Regent Honeyeater and the micro bats that live in the area. Indigenous cultural heritage is also at risk, as well as ecosystems and water sources and the beautiful Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. Mudgee is situated within a growing renewable energy zone that promises to provide around 2,000 jobs. Any jobs claims made by Yancoal cannot be taken seriously. Sales forecasts for coal show falling demand. According to The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, "renewable energy has overtaken coal in global electricity generation for the first time in history …” Future jobs in coal look risky and what is the point of destroying land, habitat and water resources, and polluting the planet for an industry that faces serious downsize risks. For the sake of future generations, and present Australians, who are routinely on the frontline of climate disasters, please do not approve this coal mine extension. |
Hayden McLean
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ID |
24086 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, I object to the ongoing development of the Moolarben Coal Complex given its proposed impacts on biodiversity and fresh ground water dependency within the area, with specific focus on the destruction of Indigenous sacred sites within the Mudgee region. Not only is the proposed development against the established Labor government policy (Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023) and the commitments made by the Federal Government at the Paris Climate Summit it reduces confidence in the ability of State and Federal Governments to enact real, lasting and substantive environmental protection action. The brunt of this failure will be borne by the local fauna and flora of the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve to which the proposed site will have devastating impact upon. The site of development includes 113 hectares of native breeding habitat of koala populations who are already facing dwindling numbers nationwide due to the effects of ongoing climate liquidation. Several other species of charismatic mammals and unique reptilia are also at imminent risk of collapse if the proposed increase to the MCC were to be approved. It is our duty to protect these animals whose uniqueness will not be seen again if their populations drop below recoverable numbers. The deforestation of natural habitats is not the only factor in the risks to these species as the proposed groundwater drawdown of a possible 6 metres has a continued environmental impact for additional 25 years after the closure of operations. This puts the local ecosystems at a critical risk of drought the importance of which is made further dire given the increasing temperatures made possible by increased Co2 emissions. The devastation on Indigenous cultural heritage alone should be enough to halt the development of the proposal as it will destroy 55 unique Aboriginal cultural artifacts further severing communities of the Wiradjuri people from their rightful and crucial connection to Country. These sacred sites are of importance not just to the people whose living legacy continues to this day but to the nation as a whole and must be preserved. Their uniqueness and cultural importance cannot be overstated. The proposed expansion to the MCC is not worth the destruction of our environment, of our animal species or of Wiradjuri history. It will not provide economic benefit to the community, not that there is a number of jobs that could possible be enacted that would justify such unjust and wanton destruction. It is therefore imperative that the IPC deny Yancoal's proposal unreservedly. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
24091 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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My name is [redacted], and I'm a 25-year-old working in the healthcare sector. I volunteer for a health non-profit called Sweltering Cities, where for the past 2 years, I've encountered hundreds of stories of everyday Australians being housebound, getting extremely sick, and struggling to stay cool because of extreme heat caused by climate change. And these stories are increasingly becoming the norm. I'm writing to object to Yancoal's proposed Moolarben OC3 Mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I really worry that if we don't significantly restrict carbon emissions and protect our environment from unjustified mining activity, we will see irreversible damage to our homes and the community's well-being from the effects of burning more fossil fuels. Approval of this extension means destroying up to hundreds of hectares of habitats for important and threatened flora and fauna like the Regent Honey-eater, and the White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely’s Red Gum. In which this biodiversity simply can't be offset. It means harming the cultural landscapes surrounding the Goulburn River and the Drip Gorge. Risking the potential destruction of 55 irreplaceable Aboriginal cultural artefacts. It means producing another 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gases over the extension's lifetime. That's 58% of NSW's total annual emissions, on top of the fact that we are extremely behind on the NSW Climate Change Act and Paris Agreement targets. I strongly urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Because to do so otherwise would be actively accelerating the devastating effects of climate change and threatening our home and communities. Thank you for considering my submission. Kind regards, [redacted] |
Amy Blain
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ID |
24096 |
|---|---|
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Organisation |
Peoples Climate Assembly |
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Location |
Australian Capital Territory 2602 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
The Peoples Climate Assembly strongly object to the Moolarben OC3 Coal Expansion. The Net Zero Commission's December 2025 Coal Mine Emissions Spotlight Report found that any further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act. There is a specific finding that: "Continued extensions or expansions to coal mining in NSW are not consistent with the emissions reduction targets in the Climate Change Act or the Paris Agreement temperature goals it gives effect to”. It is morally unethical to approve a coal expansion of this scale given the climate emergency. This coal mine would clear 113 hectares of habitat ‘critical to the survival of the koala in NSW’ of a climate resilient population. This area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve for its biodiversity values and protection; 23 threatened wildlife species have been recorded in and around the site. The mine proposed expansion would destroy habitat and is likely to cause serious and irreversible impact to threatened wildlife like the Large-eared Pied Bat, Eastern Cave Bat and Regent Honeyeater, and will also clear endangered Box Gum Woodland. There are 55 Aboriginal heritage sites within the mine footprint that will be directly impacted and a further 12 that may be indirectly impacted. The company has not done proper baseline monitoring of water. The Ulan and Wilpinjong coal mines also have major expansions proposed, the cumulative impacts of expanding these three existing coal mines must be considered given their enormous impacts on climate, biodiversity, cultural heritage and water. |
Catherine Errey
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ID |
24101 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2795 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Object |
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Website |
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Submission |
Thank you for this opportunity to make a submission. I am a past resident of the small community which lives on the banks of the Goulburn River surrounded by Goulburn River National Park at the end of Mogo Road. I realise that my strongest objection to the expansion of “Moorlarben Coal Complex” is the loss of cultural heritage. I realise the area may have cultural significance for Indigenous people but I am not able to speak to that. My family, however has a tradition of respect and appreciation of the flora , fauna and geology of Australia spanning at least 3 generations and likely five. When I am in the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve I know that I am safe, I am loved, I am fully accepted. This is the gift of Spirit. I feel it more in some places than others and the country around Wollar is particularly special place for me. In this world of increasing complexity and conflict this ability to feel grounded, very alive and very present are real gifts which nourish us and promote good health. To protect the buffer between the current mine and the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve is to protect a place of cultural significance because of its inherent beauty and peacefulness in its current form. In my family there is a history of positive experience in the Munghorn Gap Scientific Research Station with students at High School and Tertiary level learning research skills at that venue. I believe this warrants maintaining for the students of the future. The Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve is not a very large area so it is dependent of the nearby healthy bush land to maintain its current integrity. NSW has suffered persistent and ongoing loss of habitat since the arrival of the English colonisers. Each area has it’s unique array of plants and animals. The area that would be affected by the proposed mine expansion has great biodiversity including some threatened species. It is worth remembering that there is much yet to be discovered about the life that lives in such places. We have more to learn about invertebrates, bacteria and fungi for example. It is not unusual for new plants such as orchids to be discovered as such plants are not visible continuously but flourish with specific weather conditions that occur occasionally, or only after fires of certain temperatures. I do hope this land is protected from mine expansion and that we go on learning and being inspired by this diversity of life. I am very concerned about Climate Change and the consequences that future generations will face. Already it seems clear that our weather has become less predictable and more extreme. To reduce this escalating danger, scaling back the mining and use of foil fuels makes good sense. Australians are creative and resourceful people who will find solutions to these challenges if they are articulated and understood. We look to our Governments for leadership in this area at this time. Today I drove along Wollar Rd and learnt that the current Moorlarben mine is so close to the road that traffic movement is stopped when blasting goes ahead in certain parts of the mine site. This shows a lack of forethought in either planning or regulation and not enough buffer left to safely use the road while mining proceeds. I hope that such invasions into the use of our publicly owned facilities can be prevented in the future. Having lived beside the Goulburn River and learning of its beauty and restorative properties I am keen to see it protected now and into the distant future. I hope to be able to share my joy in this life giving water and its surrounds with my grandchildren and they with their children and grandchildren. I know that I am not alone in this and it is the hope of all people with a connection to land and waters that it can be protected to stay healthy for it’s own sake and for and descendants. Plants and animals need safe places to exist. While travelling from Mudgee to Wollar and the Goulburn River in the last 30 hours I encountered ducks, cockatoos, pigeons, an emu, coot, lyrebird, Willy wagtail, wrens, goannas and multiple lizards and kangaroos. Then there are the ants and dragonfly. The bush land currently in the area of the proposed mine expansion is likely also to be home to these and many more. I hope that the Government body which decides whether to allow the Moorlarben mine expansion or not, can appreciate the high cultural and health value of allowing this land to continue as it is. Thank you your consideration of my submission. The attached photo was taken in the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
24106 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2774 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Submission re Yancoal’s Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 extension project – Feb 2026 To the Independent Planning Commission, I am a retired librarian, and occasional volunteer teacher in the Blue Mountains, and I am deeply concerned about the environment, and especially any expansion of coal mining, and climate impacts being felt in my area, and across NSW. I see school students already sitting through extreme heatwaves, energy bills are going up due to the added cost of air conditioning, and I know communities across NSW are facing similar struggles. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. Yancoal’s last-minute amendments to the proposal, do not reduce the mine footprint, or reduce any vegetation clearing. They propose offsite “habitat enhancement” that will not lessen the serious impacts on threatened species and ecosystems. Making changes at this stage has the affect of undermining the consultation process, and is a clear attempt to greenwash a damaging project. I am deeply concerned that this project will cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and believe it should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should instead be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected for future generations. This area belongs in a protected nature reserve, not an open-cut coal mine. In particular, I am concerned about: 1. Threatened species and habitat loss. This includes the clearing of 480 hectares of native vegetation where at least 23 threatened species have been recorded, and including over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded. It would also clear 80 hectares of Regent Honeyeater habitat with breeding females recorded on site, and up to 401 hectares of the nationally endangered Box Gum Woodland ecosystem. Impacts on threatened species such as the Regent Honeyeater, Broadheaded Snake and microbats are expected to be severe, a risk acknowledged by the NSW Environment Department, which has warned the project could lead to long-term population declines and affect habitat critical to species survival. There is simply no justification to disturb this significant landscape and ecosystem - this project creates no new jobs, all it does is permanently destroy biodiversity. Biodiversity offsets cannot replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. Re-growth take decades, old growth cannot ever be replaced. A tree cut down cannot be stuck back up. Nature doesn’t work like that. I implore you not to cut any trees down. 2. Unacceptable and irreversible harm and impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. Mining is proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and there has not been an adequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. Despite the NSW Environment Department acknowledging the severe impacts on threatened species, Yancoal has refused to adopt a recommended 500-metre buffer to protect the reserve and its wildlife. Yancoal is not a good steward of the environment. Transparency about the serious impacts, and adequate assessments, must occur. The Commission and the Community must be told the truth. The impacts cannot be undone, or ‘offset’ out of mind. 3. A massive climate cost that contradicts NSW climate goals. The proposed OC3 extension would generate an estimated 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its life, equivalent to around 58% of NSW’s total annual emissions, making its climate impact enormous. Yet DPHI’s assessment ignores clear findings of the Net Zero Commission that any further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act and the Paris Agreement, and fails to acknowledge that NSW is already off track to meet its 2030 and 2035 targets. The assessment also does not apply the Denman Court of Appeal decision, which requires decision-makers to consider emissions (including downstream emissions (99% of its emissions) and the local climate impacts they cause, leaving the true climate and economic costs of the project unquantified and unaddressed. The economic and social costs of these emissions have not been addressed by Yancoal. How could anyone contemplate a massive increase of emissions at such a time? 4. Serious and long-lasting risks to groundwater and creeks. The project is expected to cause significant groundwater drawdown of 2–6 metres, potentially lasting up to 25 years after mining, placing Moolarben Creek at serious risk as a critical drought refuge for wildlife. Independent experts have warned that groundwater-dependent ecosystems along the creek, including deep-rooted riparian trees, are likely to be affected by drawdown of up to 5 metres in the alluvium. These risks are compounded by Yancoal’s failure to undertake adequate baseline water monitoring and its poor track record of complying with water monitoring requirements elsewhere in the mine complex. Yancoal are proposing an amendment to conduct 12 months of groundwater monitoring studies before they commence mining - this is totally inadequate, baseline groundwater monitoring studies must occur before a project is approved, not after. I expect that you will have experienced droughts and already know the devastating effects? This mine expansion is a disaster-in-waiting. 5. The expansion will irreversibly harm Wiradjuri cultural heritage. The project will destroy 55 irreplaceable Aboriginal cultural artefacts, and potentially impact dozens of others. They are all considered to have high cultural value by the Registered Aboriginal Parties consulted on the proposal. This expansion contributes to the fracturing of the landscape, and to the cumulative degradation of Country from ongoing mining, undermining the Wiradjuri people’s ability to practice culture, maintain connection to Country, and preserve sacred sites of immense and irreplaceable significance. 6. Lack of public benefit as the expansion is not needed for jobs or regional prosperity. The proposed expansion cannot be justified on employment grounds or benefits to the local community, as the Moolarben mine will continue operating until at least 2038 regardless of this expansion, and coal jobs in the region have remained unfilled for years. At the same time, Mudgee sits within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, where renewable energy projects are expected to create around 2,000 new jobs over the next decade, offering clear alternative employment pathways. Yancoal has indicated that 65% of coal from Moolarben will go to China, 10% to South Korea, 10% to Taiwan, 5% to Thailand, 5% to Japan, and 5% to Others. Given the forecasted decline in Australian thermal coal demand to China and South Korea especially - the economic argument could be even weaker than Yancoal has outlined in the May 2025 Resource Assessment. Clearly, the expansion would deliver little economic benefit while imposing lasting environmental damage, making its costs far greater than any claimed public benefit. It simply does not make economic sense to expand this mine. 7. The cumulative impact There has been poor assessment of the cumulative impact of this proposed Moolarben Mine expansion combined with the proposed expansions of neighbouring mines. All proposed expansions have impacts on a similar set of threatened species listed as likely to have Serious and Irreversible Impacts due to clearing and loss of habitat. The Ulan Coal Mine Modification 6 and 8 and the Wilpinjong Coal Mine Modification 3 will impact an additional large area of similar landscape, connected water sources, rich biodiversity and cultural heritage values. In summary, the proposed coal mine expansion would clear critical habitat for koalas, Regent Honeyeaters, and micro bats, with plans to mine within 100m of the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, one of the oldest conservation reserves in the state. It threatens critical ecosystems, water sources, and cultural heritage on Wiradjuri Country. This project will produce an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is already failing to meet its legislated climate targets, and communities here in NSW and across the world are facing climate-fuelled disasters. Despite the climate crisis and NSW’s commitment to reducing emissions, this project would lock in additional, unnecessary and destructive emissions from coal mining. There is also no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during the current climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For all the reasons noted above, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. |
Jo Thomas
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ID |
24111 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
My family has owned property at Kain's Flat for over forty years, and I wish to voice my objection to the proposed mine extension. My family's property is already affected by light and noise pollution from the existing mine operations in the area, and the proposed expansion would no doubt worsen those effects. We have long enjoyed visits to the nature reserves in the area, including Munghorn Gap, and have witnessed the threatened biodiversity in those reserves and on the family property as species, including now endangered Koalas, are forced to move further afield to find suitable habitat. When reading the hundreds of pages of documents relevant to this, I came to the not new, not revelatory, conclusion that the reams of data and information were not an attempt to justify this "minor" extension. Instead, it represents a concerted effort to "flood the zone", to distract, confuse, bore, exhaust and ultimately stifle any dissent to the project. I wonder at the time and effort put into justifying an extension, when the project can and should be rejected simply on principle. Coal is dying quickly as the transition to renewable and sustainable sources of energy proceeds much faster than was ever predicted when this mine commenced 15 years ago. The sooner Australia gets out of the coal industry entirely, the better for all Australians and for the planet. If the revenue it contributes is so necessary, perhaps governments could consider winding back the subsidies and concessions it currently grants to the various fossil fuel industries. * The supposed benefits of this project - like not leaving a hole at the existing OC3 site, or efficiently extracting coal with less fugitive emissions than some other mines - are not benefits to the local community, to NSW, to Australia, or to the planet. They are principally beneficial to the largely overseas owned mining company. The financial benefits are likely overstated and front loaded as the coal market internationally continues to die as demand and prices decline. The Department of Industry forecasts that export income from thermal coal is expected to fall in the next two years, despite increasing export volumes. (ref: https://www.industry.gov.au/publications/resources-and-energy-quarterly-december-2025). * The proposed OC3 project will denude, degrade and industrialise the land deep between two arms of the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with only 100 metres from the edge of the cut to the reserve - not from the edge of industrialisation, just from the actual cut, contrary to the NSW NPWS recommendation of at least 500 metres. The ongoing industrial activity disturbance will continue 24/7. The idea that this will not substantially affect wildlife wanting to stay in, or move around, the reserve is fanciful to say the least, even if remnants of critical habitat are preserved, and could only be suggested by someone who has not lived within 100 metres of the lip of an open cut coal mine. Also, I note that the 81ha of Regent Honeyeater habitat discussed on P41 of the IPCN assessment of the revised project is incorrect. It is clear from Table 8, P31 of that report that 103ha is proposed to be "disturbed", with the 81ha being the reduction from the earlier proposal of 184ha of destruction. * Having the Yancoal's "independent" expert opine that this further incremental destruction of the environment will not "contribute significantly" (significantly: in a sufficiently great or important way as to be worthy of attention) to extinction (6.1.6.2/119, P39 of the IPCN assessment), while CPHR believes the opposite (6.1.6.2/118, P38), is hardly surprising and not convincing. When even the DPHI admits the impacts on biodiversity would be "substantial" (substantial: of considerable importance, size or worth) (6.1.7/219, P 63), this is clearly a game of semantics, not an objective assessment. In every instance the concerns of the miners trump the concerns of the community. * It is acknowledged that the project will contribute to climate change, but this also appears to be considered unimportant (Assessment Para 438, P112) * Yancoal's contention that the 100m buffer they propose is reasonable because that is what other local miners do is an ingenuous race to the bottom of environmental management. And finally, and especially, I object not only to this project, but to the way the mining companies drip feed their "amendments" - this is the 17th for this project - so that each bite of the cherry can be independently assessed as "insignificant" under rules that refuse to see the project in its overall context, until the tiny amount remaining itself becomes the justification for taking it just to finish the job - just as the OC3 extension is proposed to fill in the hole currently left by the OC3 to date. Just say no. |
Elizabeth Weiss
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ID |
24116 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2042 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am writing to object to the extension of Yancoal’s Moolarben coal mine on the following grounds: - Yancoal's amendments do not reduce the mine footprint or its clearing of native vegetation. These offsite so-called 'habitat enhancement' does not adequately mitigate the very significant negative impact its mine extension would have on biodiversity. The mine extension covers habitat of multiple threatened species in a landscape which should be treated as a nature reserve, rather than destroyed for a mine. - Yancoal's very late amendments are suggestive of a token effort to give the nod to the planning process rather than genuine intention to minimise environmental impact. - The so-called 'habitat enhancement' elsewhere would in no way offset the very substantial extra emissions generated by this mine expansion that would compromise NSW efforts to meet its carbon emission targets. |
Leonard Hobbs
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ID |
24121 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2147 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I am objecting to the Moolarben coal mine. The area belongs in a protected nature reserve, there are 23 threatened species including koalas and the damage would be irreversible, with serious and long lasting risks to local water sources, and destroy and damage irreplaceable Aboriginal artefacts. In addition the expansion is not needed for jobs or regional prosperity. I urge the IPC to refuse the proposed extension. Len Hobbs Seven Hills 2147 |
Alana W
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ID |
24126 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
My name is (Redacted) ,and I am writing this letter as a concerned NSW resident in solidarity with the Mudgee community. As you are well aware , Yancoal is seeking approval to expand its’ Coal Mine (OC3) near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. This would significantly extend one of NSW’s biggest thermal coal operations, causing not only extensive pollution but serious harm to threatened species, waterways and cultural heritage. The proposed expansion of the mine would extract an additional 40 million tonnes of thermal coal until 2034 and clear over 113 hectares of endangered koala habitat. It also extends close to the edge of one of the OLDEST conservation reserves in NSW, the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. The NSW government Environment and Heritage Group states that it is not koala habitats that would be threatened in the event of the expansion , but so too would four other animal species be at risk of extinction. For the sake of ecology, heritage, conservation and community impact , I heavily implore you to use refrain from the OC3 extension. Sincerely, (Redacted) |
Howard McCallum
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ID |
24131 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2540 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
OBJECTION TO THE MOOLARBEN OC3 EXPANSION. To The Independent Planning Commission, I, Howard Leigh McCallum, am an Australian citizen, 71 years old, retired naval officer with 48 years’ service, father of four and grand-father to five children and still in very good health. I reside with my wife Carmel near Nowra, in the beautiful Shoalhaven area of NSW. Carmel is a retired pharmacist and five-time federal election candidate for The Greens. We both share the same concerns for the future of humanity on this planet, especially with respect to the environment which supports and sustains us all. Therefore, I object to the plan to expand the Moolarben Open Cut 3 coal mine. The clearing of approximately 480 hectares of native vegetation for a company’s profit-making mining activity is, on its own, a travesty against the natural environment. Doing this to expand an existing coal mine is insane in the known climate-change circumstances. The IPCC declaration requires that no more coal mines be opened or expanded, among other harmful fossil fuel projects. It may be pertinent to note that Yancoal’s parent company, Yanzhou, is the fourth largest coal mining state-owned enterprise in the People's Republic of China. The loss of a large area of koala habitat is of major concern, as well as several other species’ habitat, some of which are endangered. Offset areas do not compensate the affected animals’ habitat loss – they cannot all be migrated to other areas – their ecosystems are always unique. The offset areas already have their own animals and biodiversity which may well be incompatible with those of the area to be cleared for Moolarben OC3. The country is moving towards the essential goal of zero greenhouse gas emissions. The Moolarben OC3 extension alone would add an estimated 64 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions to the Earth’s atmosphere. Building new coal and gas mines and extending current coal mines is going in the wrong direction. Such increase of coal and gas mining is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement, to which Australia has committed. As UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres said: Countries must progressively phase out fossil fuels, “moving to leave oil, coal and gas in the ground, where they belong.” For all the reasons I have listed above, and for all the reasons other anti-extension submissions have provided, I implore the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Sincerely, Howard McCallum Cambewarra, NSW, 2540 |
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Attachments |
OBJECTION TO THE MOOLARBEN OC3 EXPANSION.docx (DOCX, 15.14 KB) |
Deborah Stevenson
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ID |
24136 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2537 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I have attached my submission. |
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Attachments |
Submission on the Moolarben OC3 Extension Project D Stevenson Feb 2026.doc (DOC, 31.5 KB) |
Carmel McCallum
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ID |
24141 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2540 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Submission to Independent Planning Commission re Moolarben Open Cut 3 Mine Expansion Application 17th February, 2026 To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is Carmel McCallum, and I am an Australian citizen, born in Darlinghurst, Sydney in 1955. I am married to Howard, who served for forty-eight years in the Royal Australian Navy, initially as a helicopter pilot, then in administrative roles. In the 1980s, we were posted to California, USA, for two and a half years, where we travelled considerably on the western coast and to Canada, seeing beautiful national parks which had been isolated from development and mining, because of their beauty and value to the whole world, not just for Americans. We now have five very young grandchildren and five older step-grandchildren. We want to see them grow up to have more faith in governments to protect the environment, and make policy which has more positive long-term benefits for their future. I had a career as a pharmacist, working in many regions in NSW, in many pharmacies and owning my own pharmacy for ten years, in the beautiful Shoalhaven on the South Coast of NSW. I mothered four children who all appreciate the unique and fragile nature of the Australian landscape and its flora and fauna. I have run for The Greens for federal elections, five times, twice in Macquarie - in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, and out to Bathurst and Oberon - and three times for Gilmore - encompassing the area from Minnamurra to Tuross Head. We live with a magnificent view of a rock face and temperate rainforest which changes continually over the day and over the year. It is truly a privilege to be able to live in such a place. There are two main reasons I put my hand up to run for parliament to become a local representative. The first is to protect our environment from the ravages of climate change, caused by our overuse of fossil fuels, and secondly, because there seems to be almost no political will to act in good faith by governments to make big cuts in our greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE), because of the influence by lobbyists from fossil fuel companies, mining companies, and large finance companies, seeking high but relatively short-term profits from our domestic use, and our exports, of Australian-owned resources. I want to object to the approval of extending the Moolarben Coal Mine by Yancoal. I also want to object to the postponement of the IPC hearing, as the consultation process already conducted will be undermined, and the proposed amendments appear to be a Greenwash attempt to convince the IPC that there will be minimal damage to the native vegetation which is frankly, impossible. The area, which would come to within 100 metres of a conservation area including the Munghorn Nature Gap Reserve, proposed for extension is currently a beautiful valley, protecting the critical habitat of koalas, Regent Honeyeaters and microbats, threatening the ecosystems, including 23 threatened species, water resources and cultural heritage of Wiradjuri Country. This area should continue to be left in its natural state, instead of being destroyed for short term gain for a few, and robbed from future generations. With the automation of mining, the expansion will not contribute to employment or benefit the local communities, unlike the renewable energy projects proposed in the Mudgee area, which will be providing around 2,000 jobs. Most of the advanced countries which Yancoal claims will be receiving the exports will be well on the way to reducing their own emissions and will be unlikely to be in demand for thermal coal for energy production not too long into the future. It would be an even greater tragedy if the project becomes a white elephant while causing destruction which could never be rehabilitated, let alone the potential damage to groundwater and creeks in the area. We would also lose Wiradjuri culture and heritage, which is still inestimable; a lesson we should have learned from the unbelievable negligence by Rio Tinto in Western Australia at the Juukan Gorge caves. It is just NOT justifiable for a single mine to contribute 58% of NSW greenhouse gas emissions over the life of the mine, when it goes against the NSW government’s commitment to GHGE reductions and our commitment to the Paris Agreement. We do not need to be exporting, or burning domestically, coal, with the knowledge of the absolutely proven science of impending climate change. No taxes by our government, or royalties payable to our government, justifies the destruction of a beautiful diverse area by a company which has ties with a parent company, Yanzhou Coal, registered as a state-owned enterprise in China, a foreign communist dictatorship. There is already enough ‘long-term damage for short-term gain ‘ mining and mining expansion happening in the same area. The same species of flora and fauna, many threatened, underground water and creeks, and Wiradjuri her image and culture, have already been damaged and lost by mining. Why do we need to take all the coal and leave nothing for the future, when, owing to unpredictable events, future generations may have a desperate need to return to archaic and out-mode methods of energy production. I would be very upset if a huge ‘foreign’ mining company was to apply for approval in our area on the beautiful South Coast, or indeed, in the wonderful Blue Mountains, for both of which, I have a very fond love and affection. Production of energy using coal to propel a ‘Steam Engine’ first took place in 1700. It’s time we left this antique method behind. The NSW Government must not approve this expansion application by Yancoal for many reasons, including climate change and its threat to biodiversity, but also because of the hypocrisy regarding the regulations set out in the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and our national signatory to the Paris Agreement. Please consider all the long-term aspects of destruction if this mine expansion is approved, and so I urge the IPC to reject the Moolarben Open Cut 3 Mine Expansion. Thank you for reading my submission and taking my arguments into consideration. Faithfully, Carmel McCallum (Redacted) |
Mrs Ritu Jain
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ID |
24146 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2194 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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To Independent Planning Commission, I'm against the OC3 expansion of the Moolarben Coalmine and my key points include: - The project threatens existing wildlife habbitat and risks the decline of animal population - The project is not alignedwith the 2030 and 2035 climate targets - The expansion is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act and the Paris Agreement - There will be longlasting negative impacts to the exsting groundwater and the creek. I request that the OC3 expansion be stop immediately. Sincerely, Ritu Jain Campsie NSW 2194 |
Pamela Evans
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ID |
24156 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2036 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Water is the basis of life. The Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project wants to go ahead without sufficient scientifically researched data on its effect on the water table. This is completely unacceptable. The DPHI has recommended data collection for a minimum of one year. The IEAPM has recommended installing bores to collect this information. To neglect collecting and utilising this vital information regarding the mines impact on water by the MCO shows how little importance it is given to sustainable water protection. The disregard for the impact on the local ecosystem is extremely poor. The area to be cleared has habitat for many species but importantly 23 endangered species. This includes a precious breeding habitat of our now endangered iconic Koalas. Australia's own research and advice calls for no new fossil fuel projects, this includes expansions of existing mines. Otherwise why has Australia a Net Zero Commission and signed the Paris Agreement? |
Ruby Hardie
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ID |
24161 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2086 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Dear Independent Planning Commission, I am very concerned that the Moolarben OC3 expansion project will cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. I therefore strongly oppose this project. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and successful breeding have been recorded. Clearing of 80 hectares of Regent Honeyeater habitat also with breeding females recorded on site. Clearing of microbat habitat also. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting species like the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater with less than 250 in the wild and the Koala that is already endangered. • Negative Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. This could mean that groundwater drawdown up to and exceeding 2 metre to 6metres every year for up to 25 years post mining. This will have a severe detrimental effect on the survival long term of all wildlife in the area. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64.6 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to even meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. This is the largest operating coalmine in NSW who wants to expand even further to produce more greenhouse gas emissions. This is unacceptable. • Cultural Significance-Mining would damage Wiradjuri cultural landscapes, including sacred sites. • Economics does not stack up in this proposal- There is no justification for this expansion to provide regional jobs. There have been ongoing vacancies already at the three Mudgee region coal mines for many years. Additionally, the Moolarben Mine is within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone where the NSW Government is focusing on fast-tracking renewable energy and providing jobs in this industry. Expanding the already biggest coalmine in NSW contradicts the push to renewable energy. The coal will be 100% exported. Yancoal has indicated that 65% of coal from Moolarben will go to China, 10% to South Korea, 10% to Taiwan, 5% to Thailand, 5% to Japan, and 5% to Others. Given the slow forecasted decline of Australian thermal coal demand from China and South Korea especially, the economic argument could be even weaker than Yancoal has outlined in the May 2025 Resource Assessment. This would be a bad decision economically. • Social Impacts- Yancoal has negatively impacted this regional community as the largest coal mine in NSW. Their past actions are indicative of a company that do not care for the environment and nature and also the local community. The village area of Wollar near Mudgee and its original ambience and tranquility has been disturbed. Farms have been bought out, and people and native wildlife will be further affected if this proposal is approved with increased mine blasting, dust, smells, vibration and noise and night- time lighting will be ongoing. Large trucks will operate at night also. Farming families already who used to live close by to the coal mine have already been driven out of their homes because of noise pollution, air pollution and night lighting. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I strongly urge the Independent Planning Commission recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused entirely. Please protect threatened species, climate and communities. Thank you for considering my submission. Your sincerely Ruby Hardie |
Lincoln Turner
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ID |
24166 |
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Location |
Victoria 3002 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Dear Commissioners, Re: Moolarben coal complex OC3 extension project I am a scientist, university lecturer and father of three children aged 13, 10 and 4. I am profoundly concerned that Australian governments continue to allow the expansion of fossil fuel production, in the face of the deepening climate emergency. The damage done to the Earth’s climate system, primarily by the extraction and combustion of fossil fuels, is already causing escalating natural disasters affecting people in NSW, and in Victoria where I live, and of course everywhere else. This summer intense fires in central Victoria incinerated the town of Harcourt, a few minutes drive from my father-in-law’s house. Friends of ours camping near Wye River were fortunate not to be swept away in flash floods a few days later. My sister and her family narrowly avoided flooding while holidaying near Eden. It is now beyond doubt that these ‘natural’ disasters are anything but, their intensity and frequency amplified greatly by the rapidly-heating atmosphere and oceans. Most Australians have either personally experienced climate disasters, or have friends or family who have. Consequently, I am writing to object to the proposal by Yancoal to expand (Open Cut 3) the Moolarben coal mine, located near Mudgee on the lands of the Wiradjuri people. Should this project be approved, it would cause major and irrevocable damage to the global environment through methane emissions from the mine, and scope-3 emissions from combustion of thermal coal; to the local environment through habitat loss, groundwater drawdown, noise, blasting and vibration; to local cultural heritage on Wiradjuri Country; and without significant benefit to the local community where the development of renewable energy is now the priority. The global environmental impact of the project is immense. Approving it will cause an additional 65 million tonnes of carbon dioxide to enter the atmosphere. It matters not at all to the climate system whether the site of injection is an Australian coal-fired power station or one in Japan, the global warming effect is the same. The connection between thermal coal mined in Mudgee, and the incineration of small towns in Victora – or for that matter the flooding of Lismore – is now clear. The International Energy Agency stated in 2021, and confirmed in 2023/24, that no new fossil fuel developments can be made if the world is to maintain temperatures below the +1.5C Paris Agreement goal. Additional emissions from expanded coal mines are inconsistent with Australia’s commitments under UNFCCC Agreements, and are inconsistent with the Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023. The Denman Court of Appeal decision obliges decision makers to consider emissions, including scope-3 emissions, when considering proposals such as this one. The local environmental impact of the proposal is unacceptable. The expansion would clear the habitat of koalas, regent honeyeaters, and microbats amongst more than 20 other threatened species of fauna, and destroy 480 ha of native vegetation. In a climate emergency, retaining all possible native vegetation for biodiversity and carbon sequestration is imperative. The NSW Environment Department has warned that this project is likely to lead to long-term population declines in threatened species. The project is proximal to the historic Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with dust, blasting, noise and vibration impacts expected to reduce the amenity of the reserve. Groundwater drawdown threatens Moolarben Creek, a key refuge for wildlife during drought. The project would further fracture the landscape, destroying irreplaceable Aboriginal cultural artefacts, and further severing the Wiradjuri people from culture, Country and sacred sites. The climate impacts already baked in from historic fossil fuel production and combustion will lead to my children living harder, and likely shorter, lives than I expect mine will be. As a scientist, a citizen and a parent, I am aghast at this reckless proposal to expand thermal coal production in the face of the climate emergency that threatens us all. I urge the Independent Planning Commission , in the strongest possible terms, to recommend the Moolarben OC3 extension project be refused. Yours sincerely, Dr Lincoln Turner East Melbourne, Victoria 3002 |
Nadarajah Rajkumar
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ID |
24171 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2121 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I am Strongly objecting to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee. I am concerned that this Expansion project would cause would clear critical habitat for koalas, Regent Honeyeaters, and microbats, with plans to mine within 100m of the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, one of the oldest conservation reserves in the state. It threatens critical ecosystems, water sources, and cultural heritage in Mudgee (Wiradjuri Country). Despite the climate crisis and NSW’s commitment to reducing emissions, this project would lock in additional, unnecessary and destructive emissions from coal mining. - This area belongs in a protected nature reserve, not an open-cut coal mine This beautiful valley should be protected as part of a single conservation landscape with the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, not made into an open cut coal mine pit. The proposal would clear around 480 hectares of native vegetation and push mining to within 100 metres of the reserve, putting an area of high biodiversity at risk. At least 23 threatened species have been recorded in the area, including critical habitat for a uniquely resilient koala population. There is simply no justification to disturb this significant landscape and ecosystem - this project creates no new jobs, all it does is permanently destroy biodiversity. - Unacceptable and irreversible harm to threatened species and ecosystems Yancoal’s proposed expansion would cause serious and irreversible damage to nature, clearing irreplaceable native bush that cannot be offset. The project would destroy 113 hectares of koala habitat where breeding koalas have been recorded, including in the middle of one of the proposed mine pits. It would clear 80 hectares of Regent Honeyeater habitat with breeding females recorded on site, and up to 401 hectares of the nationally endangered Box Gum Woodland ecosystem. Impacts on threatened species such as the Regent Honeyeater, Broad- headed Snake and microbats are expected to be severe, a risk acknowledged by the NSW Environment Department, which warned the project could lead to long-term population declines and affect habitat critical to species survival. Despite this, noise and blasting impacts Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve was poorly assessed, and Yancoal has refused to adopt a recommended 500-metre buffer to protect the reserve and its wildlife. This incredibly rich valley should never be up for mining and should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. - A massive climate cost that contradicts NSW climate goals The proposed OC3 extension would generate an estimated 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its life, equivalent to around 58% of NSW’s total annual emissions, making its climate impact enormous. Yet DPHI’s assessment ignores clear findings of the Net Zero Commission that any further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act and the Paris Agreement, and fails to acknowledge that NSW is already off track to meet its 2030 and 2035 targets. The assessment also does not apply the Denman Court of Appeal decision, which requires decision-makers to consider emissions (including downstream emissions (99% of its emissions) and the local climate impacts they cause, leaving the true climate and economic costs of the project unquantified and unaddressed. The economic and social costs of these emissions have not been addressed by Yancoal. - The expansion is not needed for jobs or regional prosperity The proposed expansion cannot be justified on employment grounds or benefits to the local community, as the Moolarben mine will continue operating until at least 2038 regardless of this expansion, and coal jobs in the region have remained unfilled for years. At the same time, Mudgee sits within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, where renewable energy projects are expected to create around 2,000 new jobs over the next decade, offering clear alternative employment pathways. Yancoal has indicated that 65% of coal from Moolarben will go to China, 10% to South Korea, 10% to Taiwan, 5% to Thailand, 5% to Japan, and 5% to Others. Given the forecasted decline in Australian thermal coal demand to China and South Korea especially - the economic argument could be even weaker than Yancoal has outlined in the May 2025 Resource Assessment. Clearly, the expansion would deliver little economic benefit while imposing lasting environmental damage, making its costs far greater than any claimed public benefit. - Serious and long-lasting risks to groundwater and creeks The project is expected to cause significant groundwater drawdown of 2–6 metres, potentially lasting up to 25 years after mining, placing Moolarben Creek at serious risk as a critical drought refuge for wildlife. Independent experts have warned that groundwater-dependent ecosystems along the creek, including deep-rooted riparian trees, are likely to be affected by drawdown of up to 5 metres in the alluvium. These risks are compounded by the proponent’s failure to undertake adequate baseline water monitoring and its poor track record of complying with water monitoring requirements elsewhere in the mine complex. Yancoal are proposing an amendment to conduct 12 months of groundwater monitoring studies before they commence mining - this is inadequate, baseline groundwater monitoring studies should occur before a project is approved, not after. - The expansion will irreversibly harm Wiradjuri cultural heritage The project will destroy 55 irreplaceable Aboriginal cultural artefacts, and potentially impact dozens of others. They are all considered to have high cultural value by the Registered Aboriginal Parties consulted on the proposal. This expansion contributes to the fracturing of the landscape, and to the cumulative degradation of Country from ongoing mining, undermining the Wiradjuri people’s ability to practice culture, maintain connection to Country, and preserve sacred sites of immense and irreplaceable significance. - The cumulative impact There has been poor assessment of the cumulative impact of this proposed Moolarben Mine expansion combined with the proposed expansions of neighbouring mines. All proposed expansions have impacts on a similar set of threatened species listed as likely to have Serious and Irreversible Impacts due to clearing and loss of habitat.The Ulan Coal Mine Modification 6 and 8 and the Wilpinjong Coal Mine Modification 3 will impact an additional large area of similar landscape, connected water sources, rich biodiversity and cultural heritage values. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be rejected Outright. Thank you for considering my submission. N Rajkumar Epping, NSW 2121 |
Abigail Humphreys
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ID |
24176 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2148 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I object to the proposed extension to this coal mine. Australia needs to stop coal and gas now to be able to fulfill its international obligations to meet net zero by 2050. We will not be able to meet the atmospheric carbon emissions reduced to safe levels if your government continues to approve coal extensions. I reach the 2050 target we have to stop burning fossil fuels. |
Carole Stanford
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ID |
24186 |
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Location |
Queensland 4883 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Please see the attachment, MoolarbenOC3_submission_CStanford.pdf |
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Attachments |
Carole Standford - MoolarbenOC3_submission_CStanford_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 99.28 KB) |
Isabella Todd
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ID |
24201 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2517 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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To the Independent planning commission My name is Isabella Todd and I am a young person living in Wollongong, and I am deeply concerned about this proposed project and the impact on biodiversity and the climate. I am the daughter of a 6th generation coal miner who now works in renewable energy, I grew up on the coal coast in Wollongong, and I’ve already seen the impact of the climate crisis in my lifetime. Impacts that will only get worse as we continue to burn fossil fuels. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed OC3 expansion to the Moolarben Coal Mine on unceded Wiradjuri country on the basis it can and will cause serious, irreversible harm to the natural environment, the climate and the community. Of particular concern to me are: - The clearing of 113 hectares of native koala habitat. Koalas are endangered in NSW and this habitat is critical to their survival in the area, especially as breeding has been recorded there - The area being cleared is also critical habitat for the endangered Regent honey eater and micro bats; this habitat cannot be replaced through so called “offsets” - The proposed mining could occur within 100m of the Munghorn Gap reserve an there has not been adequate consideration of the impact of noise, vibrations and blasting on this special area - there is a risk of groundwater draw down that could put Moolarben creek at risk and impact drought refuges for wildlife that are critical for ecosystems - NSW is already behind on its emission reduction targets and this project would release 64 million tones of greenhouse gas emission jntot rh atmosphere that our climate (and our communities on the frontlines of climate change) cannot afford - Furthermore it is not evident that this project would create sufficient community benefit; the fossil fuel industry is dying, there are fewer jobs as processes are increasingly mechanised and automated. There is no job justification for this project, especially when renewable energy projects are on the rise. The NSW government, the people of Wollar and Mudgee, the people of NSW, of Australia, of the world - none of us can afford this risky project. For all these reasons I urge the independent planning commission to reject this proposal. Sincerely Isabella Todd Russell Vale NSW |
Amie Illfield
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ID |
24206 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2325 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, I am writing in opposition to the proposed expansion of the Moolarben coal mine that is operated by Yancoal. I am from the Hunter and have numerous familial connections with the coal industry both presently and historically. While I’m proud of my family’s efforts to work for an industry that provides what has been an essential service, I also recognise the need for society to take heed of the prescient science which indicates a causal relationship between the burning of fossil fuels and global warming. In fact, given my family’s involvement and benefitting from this industry, I am pressed ever more with a responsibility to be a part of transitioning from our dependency on an energy source that undermines fundamental elements that sustain life on earth as we’ve known it in recent eons. Concurrently with my concerns in regards to our need to stop all new coal and gas projects due to their otherwise unacceptable contribution to climate change, is my very impassioned concern for the impact on the integrity of the Munghorn Gap reserve and other sites of significance (for example ‘the drip’) that this expansion poses. With the legacy of such extreme landclearing as has occurred in NSW in only the last 200 years, we cannot afford to degrade any of the remaining habitat. Rather, with climate change upon us, we need to strengthen them. Nature reserves aren’t effective just because of what is inside of the perimeter of the boundary. Water flows, critters scurry, and birds fly. The ecology’s robustness is dependent on the surrounds as much as what is within. And, in the other direction, artificial noise, light and pollutants also travel across boundaries and create impacts. I have been to the mine site, I have been to the nature reserve, I have been to ‘the drip’. I can see what will be lost on the expansion site - that is forever, and what is at very real risk of being lost in the surrounds. We need to establish regional economies that are not bound to such devastating destruction which is in line with Ecological Sustainable Development (ESD). The region of the Moolarben mine is fortunate to be within the Central West Orana REZ which is expected to contribute significantly to the economic security of the region in a way that is aligned with ESD principles, unlike this proposed expansion. Importantly, the mine is situated on Wiradjuri Country. My understanding is that the impact on Wiradjuri cultural heritage, including ‘the drip’, is of paramount concern for Wiradjuri. The principles of free, prior, and informed consent should be applied to all developments of this nature on Indigenous land. This has blatantly not occurred. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to refuse the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project. Sincerely, Amie Illfield |
Edie Griffin
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ID |
24216 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I am a Registered Nurse and a community member deeply concerned about the proposed expansion to the Yancoal mine at Moolarben near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. As a healthcare professional, I understand that human health is completely dependent on climate health, ecosystem health and planetary health. I believe that preventative healthcare must include climate action. The proposed Moolarben mine expansion will do great harm to the local ecosystems and will be additive to a dangerous trajectory of global heating. Scientists are almost unanimously indicating that this decade is crucial for us to minimise fossil fuel emissions if we are to limit the degrees of warming under 1.5-2 degrees. The mine expansion is inconsistent with Australia’s ability to play our part in reducing emissions to limit atmospheric warming, and is inconsistent with the Paris Agreement, the NSW Climate Change Act, and and Net Zero targets, which NSW is not on track to meet. The expansion will directly destroy habitat of koalas and the critically endangered regent honeyeater of which breeding pairs have been found living at the proposed expansion site, as well as endangered box gum ecosystems. The mine is expected to cause significant groundwater drawdown and is likely to endanger the health of the local water tables which would place further stress onto an already vulnerable ecosystem. Important Wiradjuri cultural heritage exists at this site which will be placed at risk if the expansion were to go ahead. Degradation of Country and the inability for the Wiradjuri to access Country for cultural purposes is a continuation of colonisation. There is no clear benefit for community jobs proposed by this mine expansion, with major export countries like China and South Korea on a decarbonisation trajectory that will see them relying less on buying Australian coal in the coming decades. Moreover, as someone who grew up with farming family in regional NSW whom I watched suffer the devastating impacts of long droughts during my childhood, I have witnessed the risk that regional communities face due to climate change. Climate change is an urgent healthcare crisis, which is why as a Registered Nurse I feel compelled to write to the Independent Planning Commission and ask that they recommend this mine expansion is not approved. All extensions and expansions to coal and gas projects will hasten our global trajectory towards a level of global heating that tips tipping points and sets us on a pathway to a hothouse earth. Rising seas and extreme weather events will cause displacements, climate refugee communities, food and water scarcity, and the risk of widespread illness and death caused by heat, fires and floods, to which activity at this mine will contribute. The science is clear and demands that we act responsibly, and quickly, to secure the future of our future generations. Thank you for your time in considering my submission. Edie Griffin Registered Nurse, Marrickville NSW |
Christine Tapp
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ID |
24221 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2018 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am a mother and a grandmother and have a vested interest in the future of the environment. At its most basic this means taking care of accessible water. The MBO is obviously not interested in this, so much so, that they want to start the project before there is reliable data on the impact it will make on the water table. The IEAPM has advised to install bores and the DPHI has asked for at least 1 year of baseline ground water data. I also know that the world will be a diminished place every time there is a species extinction. Hence I am concerned not only that the clearing of the land will impact 23 endangered species but destroy 401 ha of the endangered Box Gum forest, and more. There is a breeding koala population in the area to be cleared. This is totally unacceptable. Australia has signed the Paris Agreement and has the results of a Net Zero Commission. These show that there should be no new fossil fuel projects nor expansions. This assessment needs to have and follow a moral conviction toward improving the world and it's future. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
24226 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Please find attached submission |
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Attachments |
Elli Trav MoolarbenOC3Submission_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 35.85 KB) |
Name Redacted
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ID |
24231 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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The extension of the Moolarben coal mining complex OC3 will see the destruction of native habitat impacting on biodiversity. We must see a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and save our planet before it is too late. Please conduct the public hearings that had been planed to find a way forward without expanding coal mining activities into the future. . |
Ben Cheetham
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ID |
24236 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I grew up on a farm on Wollar Road and seeing the damage that mining has done to the landscape in the space of 20 years is wild. I personally find it hard to believe that there is any way that meaningful rehabilitation is possible. I recently spoke to a mining engineer involved in the original mine plan for the neighbouring Wilpinjong coal mine, who told me that in his opinion the impacts of these coal mines on water ways and aquifers cannot mitigated - in particular he was worried about rising salinity and the unavoidable consequences for users downstream who rely on that water. These are impacts that will be felt for years and I am not convinced that there is any benefit that these foreign corporations could bring to the local community that would be worth it in the long term. While it is distressing to see the impact that burning fossil fuels has already had on our environment, I think it's wrong that locals are being asked to shoulder the burden of changing climate by sacrificing farm profits and productivity so that greedy foreign companies can wring the final drops from a collapsing coal export market. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
24241 |
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Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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I object to t to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. We are in a critical climate emergency where we need to desperately reduce greenhouse gas emissions to avoid runaway climate change and it is inconceivable for coal extraction to be increased in the face of this fact. I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Kind regards (Redacted) |
Reed Mladenovik
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ID |
24246 |
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Location |
Victoria 3163 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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To the independent planning commission, My name is Reed, I am a 21 year old student at Monash University in Victoria. I am one of a student who attended a screening of a documentary about the Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion and I was shocked by the formation of the plan despite the harmful and irreversible impacts that it would bring. I’m quite concerned about the environmental impacts namely the destruction of the ecosystem, threatened species, risks to groundwater and creeks, and irreversible harm to Wiradjuri cultural heritage. In addition to this, the costs of the mines contradict the NSW climate cost goals while being an unnecessary expansion for the local economy. It must also be said that the proposed amendment to the expansion only seeks to greenwash this harmful project rather than doing any meaningful work or prevention of the many long term risks at hand. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, Reed Mladenovik Carnegie VIC 3163 |
Name Redacted
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ID |
24256 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission, I am a 37-year-old project officer at the University of Sydney in Sydney. This year I have experienced the heat stress and anxiety of two record-breaking 40-degree days in January and February. This is the now-expected ‘unnatural’ climate-induced phenomena that I am experiencing in my lifetime. The first time I was aware of this was during the 2019 mega-fires when for the first time, as a city-dweller, I inhaled bushfire smoke and experienced unhealthy levels of air pollution as a result. While the climate crisis worsens by the year, I am shocked that Australia continues to expand coal mines and that Yancoal is proposing such an expansion within NSW at the site of the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mine. I am writing to oppose the expansion of this mine. The science is clear that the emissions from the burning of coal from this mine will further contribute towards severe climate impacts for us all, globally. Even domestically, the Net Zero Commission’s own findings show that Australia is not on target to meet its own emissions reductions targets by 2030. Australia is not fulfilling its responsibilities towards the Paris Agreement. Closer to home, I have read about the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve which I heard about because of the presence of the rare and beautiful Regent Honeyeater bird. Having heard about the rich biodiversity and ecosystems when friends visited the town of Wollar in 2025, I am concerned that the destruction of the habitat will mean that this threatened species -and the rich ecosystem that supports it- will be lost. An open cut coal mine position so close to a nature reserve creates cascading ecological impacts that cannot be reversed. Groundwater drawdown could dry out ecosystems, and noise and blasting could impact species that are not only within the vicininity of the proposed site. When destroying one ecosystem, in fact you are also impacting the surrounding areas. Please do not let Yancoal expand this mine without proper due diligence and assessment of environmental impact on this Nature Reserve. In considering the emissions of the mine, and of the coal exported from it, and in considering the unique ecosystem of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, I ask the Planning Commission to refuse the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension. Thank you for considering my submission. [name redacted] |
Lucia Smith
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ID |
24261 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2085 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Dear Independent Planning Commission, A development application has been received from Yancoal to extend open cut mining operations at the Moolarben Coal Complex in NSW near Mudgee. The application proposes to extend the existing OC3 open cut pit as well as develop four new open cut pits along the floor of the Moolarben Valley. I am greatly concerned about the biodiversity and climate crisis in NSW and the further negative impact a coal project of this size will have on an already struggling environment and carbon emissions that keep increasing when they should be decreasing to meet our climate targets. When the Department referred the Moolarben OC3 project to the Independent Planning Commission (IPC), they gave no recommendation on whether it should be approved or rejected. This is the first time a coal mine has been referred to the IPC with NO recommendation of approval by the government and that indicates that the NSW Government is also concerned. I am strongly opposed to the Moorarbeen Coal Complex OC3 extension project. My reasons are- 1. No amount of biodiversity offsets can replace the existing environment. Yancoal is proposing to clear 113ha of woodland. All of the bush they will clear is koala habitat and koalas are recorded on site, including in the middle of one of the proposed pits and breeding is occurring in that specific area. This is totally unacceptable and irresponsible. A threatened species with a dwindling habitat already at risk of losing more habitat to the biggest coal project in NSW so that they can expand their operations even more. 2. The nature and biodiversity impacts of the proposed expansion are unacceptable. The expansion is likely to result in serious and irreversible impacts (SAII) on threatened fauna and ecological communities, including Regent Honey-eater, Broad-headed Snake, Microbats (eastern cave and large-eared pied bats), and White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Box Woodland and Derived Native Grassland (a loss of 493.12 Hectares). 3. There are three mines in the Mudgee area already - Yancoal/Moolarben (the biggest in NSW), Glencore/Ulan and Peabody/Wilpinjong- all have approval to produce a combined 58 million tonnes of coal per year, the largest producer, Yancoal/Moolarben was approved until 2038. 4. Noise and blasting impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve (MGNR) were poorly assessed and not included in the modelling report. These impacts will affect the peace of nature that will be interrupted with ongoing loud noise. 5. The expansion will have impacts on local water sources, and groundwater. This will include long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. 6. The NSW government cannot afford to approve any new coal mines and expansions. This project is clearly inconsistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement and the NSW Government’s Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023. NSW is not on track to meet GHG targets: on 23 April 2024, the NSW Minister for Climate Change advised that NSW is not on track to meet legislated climate targets for 2030 and 2035. With abatement “as currently tracking”, the NSW government projects that NSW will achieve only a 44% reduction by 2030 and 65% by 2035. This is well short of both the 50% by 2030 and 70% by 2035 legislated targets. The Climate Risk Group in their submission to the NSW Parliament’s Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Bill 2023 inquiry - warned that NSW is in the top 5% of states most at risk from extreme weather and climate change globally. Given: a) that NSW is not on track to meet GHG targets; b) that NSW is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change; c) that approval of Moolarben is not in the public interest and not aligned with Paris Agreement goals or the principles of the Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023, the project should be rejected. 7. The expansion will harm the local community in the Mid-Western region by contributing to climate impacts felt locally. The Moolarben OC3 expansion would worsen climate change impacts already being experienced by the local community. In the Mid-Western Region, climate change is intensifying heatwaves, prolonging drought conditions and increasing the risk of extreme weather events, all of which affect community health, water availability, agricultural livelihoods and day-to-day livability. Please oppose this project. Thank you Lucia Smith |
Jack Brady
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ID |
24266 |
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Victoria 3016 |
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17/02/2026 |
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My name is Jack, and I'm a 24-year-old university student in Melbourne, and I'm concerned about the impact fossil fuel emissions will have on my generation's future and on my local community. Over the past several years, I've witnessed devastating floods, endured summer heatwaves, and had friends and family who have been directly threatened by bushfires. I am writing to express my objection to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. The proposed OC3 extension would produce 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its life, equivalent to around 58% of NSW’s total annual emissions, making its climate impact enormous. Any further coal expansions are inconsistent with already existing climate targets and a safe, liveable future for communities across Australia. The assessment also does not apply the Denman Court of Appeal decision, which requires decision-makers to consider emissions (including downstream emissions (99% of its emissions) and the local climate impacts they cause, leaving the true climate and economic costs of the project unquantified and unaddressed. The economic and social costs of these emissions have not been addressed by Yancoal. Additionally, the coalmine expansion poses a significant threat to Wiradjuri cultural heritage, including 55 cultural artefacts considered to be of high cultural value by the relevant Registered Aboriginal Parties. The expansion would almost certainly lead to further damage to Country and these significant cultural artefacts, impacting Wiradjuri people's ability to practice their culture and protect and preserve the local ecosystem. For the above reasons, I am writing to ask that the Independent Planning Commission rejects the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project. Thank you for considering my submission Jack |
Kim Gambrill
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ID |
24271 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2085 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Dear Independent Planning Commission, I am very concerned that the Moolarben OC3 expansion project will cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. I therefore strongly oppose this project. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and successful breeding have been recorded. Clearing of 80 hectares of Regent Honeyeater habitat also with breeding females recorded on site. Clearing of microbat habitat also. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting species like the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater with less than 250 in the wild and the Koala that is already endangered. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. This could mean that groundwater drawdown up to and exceeding 2 metre to 6metres every year for up to 25 years post mining. This will have a severe detrimental effect on the survival long term of all wildlife in the area. • Negative Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Social Impacts- Yancoal has negatively impacted this regional community as the largest coal mine in NSW. Their past actions are indicative of a company that do not care for the environment and nature and also the local community. The village area of Wollar near Mudgee and its original ambience and tranquility has been disturbed. Farms have been bought out, and people and native wildlife will be further affected if this proposal is approved with increased mine blasting, dust, smells, vibration and noise and night- time lighting will be ongoing. Large trucks will operate at night also. Farming families already who used to live close by to the coal mine have already been driven out of their homes because of noise pollution, air pollution and night lighting. • Cultural Significance-Mining would damage Wiradjuri cultural landscapes, including sacred sites. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64.6 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to even meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. This is the largest operating coalmine in NSW who wants to expand even further to produce more greenhouse gas emissions. This is unacceptable. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. • Economics does not stack up in this proposal- There is no justification for this expansion to provide regional jobs. There have been ongoing vacancies already at the three Mudgee region coal mines for many years. Additionally, the Moolarben Mine is within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone where the NSW Government is focusing on fast-tracking renewable energy and providing jobs in this industry. Expanding the already biggest coalmine in NSW contradicts the push to renewable energy. The coal will be 100% exported. Yancoal has indicated that 65% of coal from Moolarben will go to China, 10% to South Korea, 10% to Taiwan, 5% to Thailand, 5% to Japan, and 5% to Others. Given the slow forecasted decline of Australian thermal coal demand from China and South Korea especially, the economic argument could be even weaker than Yancoal has outlined in the May 2025 Resource Assessment. This would be a bad decision economically. For these reasons, I strongly urge the Independent Planning Commission recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused entirely. Please protect threatened species, climate and communities. Your sincerely Kim Gambrill |
Michael Rynn
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ID |
24276 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2161 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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See my attached uploaded PDF document which was titled "Moolaben-OC3-Coal-mining-parasitism.pdf" for presentation of arguments in detail. Coal mining acts as diesel consuming parasite on the Australian economy, as global diesel supply declines. Given the structural energy support of diesel fuel for most of Australian transport, trade, the increasing consumption by mining is parasitic. Our global biosphere temperature rise and climate is ever more unstable, as GHG emissions continue to rise, and ditto for Australian coal exports. The government needs to widen the impact protected areas of all nature reserves and ecosystems. |
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Attachments |
Moolaben-OC3-Coal-mining-parasitism.pdf (PDF, 379.74 KB) |
Name Redacted
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ID |
24281 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2010 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I am [name redacted]. I care about the dying environment in the area within which this expansion is meant to take place. Biodiversity is at threat and I would not stand another expansion of this coal mine which does not even generate a huge revenue to the NSW government to go ahead. This is my step to contribute towards saving by this planet from climate change. The species in this area need to be protected. |
Yuktee Gupta
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ID |
24286 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2050 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Based on public knowledge, it seems pretty clear that the actual economic benefit the expansion could provide is massively overblown. Moreover, the area has a rich ecosystem that would be destroyed, and the local population might not be completely aware of the long-term impacts this might have on the town. In a time period where several countries are transitioning to a net-zero emissions goal, and rapidly increasing the use of renewables (easily available and implementable in Australia), encouraging an expansion of a mine seems backward and counterproductive. We don't want to support an industry that is archaic, actively harmful, and in fact, not even efficient! Coal generators are not, in fact, the best way we can produce electricity. See https://youtu.be/IfvBx4D0Cms?si=ZkbsY_vYaDcXXM7G for a very excellent and understandable explanation of the same. Also, I think taking submissions from people actively hired by the mining company seems like it might have very glaring conflicts of interest, which I hope the IPC considers. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
24291 |
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Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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I oppose the further extension of the Moolarben Coal Complex site, the amendments that have been submitted at the last minute will not lessen the mine's footprint or any clearing of vegetation on the proposed site. This proposal will still have severe impact on biodiversity. The extension of MCC would destroy around 480 hectares of native vegetation and pushing the mine within 100 meters of the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, the close proximity of the mine to the Reserve would put the high diversity of the area at risk. There is already (23) threatened species that have been recorded in the area, this includes a resilient koala population. The project would destroy: - 113 hectares of the koala's habitat where breeding koalas have been recorded, one area being right in the middle of one of the proposed mine pits. - 80 hectares of the Reagent Honeyeater breeding habitat, a species that is on the brink of extinction. - 401 hectares of nationally endangered Box Gum woodland ecosystem. - Also threatened species such as the Broadheaded Snake and Microbats. All of this having a severe impact which has been acknowledged by the NSW Environment Department, leading to decline in longterm populations and affect habitats critical to the survival of these species. The noise and blasting that will impact the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve were poorly assessed and Yancoal has refused to go with the recommended 500 meter buffer to protect the Reserve and wildlife. This beautiful valley should never be mined and should be included in the Munghorn Nature Reserve. There would also be an estimated 6.46 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its life, around 55% of NSW's total emissions, which would have an enormous impact on climate change. This is all ignoring the findings of the Net Zero Commission for further mine expansions. The impact on the residents in the area has been enormous over the last decade and has severely, causing many to leave the area and health problems. For these reasons and more I implore the IPC to reject Yancoal's proposal. |
Brent Hoare
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ID |
24296 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2779 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission to the NSW Independent Planning Commission: Opposition to the Moolarben Open Cut 3 Coal Mine Expansion (OC3) From: Cr. Brent Hoare, Greens Councillor, Blue Mountains City Council Date: February 17, 2026 Regarding: Yancoal's proposal to expand the Moolarben Coal Mine (Open Cut 3) near Mudgee, NSW, on Wiradjuri Country. To the Independent Planning Commission, I submit my strongest objection to Yancoal's proposed expansion of the Moolarben Open Cut 3 (OC3) coal mine. While the Blue Mountains is geographically distinct from the Mudgee region, we are ecologically and climatically connected. As a Councillor representing a community that borders the World Heritage Blue Mountains National Park, I am acutely aware of the responsibility we hold to protect our natural environment and the global imperative to transition away from fossil fuels. This expansion—proposed for the largest producing coal mine in NSW—would clear approximately 480 hectares of native vegetation, destroy critical habitat for threatened species, generate massive lifecycle emissions equivalent to 58% of NSW's annual total, and permanently damage Wiradjuri cultural heritage. It is incompatible with a safe climate, NSW's legislated emissions targets, the protection of threatened species, and the long-term interests of the people of NSW. --- 1. This Valley Belongs in a Protected Nature Reserve, Not an Open-Cut Coal Mine The beautiful valley targeted for this expansion should be protected as part of a single conservation landscape with the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve—one of the oldest conservation reserves in the state. Instead, Yancoal proposes to push mining to within just 100 metres of the reserve boundary, putting an area of exceptionally high biodiversity at immediate risk. At least 23 threatened species have been recorded in this area. There is simply no justification to disturb this significant landscape and ecosystem. This project creates no new jobs—Moolarben will continue operating until at least 2038 regardless—and all it does is permanently destroy biodiversity. This incredibly rich valley should never have been slated for mining and should instead be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. --- 2. Unacceptable and Irreversible Harm to Threatened Species and Ecosystems Yancoal's proposed expansion would cause serious and irreversible damage to nature, clearing irreplaceable native bush that cannot be offset. Among the most devastating impacts: · Koalas: The project would destroy 113 hectares of koala habitat where breeding koalas have been recorded, including in the middle of one of the proposed mine pits. This area is home to a genetically diverse and climate-resilient koala population that has survived drought and bushfires—precisely the population we should be protecting, not destroying. · Regent Honeyeaters: With only 250-350 individuals left in the wild, the clearing of 80 hectares of Regent Honeyeater habitat—where breeding females have been recorded on site—would be an act of active participation in their extinction. · Box Gum Woodland: Up to 401 hectares of the nationally endangered Box Gum Grassy Woodland ecosystem would be cleared. · Other threatened species: Impacts on the Broad-headed Snake, microbats, and numerous other species are expected to be severe. The NSW Environment Department has warned that the project could lead to long-term population declines and affect habitat critical to species survival. Despite this, noise and blasting impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve were poorly assessed, and Yancoal has refused to adopt a recommended 500-metre buffer to protect the reserve and its wildlife. --- 3. A Massive Climate Cost That Contradicts NSW Climate Goals The proposed OC3 extension would generate an estimated 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its life. To put that in perspective, this is equivalent to around 58% of NSW's total annual emissions. Approximately 99% of these emissions are downstream emissions from the burning of exported coal—yet the Department of Planning's assessment ignores the Denman Court of Appeal decision, which requires decision-makers to consider all emissions and the local climate impacts they cause. The assessment also ignores the clear findings of the Net Zero Commission that any further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the Paris Agreement. It fails to acknowledge that NSW is already off track to meet its 2030 and 2035 targets. The economic and social costs of these emissions remain unquantified and unaddressed by Yancoal. My community in the Blue Mountains knows the devastating reality of the climate crisis firsthand. We lived through the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires, which brought destruction to our doorsteps. As a serving RFS Advanced Firefighter since 2013, and an SES Field Operator since 1999 I work on the front lines of increasingly frequent and severe fires floods and storms. Approving new coal mines while our communities are still recovering from climate-fuelled disasters is the height of negligence. We cannot afford to lock in decades more climate pollution. --- 4. The Expansion Is Not Needed for Jobs or Regional Prosperity The proposed expansion cannot be justified on employment grounds or benefits to the local community. The Moolarben mine will continue operating until at least 2038 regardless of this expansion, and coal jobs in the region have remained unfilled for years. Yancoal's own job figures are unreliable, having recently sacked 225 workers at other Hunter mines. Meanwhile, Mudgee sits within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) , where renewable energy projects are expected to create around 2,000 new jobs over the next decade—offering clear alternative employment pathways. The region already boasts a diversified economy based on wine, tourism, and agriculture, all of which are threatened by coal dust, noise, and the region's association with fossil fuels. Yancoal has indicated that 65% of coal from Moolarben will go to China, 10% to South Korea, 10% to Taiwan, 5% to Thailand, 5% to Japan, and 5% to others. Given the forecasts of a decline in Australian thermal coal demand, particularly to China and South Korea, the economic argument is even weaker than Yancoal outlined in its May 2025 Resource Assessment. The expansion would deliver little economic benefit while imposing lasting environmental damage, making its costs far greater than any claimed public benefit. --- 5. Serious and Long-Lasting Risks to Groundwater and Creeks The project is expected to cause significant groundwater drawdown of 2–6 metres, potentially lasting up to 25 years after mining ceases. This places Moolarben Creek at serious risk as a critical drought refuge for wildlife. Independent experts have warned that groundwater-dependent ecosystems along the creek, including deep-rooted riparian trees, are likely to be affected by drawdown of up to 5 metres in the alluvium. These risks are compounded by Yancoal's failure to undertake adequate baseline water monitoring and its poor track record of complying with water monitoring requirements elsewhere in the mine complex. Yancoal is proposing an amendment to conduct 12 months of groundwater monitoring studies after approval, before commencing mining. This is inadequate: baseline groundwater monitoring studies should occur before a project is approved, not after. The recent, unpredicted highwall collapse at Open Cut 1—which threatened a public road—demonstrates that geotechnical and hydrological risks are being underestimated, jeopardizing public safety and environmental integrity. --- 6. The Expansion Will Irreversibly Harm Wiradjuri Cultural Heritage The project will destroy 55 irreplaceable Aboriginal cultural artefacts, with the potential to impact dozens more. All are considered to have high cultural value by the Registered Aboriginal Parties consulted on the proposal. This expansion contributes to the fracturing of the landscape and the cumulative degradation of Country from ongoing mining, undermining the Wiradjuri people's ability to practice culture, maintain connection to Country, and preserve sacred sites of immense and irreplaceable significance. The expansion also threatens the iconic sandstone gorge known as "The Drip"—a site of immense cultural significance to the Wiradjuri people and a popular tourist destination. Underground mining proposed within 200 metres of the riverbed threatens not only groundwater but the structural integrity of these culturally significant cliffs. --- 7. The Cumulative Impact Has Been Poorly Assessed There has been a grossly inadequate assessment of the cumulative impact of this proposed Moolarben expansion combined with the proposed expansions of neighbouring mines, including the Ulan Coal Mine Modification 6 and 8 and the Wilpinjong Coal Mine Modification 3. All these proposed expansions impact a similar set of threatened species, with Serious and Irreversible Impacts expected due to clearing and loss of habitat across a connected landscape. Together, these projects will impact an even larger area of similar landscape, connected water sources, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage values. The cumulative loss of habitat for koalas, Regent Honeyeaters, and other threatened species—combined with cumulative groundwater drawdown and cumulative emissions—has not been properly considered. This piecemeal assessment allows destruction to proceed incrementally while ignoring the broader collapse of ecosystem integrity across the region. --- Conclusion This project fails the test of climate credibility, ecological protection, cultural heritage respect, and common sense. It would: · Destroy critical habitat for koalas, Regent Honeyeaters, and countless other threatened species · Generate emissions equivalent to 58% of NSW's annual total · Push mining within 100 metres of a protected nature reserve · Cause groundwater drawdown lasting decades · Destroy irreplaceable Wiradjuri cultural heritage · Deliver minimal economic benefit while locking in long-term environmental damage The IPC must recommend refusal of the Moolarben OC3 expansion. We must draw a line in the sand: no new coal mines on Wiradjuri Country, no new coal mines anywhere in NSW, and a genuine commitment to a just transition toward the renewable energy future that already awaits in the Central West Orana REZ. Thank you for your consideration. Cr. Brent Hoare Blue Mountains City Council |
Jamie Harrison
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ID |
24301 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2031 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I am an electrical engineering student, writing to oppose the Moolarben Coal Complex’s extension, and the opening of new open cut pits in the Moolarben Valley. The proposed expansion would cause permanent harm to the local environment. The harm to the ecosystem of the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve would be irreversible. Coal demand is forecasted to decline. NSW has committed to reducing emissions, among many other countries which are moving away from coal. The residents of Western NSW will be saddled with a forever-changed natural landscape long after the state and the world moves on from coal. The damage done by clearing a rich ecosystem and destroying sites culturally significant to the Wiradjuri people cannot be undone. The loss of a long-standing and complex ecosystem cannot be “compensated” by adding more green space elsewhere. The short-term benefit impoverishes future generations in Western NSW: we should be investing in and building a future for all families in this region rather destroying its history and borrowing against the next generation. |
Johanna Lynch
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ID |
24306 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2303 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I am a lifelong resident of Newcastle, an environmentalist and a young adult with serious concerns about the future of the Hunter if we fail to seize opportunities to economically diversify our region, support its skilled workforce to transition into the renewable and other alternative sectors, and halt new and expanded mining projects. I object to the Moolarben expansion proposal on the grounds of intergenerational equity, environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation and regional economic justice for the Hunter region and beyond. The expansion proposal if approved would have adverse and destructive impacts on the climate, biodiversity, water and air quality, Indigenous cultural heritage and the local community of Mudgee. Even if this or other individual expansions are approved, it won't necessarily secure the future work of those currently employed in the mining sector in the Hunter, and it will come at great cost the region; destroying precious and irreplaceable biodiversity and unique ecosystems including vegetation, waterways and terrain which support critically endangered species, and Indigenous cultural heritage. The expansion, if approved would further pollute the climate and exacerbate the trends of more extreme disasters, at a time when people in the Hunter, Newcastle and across Australia are subjected to the rising costs of insurance and essential goods due to more frequent disasters, and facing more extreme and damaging flooding, storms and heatwaves themselves too. Hunter workers need support now from industry and government to plan so we can make a collective decision to transition away from fossil fuels and ensure the climate, economy and environment we inhabit now, and that which we leave our children and future generations, is functional. |
Janne Seletto
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ID |
24311 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2095 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I am strongly opposed to the expansion of the Moolarben coal mine near Mudgee. We are already experiencing the effect of climate change. It is bad enough with the carbon fuel mines that we have, please do not open any new ones. Coal mines are incredibly destructive to the environment and threaten animal and plant species and water sources. Mudgee is a beautiful area with vineyards, quaint towns and beautiful countryside. It has huge additional tourist potential. A transition away from coal mining work should be provided for the Mudgee community and here we have the tourist industry as well as alternative energy sources – clean energy - that could absorb potential coal mine workers if there was a purposeful government approach. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
24316 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2515 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I am writing to formally object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project (Reference: SSD-33083358) on Waradjuri Country. This is on the grounds of its irreversible devastating impact on the Environment, Community, Culture and Climate Change. Critically, Yancoal’s proposed amendments not only disrupt the community consultation process, but do not reduce clearing of native vegetation and still have dire consequences on biodiversity. Notably the proposed off-site “habitat enhancement” is an unconvincing and unacceptable green-wash for a project and site of this scale. The amendments will not lessen the serious impacts on threatened species and ecosystems in that specific valley. If Yancoal, NSW’s largest mining conglomerate really wants to ‘off-set’ its plans and operations, it needs to be an undeniable leader in ethical innovations that do not further cost Australia its biodiversity and local communities and economies. My focus here on the guaranteed loss of critical habitat for already threatened species, but that does not diminish my utmost concerns for the surrounding communities, significance for Aboriginal culture, risks to water, Co2 emissions and climate change. I note that 23 species including a unique Koala population, with confirmed breeding sites are threatened by the proposal to: • Clear 480 hectares of native vegetation, including: o 113 hectares of Koala habitat – our nationally celebrated marsupials thrive in unique populations reliant on that unique area gum habitats and food sources. They are unlikely to survive even if relocated. o 401 hectares of nationally endangered Box Gum Woodland ecosystem. o 80 hectares of Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. • Mine within 100m of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with inadequate assessment of impact on that area by mining operations Conclusion For these reasons, I urge decision-makers to reject the proposed expansion and instead: • invest in sustainable industries • incorporate the area under consideration into the adjoining Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve so that it is not further considered for mining. We must protect Australia’s world-renowned and unique fauna and flora and overall environment, ensure thriving local communities, and align with climate goals, so generations to come can enjoy and advance Australia fair, ethically and sustainably. Care for Country, do not deprive it. The world is looking in. Yours faithfully, |
Carina Griffin
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ID |
24321 |
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Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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Submission in attached file. |
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Carina Griffin Submission_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 21.43 KB) |
Name Redacted
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ID |
24326 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2204 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
See attached pdf |
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Attachments |
MoolarbenOpenCut3Explansion.pdf (PDF, 108.12 KB) |
Name Redacted
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ID |
24331 |
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Redacted |
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17/02/2026 |
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Hello, I object to the OC3 Extension Project for Moolarben Coal Complex due to the unacceptable destruction of Koala and Regent Honeyeater breeding and feeding habitat, the green house gases the mine will produce during operation, the use of water by the mine and negative impact this will have on water availability in Moolarben Creek especially being an essential drought refuge for native wildlife and the destruction of Wiradjuri landscapes and sacred sites, along with the poor economical viability of continuing the mine. Yours sincerely, (Redacted) |
John Wurcker
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ID |
24336 |
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Location |
Australian Capital Territory 2605 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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I was born and grew up on a farm near Merriwa - not far from the proposed development and still have strong links to the area. Australia has sufficient coal from current mines to supply all its domestic needs and to satisfy our overseas customers - especially if they reduce their emissions as fast as needed to stave off a climate emergency. We don't need this additional coal production - in fact Australia should be showing the lead globally and not approve any more new or expanded coal protects. In relation to this particular proposed development, it should also not go ahead based on the damage it would cause to native habitat, water resources and First Nation cultural sites. |
Janice Haviland
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ID |
24341 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2085 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Dear Independent Planning Commission, I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. The current Moolarben coal operation is already NSW’s biggest producing coal mine. The project is now before the NSW Independent Planning Commission, the body that will decide whether NSW’s biggest producing coal mine is allowed to expand even further. I live in Sydney and I am aware of the coal- based ventures that the state government has approved since 2023- most are existing coal mines that want approval to expand. I call on the Independent Planning Commission the decision maker on this expansion to reject the Moolarben OC3 expansion. This destructive coal expansion must not go ahead. Even the NSW Government for the first time has not approved this project. I am strongly opposed to the Moolarben OC3 expansion. I have multiple reasons based on the negative impacts to nature, water and air pollution, increased carbon emissions that make climate change worse and natural disasters and the impacts to the local communities. • Nature The direct and immediate impact if this proposal is approved would clear 113 hectares of koala habitat, where successful breeding of koalas on site has been recorded. Additionally it would destroy as well 80 hectares of Regent Honeyeater habitat, also with breeding females recorded on site also. Microbat habitat would also be impacted. Mining itself would occur only within 100 metres of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, an important conservation area that must be protected. The proponent Yancoal has not considered the ramifications for nature properly instead minimising it, and its mitigation measures are insufficient to effectively save species decline. This coal mine expansion would also destroy habitat of the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. Birds Australia has identified this area as extremely important for bird life, as it is in very good condition and can support the Regent Honeyeater. With less than 250 in the wild and all the conservation efforts to date to increase its chances of survival in the wild, destroying this bird’s habitat of endangered Box Gum Woodland would be the wrong choice. 624 hectares of endangered woodland Box Gum Woodland ecosystem. If approved, the Moolarben OC3 expansion would have a total disturbance area of 675 ha at risk from clearing and mining activities. This is huge! This mining expansion will be between the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and the Goulburn River National Park. These conservation areas are set aside to support critically endangered species like the Regent Honeyeater and endangered species like the Koala. A Biodiversity Assessment Report has also identified that this is a highly successful significant area for biodiversity with species such as the Pink- Tailed Legless Lizard, Large-Eared Pied Bat, Mased Owl, Powerful Owl, Squirrel Glider, and the Broad Headed Snake. I strongly urge IPC to prioritise nature and protect these conservation areas that support threatened species already struggling to survive. They have a dwindling habitat already and approving this coal expansion to destroy even more habitat will accelerate their path to extinction. Communities and the broader public have serious ongoing concerns regarding the resilience of nature that is being constantly tested to accommodate destructive projects at a cost to their survival. This is causing a decided rift between the government and the people. With carbon emissions increasing causing more natural disasters that affect wildlife with more and severe flooding and bushfires, as well as ongoing native forest logging and deforestation clearing still continuing, native animals in NSW and indeed Australia are doing it tough. As the Moolarben OC3 is already NSW’s biggest producing coal mine and despite this still wants to expand further, more of species precious irreplaceable habitat WILL be destroyed and native wildlife in NSW will decline further. I strongly urge the IPC to prioritise nature over this coal expansion that has already negatively impacted our climate, species habitat and their survival ability and local communities’ lives. • Carbon Emissions Over the life of the OC3 mine extension an additional 64.6 million tonnes of climate pollution will be produced at a time when NSW is already is failing to meet its legislated climate targets, and communities here in NSW and across the world are facing climate-fuelled disasters. This would represent the wrong decision by the NSW Government who should be protecting people, our climate and our environment. The NSW government cannot afford to approve any new coal mines and expansions. This project is clearly inconsistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement and the NSW Government’s Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023. NSW is not on track to meet GHG targets: on 23 April 2024, the NSW Minister for Climate Change advised that NSW is not on track to meet legislated climate targets for 2030 and 2035. With abatement “as currently tracking”, the NSW government projects that NSW will achieve only a 44% reduction by 2030 and 65% by 2035. This is well short of both the 50% by 2030 and 70% by 2035 legislated targets. The Climate Risk Group in their submission to the NSW Parliament’s Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Bill 2023 inquiry - warned that NSW is in the top 5% of states most at risk from extreme weather and climate change globally. Given: a) that NSW is not on track to meet GHG targets; b) that NSW is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change; c) that approval of Moolarben is not in the public interest and not aligned with Paris Agreement goals or the principles of the Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023, the project should be rejected. • Local Community Strong public opposition already exists right now in the region and the local government area of this coal mine. Stubbornly Yancoal has not listened to the ongoing concerns of the local community. They have already been vocal over many years concerning the irreparable damage this current project has already caused their local area. Wollar and the Mudgee region, locals have spent over two decades resisting the devastating impacts of coal mining. Three coal mines exist near Mudgee and Wollar, with a focus on the Moolarben coal mine – NSW's largest producing coal mine – and the serious threat posed by its proposed expansion. • Climate Change I am greatly concerned about the biodiversity and climate crisis in NSW. All these coal projects cumulatively contribute to increased carbon emissions that make a mockery out of NSW’s emissions climate targets. As of May 2025 the NSW Minns Government had already approved six coal mine expansion projects since coming to power in March 2023. These approved projects when combined would be responsible for an estimated 340 million tonnes of climate pollution (lifetime), more than THREE times TOTAL annual emissions from ALL sources. With all these expansions, cumulatively vast tracts of habitat is being cleared and destroyed, breaking up wildlife corridors and adding additional stress onto species survival. The mining of coal is supercharging the climate crisis and worsening catastrophic weather events like the flooding in recent years that has devastated communities in northern NSW as well as bushfires. This coal that is dug up in this area by Yancol has international ramifications. Moolarben is the largest producing coal mine in NSW and is also responsible for almost 10% of saleable coal in NSW. Coal is the single most contributor to the climate crisis. This is our best opportunity in NSW to stop climate change because our state has been heavily invested in coal and coal expansion over the last few years. Climate change MUST be addressed to save our planet from severe national natural disasters. As of August 2025 there were 18 new coal projects or expansions in NSW. When does this carnage to our environment, to our climate stop? When do we stop investing in fossil fuel? We all have a stake in the fight for climate justice because if we lose this fight the consequences will affect us all into the future! The mining of coal is supercharging the climate crisis and worsening catastrophic weather events like the flooding that has devastated communities. The sixth coal-mine expansion in 2025 (Tahmoor) was approved by the Minns Labor government despite the Net Zero Commission warning that NSW is not on track to meet any of its legislated climate targets and that coal expansions are a key reason why. So we cannot just look at one project and consider separately its negative impact on climate and nature. These negative impacts are cumulative across NSW. • Air Pollution and Water Pollution Constant coal dust affects health of nature and communities. Those with upper respiratory diseases will be affected. It cannot be allowed to go ahead. Dust, smells, vibration and noise and lighting at night time. These large trucks operate at night time. Farming families that used to live close by to the coal mine have been driven out of their homes because of noise pollution. Families experienced trauma. This expansion will affect detrimentally species habitat for the worse. Constant blasting in itself can be frightening for these animals. Constant transport vehicles and large trucks moving through the adjacent area will affect species habitat. The tranquillity and peace of a natural environment will disappear. Their once pristine protected environment will disappear and with it these animals. This is NOT acceptable. These animals are being edged out and are losing their habitat to big companies who exploit our natural resources to sell to overseas countries. This has negatively impacted native wildlife and people. Please DO NOT approve this expansion. Protect the wildlife and their habitat and the communities’ homes. Yancol will need water and will take from local water supplies and river systems that will result in further degradation of the environment that will further affect animals. Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. This could mean that groundwater drawdown up to and exceeding 2 metre to 6metres every year for up to 25 years post mining. This will have a severe detrimental effect on the survival long term of all wildlife in the area. • Social Impacts Yancoal‘s past actions are indicative of a company that does not care for the environment and nature but also the local community that has negatively impacted the village area of Wollar. Save Wollar Action group has been organised because people- the local community- care about what has happened to their community/town because of Yancoal’s actions. We should all care and so should our decision- makers. The village area of Wollar near Mudgee and its original ambience and tranquillity has been disturbed. Farms have been bought out and people and native wildlife will be further affected if this proposal is approved with increased mine blasting, dust, smells, vibration and noise and night time lighting will be ongoing. Large trucks will operate at night time also Conclusion If approved, the Moolarben OC3 expansion would clear 113 hectares of koala habitat, where breeding has been recorded, destroy Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat, and bring mining within 100 metres of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. It would add an estimated 64 million tonnes of climate pollution — at a time when NSW is already failing to meet its legislated climate targets, and communities here in NSW and across the world are facing climate-fuelled disasters. Social impacts, water and groundwater risks are all important considerations. I strongly oppose this project for the above reasons Thankyou Janice Haviland |
Name Redacted
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ID |
24346 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2852 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Submission |
My name is (Redacted) and I have lived within the Mid Western Regional Council area Central Tablelands/Central West NSW since 2012 and have been a permanent resident of Gulgong since 2018. The unnecessary extension of MOC 3 will permanently destroy 113 hectares of existing breeding koala habitat and cause distress and displacement of koalas within that habitat. This expansion will also see the destruction of habitat for the endangered Regent Honeyeater and Microbats. I strongly oppose the proposed encroachment on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve sought by Yancoal for MOC3. No mine should be permitted to expand nor encroach/operate within 100 m of a pristine significant Nature Reserve. This mine already has a guaranteed operating life expectancy to 2038 therefore does not need this unnecessary expansion to further destroy critical wildlife habitat and leave ugly long lasting scars on our fragile environment. This submission is a voice for our beautiful unique wildlife and the fragile but beautiful environment they choose to call home. We must fight for their survival. |
Catherine Reynolds
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ID |
23381 |
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Date |
17/02/2026 |
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Attachments |
Yancoal Moolarben Reynolds_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 242.32 KB) |
Rex Graham
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ID |
25091 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2500 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Dear IPC, The International Energy Agency has said that there must be no new coal, gas and oil mining given the terrible suffering that is currently happening across the world due to carbon emission fuelling global warming. The highly damaging bushfires in January in Victoria is one of the most recent cases. For the NSW government to be giving the OK for coal expansion projects like Yancoal’s Moolarben coal mine near Mudgee, at the same time as saying it is looking to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 is so dumb and irrational as to be laughable. Unfortunately, it is not a laughing matter but rather a deadly serious issue of the future of human and other life on the planet, as it heats to unbearable levels. A group of 6-year-olds, if they were told that bushfires burn down houses and kill livestock and ruin forests and crops, could readily understand why we have fire brigades to combat bushfires. If the 6 year olds were then told that as well as sending out fire trucks to put the fires out, adults also think it a good idea that other trucks be sent out with flame throwers to start more fires, the youngsters would be incredulous and likely highly distressed, and agitated, at such irrational and perverse behaviour by adults. I call upon the IPC hearing to disallow the utterly dumb and perverse action on the part of Yancoal in its plans to expand its coal production at Moolarben. In this way the NSW government will be acting consistently with its many other commendable measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Regards, Rex Graham |
Jepke Goudsmit
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ID |
25096 |
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16/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission, I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in all of our states, due to the climate impacts being felt across the regions. We are seeing extreme heatwaves, floods, storms, and changes in weather patterns, all related to the onset of climate change. Communities across NSW are facing diree struggles. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I fear that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. My fears particularly relate to: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, Jepke Goudsmit |
Gloria Foxley PhD
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ID |
25101 |
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16/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country for two reasons: (1) Scientific evidence is strong that coal mining and burning are major sources of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter which contribute to smog and adverse health outcomes (2) The negative impacts of a coal mine on the local environment can be significant. Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion is in close proximity to the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. There is no guarantee of zero impact to wildlife habitats in this reserve from acoustic disturbance and corridor fragmentation, with consequences on breeding and survival of countless species here. The proposed buffer zones are a far cry from anything that will preserve biodiversity in this area as its stands today. I strongly urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the proposal for Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Cheers. Gloria |
Wayne Lavers
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ID |
25106 |
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16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
My name is Wayne Lavers and I’m 70 years of age. I live in the Weddin Shire on a 300 acre property that has been managed with environmental sustainability as my main concern for the last 25 years and is to be under ongoing environmental protection in perpetuity. I first read about human induced climate change in the early 1980s and realised immediately that it was already happening at that time. Scientists were already realising the impact of releasing stored and secure carbon in the form of coal emissions into the earths atmosphere and what the impact will be in the future. We are now living that future in the form of more volatile weather events. These events are impacting, not only on human lifestyles but natural environments, native species, biodiverse communities and therefore all living species around the planet. Australia is already successfully made the transition to sustainable energy, which has now overtaken fossil fuels as the cheapest form of energy. Humanity doesn’t need more coal and opening more coal mines is nothing more than a last minute cash grab to line the pockets of greedy company shareholders. It is humanity and therefore all levels of government, local, state and federal who have their hands on the controls that will seal the fate of all future generations of all future species. Do we want our grandchildren and great grandchildren to see the world that we have known? Or are we content to burn their future for our short term gratification? The Moolarben expansion does not need to proceed. Sincerely Wayne Lavers |
S Whare
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ID |
25111 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Sirs, I strongly object to this proposal for the following reasons, Koalas have been recorded in and around the proposed mine site; they are now considered endangered in NSW and therefore all koala habitat is essential to their survival The mine will also clear habitat for multiple threatened wildlife species ( large eared pied bay, eastern cave bag, regent honeyeater, broad headed snake, squirrel glider) as well as 401 hectares of the nationally endangered Box Gum Woodland. The department agency said there should be at least a 500m buffer from Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve to better protect those species, but the mining company refused this suggestion. Biodiversity offsets are deeply flawed and simply justify habitat destruction when in fact, impacts on native vegetation must be avoided if we are to avoid Further, DPHI in their assessment report has ignored a key finding of the Net Zero Commission in its Coal Mine Emissions Spotlight Report released in December - that any further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act. They do not make any reference to Finding 4, which states that “Continued extensions or expansions to coal mining in NSW are not consistent with the emissions reduction targets in the Climate Change Act or the Paris Agreement temperature goals it gives effect to”. The project will produce an estimated 64.6Mt of total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions - which is equivalent to 58% of total annual emissions from all sources in NSW. As the NZC has stated, any such emissions are not consistent with NSW climate change targets or the Paris temperature goals. The assessment report also fails to mention that the NSW Government is not on track to achieve either the 2030 or 2035 emissions reduction targets. The proponent has also failed to apply the Court of Appeal decision in the Denman case, which found that the local environmental, social and economic impacts of climate change, including downstream greenhouse gas emissions, need to be considered by decision makers. It’s impossible for the decision maker to consider those matters for the Moolarben expansion, because there has been no attempt to quantify the full economic costs of downstream emissions to NSW and the locality, even though they make up 99% of all emissions from the project. A further objection considers the destruction of 55 cultural artefacts, including two shelters, one of which contains grinding grooves. The CHCP recommended protection of that site, but the mining company refused. The cumulative impacts of this proposal in terms of other current and proposed coal mines in the Mudgee region has not been assessed. Both the Ulan and Wilpinjong coal mines also have major expansions proposed, and collectively the three existing coal mines and all their proposed expansions have enormous impacts on biodiversity, water, cultural heritage and our climate. There are numerous alternative job opportunities available in the region because Mudgee is part of the Central West Renewable Energy Zone and there is a boom in jobs available in renewable projects, with close to 2,000 new jobs predicted over the next decade. Further, the existing Moolarben coal complex will continue to operate until 2038 regardless of whether this expansion goes ahead or not. I therefore strongly urge you to refuse this proposal, Yours faithfully, Mrs S Whare Sent from my iPad |
Patrick Li
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ID |
25116 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Dear IPCN NSW It has been reported that the Yancoal coal project has bypassed your consultation procedure in an effort to ramp up the Moolarben coal project. This would unleash more climate pollution and biodiversity loss at the same time, rendering the planet uninhabitable sooner. It would drain lots of drinking water, making the water more expensive than necessary. It also ruins first nations culture, particularly the ancient arts that have been untouched for tens of thousands of years. The Aboriginal culture must stand the test of our modern settlements in order to build climate justice. This means executing the responsibility of sharing the land with the people thoughtfully and not steal and exploit resources far beyond what is already necessary. Unfortunately however, the planet has already breached its 1.5*C climate limit according to climate scientists, making it more than urgent to aggressively cut carbon emissions. For these reasons, the Moolarben coal project MUSTN'T go ahead REGARDLESS of excuse. The good news from the climate council is that renewable energy now supplies over 50% of the total energy demand, particularly in South Australia when the state nears its 100% renewable energy declaration. It doesn't have to be dirty elsewhere. In fact, coal must be phased out as soon as possible if we want to increase our chances of climate survival in the future. Moreover, the Voices of the Valley have very rich stories featuring a short film documentary of Wollar in the Mudgee region directed by Jess Nipperess and Manjot who was one of the activist leader of School Strike 4 Climate, a movement which raises concerns about the high temperature of our planet coupled with extreme weather and atmospheric and environmental pollution threatening the balance of our ecosystem. Because the truth is, they depend on us as much as we depend on them for equal survival. Our Earth doesn't have to be as hot as a boiling kettle. With rapid cuts to carbon emissions, investment in renewable energy and resisting tempting projects such as the Moolarben coal mine would greatly do both your future generations and the planet a big favour. Sincerely |
Cath Ireland
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ID |
25121 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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I am a 69 year old who is retired, working at a community nursery after working for 34 years for the National Parks and Wildlife Service. I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in our states, due to the climate impacts. As a 9 year old, I learnt that the hottest place in Australia was 50 degrees, at Marble Bar, WA. Imagine my dismay in 2019 when Macksville in NSW registered 49 degrees! There are more and more climate emergencies, with ever increasing insurance costs. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee . This project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected due to the following: : • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife This is already a very large coal mine, and this expansion would add.some 64 million tonnes of CO2 to our atmosphere. This expansion is not needed for work as mine jobs remain unfilled for long periods already. Why ruin this special area to simply add to climate stress? Thank you for the opportunity to comment Cath Ireland OAM |
Isabelle Turpin
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ID |
25126 |
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16/02/2026 |
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To whom it may concern, My name is Isabelle Turpin, a very passionate environmentalist who cares deeply about the future of our planet. I am writing to you today to object the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mine Extension project, Project number SSD- 33083358. If you have been to areas proposed to get deforested, you would know how precious and sacred the land is there. Not only culturally significant, but also ecologically significant. There are threatened wildlife living in the habitat proposed to get cleared, including Koalas, the Regent Honey eater, eastern Cave Bat, Large-eared Pied Bat, Squirrel Glider and more. There are significant sandstone cliffs and rocky habitats along the boundary of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve that serve as crucial environments, particularly for various bat species. Blasting activities and excessive noise pose serious threats to these sensitive populations. The department advised that a minimum buffer of 500 meters be maintained between the mining operations and the reserve to ensure better protection of these species. However, the mining company declined to adopt this recommendation. Biodiversity offsets are fundamentally flawed, as they often serve to legitimize habitat destruction. True conservation requires avoiding impacts on native vegetation altogether if we are to prevent further species extinction. Please, myself and so many other devasted citizens desperately urge you to object this expansion. Our precious bush here in Australia is irreplaceable and invaluable. We cannot afford to lose any more of it. If more mines all around Australia keep getting approved for expansions, we will have no bush left. No national parks, no thriving ecosystems and habitat for our native fauna. This next step from your end is crucial, and we are relying on your compassion to object the destruction that this expansion will bring. Thank you you, Isabelle Turpin |
Louise Taylor
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ID |
22356 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2449 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Dear Independent Planning Commission members, Thank you for the opportunity to make a submission regarding the above-mentioned proposed expansion. Have you noticed how hot summers are these days? Extreme heat for more days in Australia and around the world coupled with fires, floods, landslides, even more damaging hurricanes and typhoons. Climate change is well underway with more persons, communities and other species suffering from its impacts. I avoid going out on the hot days because of the heat and the strong UV rays. I observe the trees and other plants wilting, with some dying and others barely surviving. I worry about fire risk all the time. My heart goes out to all the communities in Victoria where this summer hundreds of homes and other structures were burnt to the ground. There has been limited reporting on wildlife and livestock killed and injured but the numbers must be very substantial given the huge area burnt and the speed with which the fires moved. I strongly oppose Yancoal's proposed expansion and urge you to reject this project. In addition to the proposed expansion exacerbating climate change, it would mean yet more clearcutting of native vegetation, which is home to koalas, gliders, Regent Honeyeaters, micro bats, etc. 23 threatened species could lose their habitat with the clearcutting of 480 hectares for the proposed expansion. The NSW Environment Department warns that the project could lead to long-term population declines and affect habitat critical to species survival. This incredibly rich valley should never be up for mining and should be incorporated into the nearby Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. Water is life, especially on the driest continent on earth. The project is expected to cause significant groundwater drawdown of 2–6 metres, which could last for up to 25 years after mining. This places Moolarben Creek at serious risk as a critical drought refuge for wildlife. Independent experts have warned that groundwater-dependent ecosystems along the creek, including deep-rooted riparian trees, are likely to be affected by drawdown of up to 5 metres in the alluvium. Yancoal has failed to undertake adequate baseline water monitoring and has a poor track record of complying with water monitoring requirements elsewhere in its existing mine operations. It is unacceptable for Yancoal to propose an amendment to conduct 12 months of groundwater monitoring studies before they commence mining: baseline groundwater monitoring studies should conducted as part of the assessment process. It is equally unacceptable that this proposed expansion would result in the destruction of 55 irreplaceable Aboriginal cultural artefacts as well as others which have not yet been uncovered. It is beyond time that Australia respect and protect this priceless culture. In 2026 as climate change and biodiversity loss become ever more acute, it is incumbent on the IPC to reject this submission, which is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. Thank you for rejecting this proposed expansion. Greetings, Louise Taylor |
Catherine Desjarlais
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ID |
22361 |
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16/02/2026 |
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Hi! Please stop Moolarben from happening because of the impact’! Sent from my iPhone |
Richard Stuart
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ID |
22381 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2430 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to strongly oppose the proposed extension to the Moolarben Coal mine. I am not going to bore you with lots of words. My resason for objecting is quite simple..... IN THIS TIME WHERE THE WORLD IS (IN GENERAL) TRYING TO REDUCE RELIANCE ON COAL, WE DO NOT NEED ANY NEW OR EXTENDED COAL MINES. regards Richard Stuart |
Dr Nicola Ross
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ID |
22391 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2303 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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To the Independent Planning Commission, I am happy to have my name and details published on your website. My name is Dr Nicola Ross. I am a retired 66 year old Honorary Associate Professor of Law from Hamilton in Newcastle. I am deeply concerned about the environment including the threats caused by expansion of coal mining in our states, which are contributing to climate impacts being felt in my area. Our home in Hamilton now regularly experiences flooding. More frequent and hotter heatwaves are increasingly hard on the health of myself and my 70 year old husband. We are very concerned about the world we are leaving behind for our sons and future grandchildren. Our energy bills are going up due to the added cost of air conditioning, and I know communities across NSW are facing the same struggles. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend thatthe Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. The minor amendments proposed by Yancoal do not reduce clearing of native vegetation, are far too late to be considered and do not prevent the proposed expansion having severe impacts on biodiversity. Thank you for considering my submission. Please acknowledge this objection has been received as I have not been able to submit successfully to your portal. Dr Nicola Ross |
Sharon Northage
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ID |
22406 |
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16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To whom it concerns, Dear sir/madam, I'm writing to express my profound opposition to the expansion of the Moolarben coal mine. We continue to tear up precious country at an alarming rate, contaminating air and water and ensuring the continuation of the accelerating climate catastrophe. Australia is becoming an international laughing stock for its double standards- going on about working towards net zero while continuing to approve more coal mining and gas exploration. It's a moot point making a plea for the wildlife that will be impacted, because who cares? No one, it seems. If jobs are the only consideration - find jobs elsewhere! Retrain! Please don't go ahead with this monstrous idea. Sincerely, Sharon Northage |
Ruth Ferrington
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ID |
22421 |
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16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Please find attached my submission objecting to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 Coal Mine Extension Project (SSD-33083358). Thank you |
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Attachments |
Moorlarben submission Feb 2026.pdf (PDF, 66.42 KB) |
David Hufton
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ID |
22431 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2508 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
My submission is attached Thankyou David Hufton |
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Attachments |
To the Independent Planning Commission Mollarben Mine Submission David Hufton 16 Feb 2026_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 125.4 KB) |
Nathalie Paul
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ID |
22436 |
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Location |
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16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Make it clear that you are making a submission OBJECTING to the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mine Extension Project, Project Number SSD-33083358. Nathalie Paul Sent from my iPhone |
Seo Hee Choi
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ID |
22441 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2508 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
From Seo Hee Choi Health Care Worker. |
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Attachments |
22441 - Seo Hee Choi_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 136.24 KB) |
Megan Quinn
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ID |
22451 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2016 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Dear Independent Planning Commission, I am writing to make clear my objection to the above project. I have visited the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and surrounds and found it to be a fascinating, rare and valuable remnant of bushland which I intend to take my granddaughter to visit when she is a bit older. Given the species it supports and its role as wildlife sanctuary in times of drought and bushfire, the area should be protected in its entirety. I understand there are also many ancient cultural sites that would be destroyed by further expansion of the Yancoal mine. Australia's ancient history of human habitation holds a significance for humanity which this country is yet to appreciate. That doesn't mean we can't start valuing it in the same way that sites such as Chauvet, Altamira and El Castillo are valued. I wonder what would be the response if Yancoal proposed to mine those sites. It would be great to see some consistency in the effort to maintain what's left of our koala population. You have the chance to do that here. You also have the chance to preserve some of the dwindling habitat for gang gang, Regent honeyeaters and threatened bats. This is a no-brainer. Please tell Yancoal to get lost, they are not wanted here. Yours sincerely, Megan Quinn |
David O'Connell
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ID |
22456 |
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Location |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
thank you |
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Attachments |
Submission_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 97.05 KB) |
David Croft
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ID |
22461 |
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Location |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
My name is David Croft. I am a veterinarian from (redacted), and I am writing to strongly object to the proposed Moolarben OC3 coal expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. As a veterinarian, I see firsthand the impact habitat destruction, climate change and environmental degradation have on animals and ecosystems. I care deeply about protecting biodiversity and preventing further irreversible harm to Australia’s wildlife. The Moolarben expansion represents exactly the kind of damage we should be preventing — not approving. The proposal would clear approximately 480 hectares of native vegetation and push mining to within 100 metres of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. At least 23 threatened species have been recorded in the area, including breeding koalas and Regent Honeyeaters. The project would destroy 113 hectares of koala habitat and up to 401 hectares of endangered Box Gum Woodland. These losses cannot be meaningfully offset. The expansion would also generate an estimated 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, undermining NSW’s obligations under the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the Paris Agreement. Approving new coal infrastructure during a climate crisis is inconsistent with both science and public interest. Serious risks to groundwater, Moolarben Creek and Wiradjuri cultural heritage have not been adequately addressed. Baseline water monitoring should occur before approval, not after. The destruction of Aboriginal cultural artefacts and continued fragmentation of Country is unacceptable. Importantly, this expansion is not necessary for jobs or regional prosperity. The mine will continue operating regardless, while renewable energy developments in the region offer far more sustainable employment pathways. This extraordinary landscape should be protected and incorporated into a broader conservation corridor with Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve — not sacrificed for short-term export coal profits. For the sake of wildlife, climate stability, water security and cultural heritage, I respectfully urge the Commission to refuse this proposal. David Croft BVSc |
Judith Walker
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ID |
22471 |
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16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Members The Independent Planning Commission, My name is Judith Walker. I live in a suburb of (redacted) next to the Royal National Park. I appreciate the importance of our natural environment for physical and mental health, as do the many visitors to this area. I am writing to object to the Moolarben Coal Complex oc3, open cut pit extension and the development of four new open cut pits in the Moolarben Valley. The environmental impacts of these projects are not acceptable. The clearing of bush required will clear Koala habitat where healthy koalas are breeding. Local extinctions have occurred due to clearing and fragmentation of eucalypt woodlands and forests. The Koala was declared endangered in NSW in 2022. A NSW Legislative Council Committee stated that without urgent government intervention, koalas would become extinct in NSW before 2050. The Great Koala National Park was an election promise in 2023. Yet here we are in 2026 and the NSW government has not yet developed the management plan for the Great Koala National Park promised to deal with the crisis. More needs to be done if we are to save our koalas from the dangers of the disease chlamydiosis. We stand far more chance if we have separated populations. It would be a crime to allow this healthy population of koalas to be destroyed by allowing this project to go ahead. The Moolarben Open Cut oc3 Extension will clear land where there are breeding Regent Honeyeaters. Birdlife Australia reports that there is estimated to be between 250 to 300 of these birds in the wild. This is a critically endangered species. Birdlife Australia’s Recovery Team with the help of citizen scientists are thrilled to report in 2024 that their efforts are having positive effects. The Regent Honeyeater is found in eucalypt forests and woodlands. They are badly affected by land-clearing, with the clearance of nectar-producing trees and the poor health of many remnants, as well as competition for nectar from other honeyeaters. Therefore vague statements by Yancoal about offsets are totally unsatisfactory. The Moolarben Coal Mine is a thermal coal mine. This is the easiest coal to replace with renewable energy. Increased greenhouse gas emissions will result from the coal mined if the Moolarben extensions are approved. These emissions drive climate change throughout the world, which means extreme weather conditions. Australia’s coal burnt in China, Japan or India contributes to the climate change that affects our weather conditions in Australia. Extreme weather conditions lead to heatwaves, bushfires, floods. These have economic consequences for Australia, as well as for the rest of the world. NSW must meet its legislated climate targets. Refusing this application is one important step along the way. The existing mine will operate until 2038. There is no argument for serious effects on local employment. Renewable energy projects can fill the gap in employment by this time. I see it as vital that the Independent Planning Committee does not support the approval of the Moolarben oc3 Coal Mining Extension Project. Sincerely, Judith Walker (redacted). NSW 2230 |
Camille Clinton
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ID |
22476 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I would like to voice my concern and disapproval of the extension of this mine. Many of my concerns have already been raised but I will add my name to these in the hope that common sense will prevail and this mine will be closed. To name a few: 1. The critical survival of our native Koalas. At risk due to habitat destruction and the knock on affect of this. 2. The pollution and emissions that this mine has and will continue to have will have on the environment 3. The close vicinity that this mine has on the Munghorn Gap nature Reserve and the imminent impact it will have on the Reserve. The survival of one of Australia's most iconic , and endangered species must be paramount, not only for now but for the environmental future of Australia and the world. Please consider the long term ramifications of this mine if i is allowed to be extended. With Regards Camille Clinton |
Anne Ammann
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ID |
22481 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2786 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Re: Objection to Moolarben Open Cut 3 (OC3) Extension To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is Anne Ammann and I am writing to object to the proposed Moolarben Open Cut 3 coal mine extension on Wiradjuri Country in the Mid-Western region of New South Wales. 1. Nature, Recreation and Tourism Values The bushland landscapes surrounding the Moolarben mine, including areas near Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and the broader western ranges of New South Wales, hold significant environmental, recreational and social value. I, together with family, friends and organised bushwalking groups from Sydney and surrounding regions, regularly visit this area for bushwalking, birdwatching, wildlife observation and exploration of native plant communities. Many outdoor and conservation groups use the region in similar ways. These activities support local economies through accommodation, hospitality and tourism services in surrounding towns, providing ongoing economic value that depends on the preservation of natural landscapes. Access to intact natural environments is also increasingly recognised as contributing to mental health, physical wellbeing and community resilience. In my own experience, involvement in bushwalking groups and living in bushland earlier in life played an important role in supporting my mental wellbeing. Now in retirement, bushwalking remains central to my health and quality of life. This reflects a broader community reliance on accessible natural environments for wellbeing and social connection. The permanent industrialisation or fragmentation of these landscapes would diminish not only biodiversity but also their long-term recreational, tourism and social value. The principle of intergenerational equity requires that future generations retain access to healthy, functioning natural environments. Expansion of coal mining in this location would reduce those opportunities. 2. Environmental and Biodiversity Impacts The proposed extension would involve substantial clearing of native vegetation, including habitat supporting threatened species such as koalas and Regent Honeyeaters. Habitat loss and fragmentation adjacent to protected areas, including Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, risk long-term ecological decline and reduced landscape connectivity. Biodiversity offsets cannot fully replace mature woodland ecosystems or the ecological complexity developed over long timeframes. Once disturbed by open-cut mining, these environments cannot be restored to their original condition within meaningful ecological timescales. In the context of Australia’s ongoing biodiversity decline, further habitat loss in this region is inconsistent with responsible environmental management. 3. Water and Groundwater Risks The project presents risks of groundwater drawdown and impacts on surface water systems and groundwater-dependent ecosystems. In a drying and warming climate, water security is increasingly critical for ecosystems, agriculture and regional communities. Approving expansion where uncertainty remains regarding long-term hydrological impacts creates unacceptable risk. Changes to groundwater systems may persist long after mining operations cease, with consequences extending beyond the life of the project. 4. Climate Impacts and NSW Climate Obligations The proposed extension would result in substantial additional greenhouse gas emissions over the life of the project, including operational emissions and emissions arising from the eventual combustion of the coal. These emissions form part of the project’s overall environmental impact and should be considered accordingly. New South Wales has established statutory and policy commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including the objectives of the Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023, which recognises the need to reduce emissions and address climate risks in government decision-making. Approving new or expanded coal extraction projects that enable additional long-term emissions is inconsistent with the intent of these commitments. The NSW planning framework also requires consideration of ecologically sustainable development, including the precautionary principle and intergenerational equity. Scientific evidence demonstrates the urgent need for emissions reduction to limit climate impacts. Expanding coal production at this time increases cumulative climate risk and places a disproportionate burden on future generations. Climate impacts are already being experienced across NSW through worsening bushfires, drought and extreme heat events. Approval of projects that extend fossil fuel dependence contributes cumulatively to these impacts and undermines efforts to build climate resilience. For these reasons, approval of this proposal would not be consistent with NSW’s emissions reduction trajectory or long-term climate objectives. 5. Health and Community Impacts Open-cut coal mining contributes to dust, noise, blasting and air quality impacts affecting nearby communities and workers. Continued expansion prolongs exposure to these risks and delays economic transition toward industries that provide safer and more sustainable long-term employment outcomes. 6. Cumulative and Long-Term Public Interest Considerations The Moolarben extension contributes to cumulative environmental pressures in a region already affected by multiple mining operations. Incremental approvals compound impacts on biodiversity, water systems, landscape character and community wellbeing. The long-term public interest requires balancing economic activity with environmental protection, climate responsibility and social wellbeing. In this case, the environmental, climate, water and social costs outweigh the short-term benefits of continued coal extraction. Conclusion I acknowledge that mining has played an important role in supporting regional employment and communities in New South Wales, and that workers and their families deserve certainty and respect during economic transition. My objection is not directed at mine workers or local communities, but at the continued expansion of coal extraction at a time when environmental, climate and social risks are increasingly clear. Long-term regional prosperity will depend on investment in sustainable industries that protect environmental assets, community health and future economic opportunities. For the reasons outlined above including environmental degradation, water risk, biodiversity loss, climate impacts, loss of tourism and recreational value, and inconsistency with NSW climate obligations and the principles of ecologically sustainable development. I request that the Independent Planning Commission refuse approval of the Moolarben Open Cut 3 extension. Sincerely, Anne Ammann |
Lyndal Sullivan
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ID |
22516 |
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Location |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
to the Independent planning Commission Please find my submission attached regards Lyndal |
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Attachments |
To the Independent Planning Commission_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 124.03 KB) |
Dianne Craig
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ID |
22521 |
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Location |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, I write to you to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 mine expansion near Mudgee. As a nation, we are trying to save our environment and planet from climate change. If approved, the Moolarben OC3 expansion would clear 113 hectares of koala habitat, where breeding has been recorded, destroy Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat, and bring mining within 100 metres of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. It would add an estimate of 64 million tonnes of climate pollution — at a time when NSW is already failing to meet its legislated climate targets, and communities here in NSW and across the world are facing climate-fuelled disasters. The Mine Expansion would bring serious and long lasting risks to groundwater and creeks. The expansion will irreversibly harm Wiradjura cultural heritage. Please do not allow this expansion to be passed. Please think of your families and their families. We have a duty to the next generation to preserve our lands, our culture and our wildlife. Please. Yours sincerely Dianne Craig |
M Ryan
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ID |
22536 |
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Location |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Having just travelled around Australia and observed the increase in water temperature!!!!!!!! Seen fire destruction of bushland and houses by fire!!!!!!!! Seen whole areas flooded. It is Obvious we are doing ourselves in. Can you greedy people please learn the worlds history of previous empires collapsing?????????? And you will die too and as can be seen YOU CANT TAKE IT WITH YOU!!!! How about some decency. NO EXPANSION OF CLIMATE WRECKING MINES> Yours M RYAN |
Simon Staines
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ID |
20231 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2850 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
The Moolarben mine expansion poses a question as to whether we take seriously the continuing threat to the survival of koalas and other threatened species like the Regent Honeyeater in our region. The Regent Honeyeater is a critically endangered bird with only a few hundred remaking individuals left in the wild. As someone who has been intimately involved in the ongoing development of tourism in the Mudgee Region, a founding member of the Farmers Market local movement, small business owner and region tourism board member I submit that the time has surely come to say NO to this proposal. With climate change a real and ongoing threat to us all we ought to have the strength to say enough is enough. Regards. |
Talia Kinney
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ID |
20381 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2780 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is Kinney, I am an activist for Rising Tide and the Greens party and a BA graduate of Western Sydney University. I am writing to express my dissent for Yancoal’s expansion of the Moolarben coal mine. The future of our export industries cannot survive in the fossil fuels sector. Most of our trade partners are transitioning to renewable energy, rendering our current international trade infrastructure unsustainable in the coming decades. The IPCC has found that nations like Australia who mine and export fossil fuels are liable for international prosecution, for contributing to the global climate change crisis and the devastation it has already begun to cause to global communities and habitats. The greatest threat to our native wildlife is habitat destruction. No mitigation strategy proposed by Yancoal could counter-balance the impact of expanding Australia’s most productive coal mine into the surrounding habitat. The commonwealth does not get enough revenue tax on fossil fuels to justify the nation’s continued reliance on mining and exports. Jobs in coal mining are not secure in the long term, due to the inevitable global transition to renewables, and so it is unjust to perpetuate regional economies and job markets’ reliance on the fossil fuels sector. The public consensus is that Australia must transition away from the fossil fuels sector for our export revenues, and make polluters like Yancoal pay the tax they are due for exploiting our precious non-renewable resources; not to approve expansions or new projects. As long as lobbyists and billion-dollar corporations have the upper hand on the approval of new fossil fuel projects and expansions, and local communities’ protests and demands are ignored, we cannot honestly call the political structure of this nation democratic. Remaining one of the world’s largest fossil fuels exporters undermines our domestic clean energy transition efforts. The entire globe shares one atmosphere; it is self-defeating to contribute to other nations’ carbon output. Please consider the welfare of future generations of Australians and global citizens, and deny Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension project. Yours sincerely, Mx. Kinney (Legally Miss Talia Kinney) (redacted) NSW 2780 I certify that this submission was not written by an LLM; that I am the sole author and all views expressed are my own. |
steve robinson
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ID |
20401 |
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Location |
New South Wales 2422 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
Submission to NSW Independent Planning Commission Moolarben OC3 Extension Project. Application No SSD 33083358 I object to this proposal for an extension of mining My reasons for writing this submission I live about 100km from Moolarben Coal Mine. Why should I bother to write this submission? I am an 82 year old retired psychiatrist and I have lived for the last 14 years of my professional life, since 1993, in (redacted) NSW. (Probably the only psychiatrist in Australia living and working in and hearing the problems of a coal mining community). Like the community around Moolarben, (redacted) is a farming community with a National Park nearby. It has had a very large mining company descend upon the town which for a brief period provided riches for a few at the expense of local and global environmental pollution. This is a divisive combination. The various Hunter rural coal mining communities banded together for support and I came to know people from Wollar who have helped (redacted) and so believe I have a contribution to make in describing the situation to the IPC with the multiple adverse impacts and a few benefits that a coal mine brings to a community. Despite the high wages for a lucky few and a few inflated land purchases we remain financially disadvantaged local communities divided by the inequalities that temporary outside money and power bring about. I had moved to a rural area to plant trees to counter the worrying effects of climate change from rising greenhouse gases. The science was unequivocal 35 years ago. I have been a member of the local environment group and we are alarmed at the habitat destruction that invariably accompanies coal mining and the emerging mass extinction of species that appears to be associated with climate change and accentuated by habitat loss. Climate change is the biggest threat to our planet. As a medical practitioner and a psychiatrist I became interested in the mental and physical health effects of coal mining and of climate change on individuals, the local community and the wider world. One of the most uncaring aspects of mining I saw was that mine employees had a medical examination prior to employment and regular reassessments whilst employed. These recorded details such as their lung function and blood pressure so that there was a baseline from which to fight any subsequent workers compensation case if they believed their health had been adversely affected by their employment. The surrounding community residents however were never advised of the likely health impacts and so did not have relevant baseline health measurements. Consequently very few people have been able to succeed in later attempts to get compensation for the health impacts of coal mining. In my opinion all mining developments should be required to document the health status of the local residents. In the past very little importance has been placed on the adverse impacts of mining on local communities nor has any responsibility been taken for exacerbating climate change harms world wide by the burning of coal in countries to which our coal has been exported. I have recently become aware of the July 2025 NSW Court of Appeal, Denman Court Ruling, regarding Mount Pleasant Coal Mine. It is my understanding that the ruling made clear the likely impacts of the development, including environmental impacts on both the natural and built environments and social and economic impacts in the locality must be considered. The ruling stated community views on local climate harms are important, as is the suitability of the site for development. Additionally it is not enough to acknowledge climate is a global problem. Australia will be liable for climate harms, caused by our fossil fuel production, to other nations.. The Net Zero Commission, a NSW Government body of independent experts, in their Annual Report it states “Continued extensions and expansions to coal mining in NSW are not consistent with emissions targets in the Climate Change Act or the Paris Agreement temperature goals”. Watching the TV news we are now daily made painfully aware of the escalating human and environmental disasters such as bushfires and flooding. We know these deaths and destruction of land and buildings are fueled by global warming and that this in turn is in large part due to burning fossil fuels. Yet we have allowed it to continue for decades since acquiring this knowledge. Medical bodies such as Doctors for the Environment of Australia have detailed the increase in infectious diseases and heat stress from global warming with many premature deaths. We need to spell out far more clearly the extent of the harms that are inevitable from allowing developments such as the Moolarben Coal Mine extension proposal. The harm consequences of approving Moolarben OC3 Extension Project Yancoal state they will extract 25 million tons of coal over the life of the project. The coal is thermal coal to be used for producing electricity. Solar power or wind power could produce electricity for a very competitive amount of money without significantly increasing global warming. Scientific consensus is that premature deaths from global warming currently result at an average rate of one death for every 1,000 tons of coal burned. This equates to 25,000 unnecessary premature deaths over the life of the project. These deaths from global warming will be spread all over the world. Proportionately Australia should expect about 100 of these deaths. Locally, particularly for residents within 5km of Moolarben mine, air pollution from coal mining coats every surface every day. It exacerbates asthma and also bronchitis. The very fine air particulates increase the rates of heart attacks and strokes. Water pollution for those on tank water arises because sulphur in the coal makes the rain water acidic and releases heavy metals including lead from any roof that was originally painted with lead paint and from brass plumbing fittings. This pollution is especially harmful for the brains of children. The NSW Dept of Health has told me they can’t be responsible for water quality in privately owned water tanks. A financial burden is caused by acid rain water rapidly rusting tin roofs, gutters and water tanks. Low frequency noise from mining machinery and coal trains interferes with sleep and brain functioning whilst awake. Blasting shakes the structure of housing and frightens young and old. I have seen a child terrified their house was going to collapse on her during blasting. All of this greatly decreases the quality of life for the local community. Farming land close to coal mines becomes degraded by toxic dust on pasture and disturbance of the groundwater drainage. Stock are also liable to similar health risks. There are fears heavy metal contamination from pollution will enter the food chain. Extreme heat resulting from global warming has resulted in temperature records being broken year after year in the past decade. 50 degree Centigrade temperatures are only a year or two away. Humans are not adapted for living in such heat. Extreme heat significantly impacts mental health increasing stress, anxiety, irritability and risk of psychiatric emergencies. It disrupts sleep, impairs cognition and decreases social interactions. Vulnerable groups include the very young, the elderly and those with pre-existing mental illness. Older homes and those in socially disadvantaged areas, such as close to coal mines, usually have less house insulation and no air conditioning. High temperatures interfere with the body’s ability to process medication and prolonged heat causes inflammation within the brain. There is a direct correlation between extreme heat and suicide rates. Heat related deaths increased by approximately 85% for the four year periods from 2001-2004 compared with 2017-2021. Between 2030 and 2050 climate change is expected to cause 250,000 additional deaths annually from heat stroke, undernutrition, diarrhoea, malaria etc. Every ton of coal left in the ground will literally save lives. Suitability of the site for development Four new pits are being proposed along Moolarben Valley. This is on undisturbed land very close to Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve which is host to an estimated 23 threatened species. Locally Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve is an important natural asset and tourist destination. The clearing of several hundred acres would cause pressure on the Nature Reserve fauna and flora and be an eyesore that is bad for tourism. Cleared land dries the surrounding vegetation accelerating bush fires. At a global level it is estimated we are currently losing species at between 100 and 1000 times the background rate as a result of various human activities such as land clearing and burning fossil fuels. This species loss is so significant it has attracted the label of the sixth mass extinction of this planet or the Anthropocene extinction and the human species may or may not become part of it. I can’t think of any less suitable development for the site. I strongly object to the Moolarben OC3 Extension Project. Dr Steve Robinson (Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry, Member of Doctors for the Environment of Australia, Past President of Gloucester Environment Group, Grandfather) Contacts:- (redacted) |
Peter West
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ID |
20461 |
|---|---|
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Organisation |
Hastings Birdwatchers |
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Location |
New South Wales 2443 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
Submission on Yancoal’s Moolarben Coal Mine Expansion To the Independent Planning Commission: My name is Peter West, I am Conservation Officer for Hastings Birdwatchers. We are an affiliate of BirdLife Australia, the preeminent national avian research and conservation organization. We are deeply concerned about this proposal to clear nearly 500 hectares of native habitat for threatened species. This includes around 400 hectares of box gum woodlands. The clearing will bring the coal mine to within 100 metres of the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. We have visited this reserve as a club and it is a haven for threatened wildlife, including many threatened birds, as well as the koala. The impact on the reserve will be immense, with the noise and all the mining operations proceeding right next door. The clearing for the mine includes clearing 80 hectares of Regent Honeyeater habitat. The Regent Honeyeater is classified as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act. There used to be thousands of these birds and habitat clearing has reduced their population to around 400 birds at the most. If we keep approving habitat clearance that contains threatened species, they will become extinct. The proposal is also asking permission to clear over 100 hectares of Koala habitat. The Koala is now classified as endangered in NSW. No offsets can make up for this loss. There will still be less habitat and more species sliding towards extinction. The coal for export will also result in more carbon emissions and more extreme weather. The climate has been steadily warming this century. Every decade since 1950 has been warmer than the previous one. This summer we have observed some of the hottest temperatures ever recorded in parts of Australia. Please do not approve the expansion of this mine and hence the clearing of habitat, which will not only lead to more extinctions but also to the worsening of climate change. Thank you for considering my submission Sincerely Peter West Conservation Officer, Hastings Birdwatchers. |
Name Redacted
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ID |
20531 |
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am writing to formally object to the proposed expansion of the Yancoal mine through the Moolarben Open Cut 3 Extension near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I strongly oppose this proposal because it would cause serious and irreversible harm to biodiversity, water systems, cultural heritage, and the climate, while delivering little meaningful public benefit. This landscape should be protected and incorporated into the adjoining Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, not further industrialised through open-cut mining. I am also deeply concerned about the late amendments submitted by the proponent. These amendments do not reduce the clearing of native vegetation, do not reduce the mine footprint, and rely on off-site “habitat enhancement” that cannot meaningfully address the project’s impacts. These changes have been introduced far too late in the assessment process and undermine genuine community consultation. They should not be accepted, and they do not reduce the severe biodiversity impacts of the proposal. My key concerns are outlined below. - Irreversible destruction of threatened species habitat and ecosystems. The proposal would clear approximately 480 hectares of native vegetation, including critical habitat supporting threatened species. This includes extensive clearing of koala habitat, habitat for the Regent Honeyeater, and large areas of the endangered Box Gum Woodland ecosystem. These ecosystems are already supporting wildlife and cannot be recreated through offsets or so-called enhancement measures. Mining within 100 metres of a long-standing conservation reserve places a highly biodiverse landscape at unacceptable risk. - Inadequate protection of the surrounding conservation landscape. The valley forms part of a connected ecological system that should be managed as a single conservation landscape with Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. Noise, blasting, and vibration impacts on the reserve and its wildlife have been poorly assessed, and the recommended 500-metre buffer has not been adopted. This is an unacceptable risk to an area of recognised ecological significance. - Severe climate impacts inconsistent with NSW commitments. The expansion would generate tens of millions of tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions over its lifetime, at a time when NSW is already struggling to meet legislated emissions reduction targets. Findings of the Net Zero Commission make clear that new or expanded coal projects are inconsistent with climate commitments, yet these concerns have not been adequately addressed. The assessment also fails to properly account for downstream emissions and their economic and social costs. - Groundwater and surface water risks. The project is expected to cause significant groundwater drawdown lasting decades, placing important drought refuges such as Moolarben Creek at risk. Groundwater-dependent ecosystems and riparian vegetation may be permanently affected. Proposed groundwater monitoring after approval is inadequate. Baseline monitoring must occur before any approval is granted, not after. - Damage to Aboriginal cultural heritage. The proposal would destroy numerous Aboriginal cultural artefacts of high cultural significance and further fragment Country. Continued cumulative disturbance undermines the ability of Wiradjuri people to maintain cultural practices, connection to Country, and protection of sacred sites. - Lack of clear public benefit or employment justification. The mine is already approved to operate for many years without this expansion, and the project does not meaningfully increase employment. At the same time, the region sits within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, where renewable energy development is expected to generate substantial long-term employment opportunities. The expansion would primarily serve export markets while leaving NSW communities with environmental and climate costs. - Cumulative impacts across the region. This proposal cannot be considered in isolation. It adds to the impacts of neighbouring mine expansions, including the Ulan Coal Mine and Wilpinjong Coal Mine, which affect the same interconnected landscapes, water systems, and threatened species. The cumulative effect is escalating and unacceptable ecological degradation. Conclusion This proposal would cause permanent environmental damage, increase climate harm, threaten water resources, and destroy irreplaceable cultural heritage, while providing minimal public benefit. The late amendments do not reduce these impacts and should not be accepted. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. |
Mick Daley
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ID |
20536 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2480 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission My name is Mick, I am a 59 year schoolteacher in the (redacted) of NSW and I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in our states, due to the climate impacts being felt in my area. Students at my school are already sitting through extreme heatwaves, our energy bills are going up due to the added cost of air conditioning, and I know communities across NSW are facing the same struggles. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, Mick Daley (redacted) NSW 2480 |
Meg Benson
|
ID |
20541 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2848 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
My name is Meg Benson. I have lived in (redacted) since 2022 before that I was in the Blue Mountains World Heritage National Park for 30 years. The wild location continues to bring much tourism, economic impact and opportunity for healthy lifestyles in the BM. I have worked in two industries; The helping professions, as a Psychotherapist/ Adolescent and Family Therapist where I have provided therapy for cases where youth and families have sometimes expressed terror and anxiety about their futures on this fragile planet in regards to scientific facts and evidence. The 2nd industry I have worked in for 15 yrs is the music industry; as a live music event producer and promoter focussing on community wellbeing via high quality destination events creating access to the medicine of live story telling via song and original music while at the same time offering an antidote to isolation and depression via in person connection and distraction from struggles through imaginative experiences and spectacular visual presentations. I care about stopping Moolarben OC3 expansion because: 1/. Using up the existing mine is enough for now to carry on with while we also swiftly prepare for more responsible transitions to renewable sources. No immediate jobs lost, but no excuse to expand an industry that has devastating impact on local and global climate systems and natural disasters. 2/. The proposed expansion infringes directly on environmental reserves featuring endangered species and the key habitat that enables their continuity. 3/. It is already one of the largest mines in NSW, let’s not make it larger. I am 54, and when I was 14 I was following the science in my geography class about the impact of non/renewable resources. It is ridiculous and irresponsible that 40 years on that such a proposal is even made. 4/.Mental illness, anxiety and suicide are ever on the rise, almost in sync with rising sea levels as a direct impact from the blind stubborn repetitive indulgence in the short term gains from the fossil fuel industry- uncertainty erodes mental heath, and climate refugees disturbs essential community and cultural lives. 5/. Further expansion demonstrates zero responsibility toward trends of habitat loss for flora and fauna and in addition no consideration of the decimation of any communities unfortunate to be living in the dark shadow of a proposed mine, and god forbid an existing mine wreaking havoc on critical wildlife. 6/. I don’t think stopping the existing mine use is suddenly necessary- though I DEFINITELY OPPOSE ANY FURTHER EXPANSION. 7/. The greater Mudgee area is a tourism destination, nothing inspiring to see at a black hole wasteland. We should be focussing on destination tourism events to help strengthen local businesses, and opportunities for young people, their families and those who pay to stay for all the wonderful reasons seen listed on Mudgee tourism and for those initiatives better still yet to come, if our reputation snd award winning allure is not trashed. You are confusing our proud reputation as leaders in renewable energy farms. Stop any expansion to Moolarben OC3 . Do the right thing for your children/ grandchildren, your community, your state, your country and your planet. Also please act swiftly with alternative jobs in renewables for the hard working coal miners. Cheers |
Martine Porret
|
ID |
20566 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2106 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is Martine I am a 70 year retired in the (redacted) and I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in our states, due to the climate impacts being felt in my area. We are already sitting through extreme heatwaves, our energy bills are going up due to the added cost of air conditioning, and I know communities across NSW are facing the same struggles. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, Martine Porret (redacted) NSW 2106 |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
20571 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I object to this proposed development firstly because coal mine expansion directly contradicts the urgent reductions required to save our climate, native species and society. Secondly I object to the destruction of prime koala habitat. Development like this will continue to ouch koalas toward extinction. Third, the mine will create ecological destruction and pollution at the site, as well as when it is burned. |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
20586 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
We should be doing ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING WE CAN TO COMPREHENSIVELY ADDRESS THE CLIMATE CRISIS. This project is should NOT go ahead if we want a sustainable future for our children - the project costs should instead be invested in renewable energy projects. |
Andrew Town
|
ID |
20591 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2132 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I am deeply troubled by the proposed expansion of the coalmine which would involve the destruction of 113 hectares of active breeding koala habitat. As i understand it, this expansion would also destroy Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. Koala communities are under immense stress and need protecting. The clearing of the habitat also reduces carbon sequestration and the increased coal production would see an additional 64 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent pollution. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in July, 2025 that nations have binding legal obligations under international law to combat climate change. They are obliged to co-operate internationally, upholding fundamental rights and avoid significant environmental harm. This decision impacts the health of the local flora and fauna but also the local and international community due to adding to the negative impacts of climate change. The IPC is obliged to act in the long term interests of the community and the environment and only a rejection of the proposed development will meet this obligation. |
James Crowley
|
ID |
20606 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2095 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am writing to formally object to the Moolarben OC3 Extension. The DPHI’s Assessment Report overlooks critical legal shifts and specific local risks that make this project a poor outcome for the state. 1. Inadequate assessment of scope 3 and local climate impacts The Assessment Report admits that the Central West Orana region faces rising temperatures and increased fire risks. However, it fails to explain how adding another 64 million tonnes of scope 3 emissions will not worsen these exact local threats. Under the Mount Pleasant Court of Appeal ruling (Denman Aberdeen v MACH Energy [2024] NSWCA 163), the Commission is now legally required to address the "causal connection" between these emissions and the specific impacts on our local environment. Citing that the receiving countries are party to the Paris agreement is not legally sufficient; the Commission must consider the specific regional climate damage this project will cause beyond the existing projections. 2. Incompatible with NSW Net Zero laws This extension is impossible to reconcile with the Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023. The Net Zero Commission’s 2025 Spotlight Report is very clear on this: “Continued extensions or expansions to coal mining in NSW are not consistent with the emissions reduction targets in the Climate Change Act”. Approving this extension while NSW is already “not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets for 2030 and 2035” is counterproductive. It effectively forces other industries and communities to make deeper, more expensive cuts to compensate for this project's emissions. 3. Irreversible biodiversity loss, regardless of offsets The project will clear 480 hectares of native vegetation, including 401 hectares of Box Gum Woodland, which is a Critically Endangered Ecological Community and a candidate species for Serious and Irreversible Impacts (SAII). Relying on the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme to fix this is unreliable. The NSW Audit Office (2022) found that the Department 'has not effectively designed core elements of the Scheme' and that there is a 'significant risk' that the gains made will 'not be sufficient to offset losses'. While efforts have been made to address these issues (Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Biodiversity Offsets Scheme) Act 2024), for a community as rare as Box Gum Woodland, there is a “substantial shortfall in the current supply of relevant credits”, meaning the habitat destroyed here likely cannot be replaced elsewhere. We cannot rely on speculative restoration or mine rehabilitation to bring back a community that is already at high risk of extinction. 4. Water risks and threats to ecological refuges The Independent Expert Advisory Panel for Mining has raised serious doubts about the “accuracy of local-scale predictions” in the proponent’s water modeling. The project is predicted to cause a 5-metre groundwater drawdown along Moolarben Creek. The panel concluded this poses a “moderate risk to deep-rooted groundwater dependent vegetation”. These areas serve as vital refuges for endangered species like the Regent Honeyeater and Koala; depleting their water source during a period of increasing climate stress is an unacceptable risk. Conclusion This project is not in the public interest. It relies on a flawed offset system, ignores the warnings of the Net Zero Commission, and fails to meet the legal standards for assessing local climate damage set by the Court of Appeal. I request that the Commission refuse consent for the OC3 Extension. |
Catherine Evangelista
|
ID |
20611 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2550 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Do not expand this coal mine. Seek out alternatives to coal mining. There are plenty to choose from. Phase out fossil fuels in favour of more sustainable and cleaner energy resources. It's that simple. Just do it. |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
20616 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is (redacted), I am a 31 year old logistician in the (redacted) and I hold grave concerns about expanding coal mining in NSW, due to the increasing severity and frequency of climate change fuelled impacts across the continent. I saw my hometown burn during black summer bushfires in 2019/2020. I am a volunteer emergency responder and I know the effects that climate change will have on our communities. The consensus from both the IPCC and scientific community is that we need to rapidly transition away from coal, oil, and gas, and new fossil fuel projects are throwing fuel on the fire. This mine creates and represents a terrifying prospect for future generations and lives and livelihoods across Australia, and indeed the world. Older people in my community are at risk of heat exhaustion, and we are one severe storm away from homes being lost to another significant flooding event. I am sending this submission to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. This project could also cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and to approve it would be highly irresponsible. The project risks threatened species with habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. And we are heading into an era where our greatest resource, water, is under increasing risk across the continent. We have seen coal mines shirk responsibility when it comes to water protection for generations, you just need to look as far as the Bravus Carmichael Coal mine in central QLD for examples of promises made and broken, and there we are now seeing devastating consequences on the Doongmabulla Springs. Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion risks long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. For the above reasons, I strongly the Independent Planning Commission to consider refusal of the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project. I am not the only one, and these objections need to be heard and actioned. Thank you for the consideration my submission. Yours, (redacted) |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
20621 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2500 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
This develpoment is moraly and enviormentaly wrong. Because this is koala habitat and Koalas are endangered. I am not against mining ect, I am against nedless destruction of wild habitat and endangering wildlifes habitat, especialy endangered wild life. If you aproe of this preposal, you have no moral consious and I fail how you caoud sleep at night. Please do not aprove this unnesecary and enviormentaly wrong preposal. There are other sources and non wild areas to mine on. |
Tom Hunt
|
ID |
20626 |
|---|---|
|
Organisation |
Citizens Climate Lobby Australia |
|
Location |
New South Wales 2529 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Take a look at the CO2 in our atmosphere. CSIRO tests of the cleanest air in the world coming from the southern ocean show that our global society is now adding CO2 and Methane to the air at twice the rate it was back in the 90's when the UN called us to action. https://capegrim.csiro.au. The world is now twice as far away from net-zero and still moving in the wrong direction. Australia's coal production has more than doubled in that time, and we now contribute more than 4.5% of the worlds carbon pollution from our mines, while we are only 0.3% of the world's population. Approving the expansion of any coal mines will only work to worsen our planets fast heating climate and would be completely neglecting our children's future. We are well on the way to 3 degrees of warming which will make large areas of Australia unliveable. Is that really worth the short term profits from more mining? |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
20631 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2780 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am deeply concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, further contribute to climate change impacts and negatively impact the community. The proposal should be rejected. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. I am concerned about about the destruction of essential habitat for threatened species and other biodiversity, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as habitat for Regent Honeyeaters and microbats. nationally endangered Box Gum Woodland ecosystem. The project will destroy 401ha of nationally endangered Box Gum Woodland ecosystem. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat for these threatened species or ecosystems. Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve will be particularly at risk, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. The proposed project will further contribute to dangerous climate change, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. There is a clear lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The long term benefits to the community of a healthy and biodiverse local environment will outweigh any short term benefits and contribute to a more sustainable economy. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Sincerely, (redacted) |
Lorraine Bower
|
ID |
20636 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2038 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
This beautiful valley should be protected as part of a single conservation landscape with the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, not made into an open cut coal mine pit. The proposal would clear around 480 hectares of native vegetation and push mining to within 100 metres of the reserve, putting an area of high biodiversity at risk. At least 23 threatened species have been recorded in the area, including critical habitat for a uniquely resilient koala population. There is simply no justification to disturb this significant landscape and ecosystem - this project creates no new jobs, all it does is permanently destroy biodiversity. |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
20641 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2151 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should instead, be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
20656 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Isn't it about time we stopped killing the natural environment and dumping CO2 and methane into the atmosphere? |
Mara de Jongh
|
ID |
20666 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2575 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is Mara, a retired teacher, and I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in our state. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, especially the clearing of significant vegetation, especially its impact on koalas and Regent Honyeaters. • Impact of mining operations, such as dust, noise, and vibrations, on the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with its diverse ecosytems and wildlife. • the long-term water and groundwater risks to Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Yours sincerely, Mara de Jongh (redacted) |
Robert Skappel
|
ID |
20671 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2032 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
In my opinion there is more value in leaving the proposed land as a nature reserve, for all the biodiversity to flourish, rather than being destroyed for more coal that we don't need at this time ! |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
20676 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I strongly oppose, (redacted) owned Yancoal Moolarben OC3 expansion which if approved would clear 113 hectares of koala habitat, where breeding has been recorded, destroy Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat, and bring mining within 100 metres of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. It would add an estimated 64 million tonnes of climate pollution — at a time when NSW is lalready failing to meet its legislated climate targets, and communities here in NSW and across the world are facing climate-fuelled disasters. The elected government cannot continue to support and approve mining expansion such as the expansion being proposed at Moolarben. I urge the government to stop the expansion at Moolarben. |
Mary Burke
|
ID |
20681 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Victoria 3020 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Website |
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Submission |
As a concerned citizen, I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am worried that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. Instead of developing an open cut mine, this rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. My concerns focus on the following issues: The loss of habitat for threatened species, especially for koals and Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas, Regent Honeyeaters and microbats. Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, Mary Burke |
Dean Corcoran
|
ID |
20686 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2079 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I object to the Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project. My concerns relate to the project’s environmental impacts, its contribution to climate change, and the long‑term risks it poses to water resources, biodiversity, and surrounding communities. I am also increasingly concerned about the erosion of public trust when major decisions appear to prioritise short‑term industry interests over the wellbeing of citizens. 1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Risk Approving a new coal extension in 2026 is fundamentally incompatible with the emissions‑reduction goals set by the NSW and Australian governments, as well as international climate commitments. The Assessment Report acknowledges that the project will generate significant Scope 1, 2, and especially Scope 3 emissions. These emissions will contribute to worsening climate impacts—heatwaves, bushfires, droughts, and extreme weather—that already affect NSW communities. When governments endorse projects that run counter to their own climate policies, it undermines public confidence that long‑term community safety is being prioritised. 2. Impacts on Water Resources The project area sits within a landscape already under pressure from cumulative mining activity. Key concerns include: Groundwater drawdown Reduced surface water availability Contamination risks from mine runoff Long‑term impacts on water‑dependent ecosystems and agricultural users Water security is one of the most critical issues facing NSW. When approvals are granted despite clear risks to this finite resource, it contributes to a sense that community needs are secondary to industry demands. 3. Biodiversity Loss and Habitat Fragmentation The extension will clear additional native vegetation and disturb habitat used by threatened species. The region has already experienced extensive ecological fragmentation from existing mining operations. Further clearing will: Reduce habitat connectivity Increase pressure on threatened flora and fauna Undermine regional conservation objectives Offsets cannot replicate mature ecosystems or the ecological functions they provide. When irreplaceable habitats are repeatedly traded away, it weakens public trust that environmental protections are being meaningfully upheld. 4. Cumulative Impacts This project cannot be assessed in isolation. The Moolarben complex is part of a cluster of mines in the region, and the cumulative impacts—noise, dust, water extraction, habitat loss, and emissions—are substantial. Communities in the area have already borne decades of mining‑related impacts. Extending the life and footprint of this mine prolongs these burdens. When cumulative impacts are acknowledged but still accepted, it reinforces the perception that community wellbeing is not being placed at the centre of decision‑making. 5. Social and Economic Considerations While the project may provide short‑term employment, the long‑term economic future of NSW lies in clean energy, not expanded coal extraction. Approving new coal projects delays the transition, increases future remediation liabilities, and exposes workers and communities to economic instability as global demand for coal declines. Communities need confidence that governments are planning for a stable, sustainable future—not locking regions into industries that the world is moving away from. Conclusion For reasons relating to climate change, water security, biodiversity protection, cumulative community impacts, and the need to restore public trust in decisions that genuinely prioritise citizens, I strongly object to the Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project. |
Wendy Kelton
|
ID |
20691 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
Western Australia 6280 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
My name is Wendy, I am a 86 year old retired tour guide from Busselton in Western Australia and I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in our states, due to the climate impacts being felt everywhere in Australia at the moment. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission |
Ute Herzog-Hupfauf
|
ID |
20696 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2041 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
My name is Ute, and I am a 73 year old clinical psychologist, mother and grandmother. I hold grave concerns about the expansion of coal mining in Australia, as distressing information about the impact of climate change in our country and across the globe reaches me in new almost on a daily basis. This is not just about extreme weather that kills people and animals, but also about such changes leading to food insecurity and water shortages. One of the factors that can mitigate these factors is the preservation of native flora and fauna and the expansion of wind and solar farms. Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country represents the exact opposite: destruction of natural vegetation, loss of habitat, danger to survival of species, and more coal to add to emissions. This is not just contrary to the promises made by the current government, it is contrary to reason and rational policy. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. |
Joseph Zagari
|
ID |
20701 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2068 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
The proposed expansion would clear critical habitat for koalas, Regent Honeyeaters, and microbats, with plans to mine within 100m of the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, one of the oldest conservation reserves in the state. It threatens critical ecosystems, water sources, and cultural heritage on Wiradjuri Country. This beautiful valley should be protected as part of a single conservation landscape with the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, not made into an open cut coal mine pit. Despite the climate crisis and NSW’s commitment to reducing emissions, this project would lock in additional, unnecessary and destructive emissions from coal mining. DPHI’s assessment ignores clear findings of the Net Zero Commission that any further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act and the Paris Agreement, and fails to acknowledge that NSW is already off track to meet its 2030 and 2035 targets. The proposed OC3 extension would generate an estimated 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its life, equivalent to around 58% of NSW’s total annual emissions, making its climate impact enormous. |
Nigel Howard
|
ID |
20706 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2100 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Regarding the Proposed Moorlaben Open Pit Coal Mine Extension Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed Moolarben project extension. My name is Nigel Howard and I have been very concerned about the impacts of climate change for over 50 years throughout my career in UK, US and Australia and now into retirement to continuing climate research and activism. I am a Chemist (FRSC) and have worked in senior roles, public and private sector, in UK, US and Australia where I founded the environmental consultancy “Edge Environment” which now employs over 80 People in Australia and internationally. I was the founder of the Northern Beaches Climate Action Network. My research for the last 4 years (together with Prof Peter Newman from Curtin University has been into the lives likely to be lost due to climate change – our scientific paper is submitted to a peer reviewed journal and when published will be highly controversial for that large numbers of deaths likely caused per megatonne of CO2-e emitted (at least 660 per megatonne of CO2-e even if we by some miracle curtail all emissions globally by 2050). The deaths per megatonne go up for every year that we fail to hit out Paris commitment deadlines. Our paper will reveal the culpability of Government Ministers, governments and other institutions including IPC that have approved new or extensions to fossil fuel projects. For example, Murray Watt’s approval of the NW Gas Shelf project alone is likely to cause at least 2.6-3.9m Deaths globally, mostly through the 2050’s (i.e. to our own children and grandchildren’s generations). This surely amounts to intergenerational genocide. The Moolarben project extension is slated to produce 16Mt of coal per annum from 2025 to 2034. When burnt, this will emit about 58Mt of CO2-e per year for 9 years – so 528Mt of CO2-e likely killing at least 35,000 people. Do you want this on your conscience, or will you assume that this can just be fobbed off? In due course those responsible are likely to be challenged in courts globally by our youth. I also support the submissions from the Nature Conservation Council and their supporters. I am making this submission to ensure that you cannot say that you didn’t know! Thank you for considering this submission, kind regards, Nigel Howard FRSC |
Janet Murray
|
ID |
20711 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2323 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
|
Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
|
Submission |
Pls see attached file. |
|
Attachments |
objection_to_moolarben_extension_proposal.pdf (PDF, 235.18 KB) |
Grant Norris
|
ID |
20716 |
|---|---|
|
Organisation |
Australian Fauna Society Inc. |
|
Location |
Victoria 3228 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
My name is Grant, I am a wildlife shelter operator in Victoria, and the president of the Australian Fauna Society Inc. I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in our states, due to the continual loss of established old growth habitats, and the direct impacts that it is having on our native wildlife. Many critically endangered species have been documented at this location, and further expansion of this mine will put these animals at further risk of extinction. Australia has the world's worst record for mammal extinctions since colonisation. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas have been recorded, as well as colonies of breeding Regent Honeyeater and the loss of microbat habitat. Proposed biodiversity offsets cannot replace established old growth habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve will directly impact the wildlife with further loss of habitat and the effects of this habitat destruction and resultant noise polution • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown will harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater that are necessary to a balanced ecosystem. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets would be irresponsible. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. Given all of these points of discussion, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, Grant Norris President, Australian Fauna Society Inc (redacted), Vic., 3228 |
Janet Mayer
|
ID |
20721 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
Australian Capital Territory 2534 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
The proposed OC3 extension would generate an estimated 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its life, equivalent to around 58% of NSW’s total annual emissions, making its climate impact enormous. Yet DPHI’s assessment ignores clear findings of the Net Zero Commission that any further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act and the Paris Agreement, and fails to acknowledge that NSW is already off track to meet its 2030 and 2035 targets. The assessment also does not apply the Denman Court of Appeal decision, which requires decision-makers to consider emissions (including downstream emissions (99% of its emissions) and the local climate impacts they cause, leaving the true climate and economic costs of the project unquantified and unaddressed. The economic and social costs of these emissions have not been addressed by Yancoal. |
Mindy Carr
|
ID |
20726 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2250 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
|
Submitter position |
Object |
|
Submission method |
Website |
|
Submission |
I believe the proposed expansion of the mine would be clearing critical habitat for many native species. It threatens critical ecosystems, and water sources. The NSW government has committed to reducing emissions and i believe this would do the complete opposite. |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
20736 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
Redacted |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Object |
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Website |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is (redacted), I am a Lawyer in (redacted) and I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in our states. Renewable energy should be the primary focus, and instead extensions to coal projects are being approved. From an economic perspective, Australia is going to be left behind by the rest of the world if we continue to expand coal projects. We need to shift the focus away and towards renewables, starting yesterday. The world has already reached the first critical climate tipping point, being the recent late 2025 mass coral bleaching event. Scientists warn that this is one of the few critical tipping points that once crossed, we cannot go back. The damage to our environment, our ecosystem, our livelihoods, and the fabric of our society will be in threat. This first tipping point has ALREADY been crossed. This is why I am objecting to the extension of the Moolarben coal project. Not only do coal projects create extreme climate ramifications, but if this extension is approved, the cultural damage to the landscape will be severe. This disproportionately impacts First Nations people, damaging Country for generations. I am also concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, (redacted) |
TIM BAILEY
|
ID |
20741 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2576 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Website |
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Submission |
I am a resident in the Wingecarribee area, which lies south of the proposed development in NSW. I am 67 years old and still in full-time employment as a rural doctor who practices in Emergency Medicine. I have taken a strong and involved interest in Community developments throughout the Nation for many decades. Over that time I have seen too many promises broken in the pursuit unnecessary development. In my opinion, this is one of those developments, as it does not provide any further employment in the region, as opposed to the alternate pursuit in funding renewable energy developments, which are predicted to provide up to 2000 additional jobs by 2030. Further than being unnecessary, it will actively promote global warming, an act which runs completely contrary to the NSW Climate Change Act and the Paris Agreement, to which our nation is a signatory. In addition to the unarguable increase to global CO2 emissions, this project will: - decrease biodiversity in the surrounding area, in particular due to the 23 identified threatened species which live in the land to be cleared - impact the existing breeding population of koalas which has been identified ion the land to be cleared and the surrounding bushland - cause another reduction in extent of the Box Gum woodlands, which themselves are a threatened community, to be cleared under the planned mining tenements - diminish the current height and extent of groundwater in the surrounding area, thus further impacting the drought resistance of the region - whilst simultaneously increasing the likelihood of extreme drought through climate change Finally, the proposed mining will permanently destroy at least 32 identified waridjuri sacred sites and artefacts which are found in the area to be destroyed by clearing. In shorts when there are so many legal, moral and environmental reasons NOT to mine, and so FEW reasons to continue approve the mine development, I respectfully request that this extension to the current mine plan be refused, permanently |
Claudia Koller
|
ID |
20746 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2294 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
|
Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
We need to consider the survival of life on this planet before everything else. Jobs, profits, convenience etc. that may be positive outcomes of the development are temporary, degradation of the environment and nature that we depend on for our survival is not. We need to do everything in our power to preserve the environmental conditions that make our planet such a beautiful and life-supporting place to give our children (and ourselves) a future. This is not optional. Jobs and profits are. |
Tom Maughan
|
ID |
20756 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2484 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
|
Submission |
Climate Scientist have called for the phase out of fossil fuels for decades. It’s time we start prioritising the future of our planet over the profit of a few individuals. |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
20761 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2786 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, I am writing as a resident of the Blue Mountains where we have been subject to fires that destroy houses and burned 5 millions hectares of land in NSW alone. I would like to formally object to Yancoal’s plan to expand the Moolarben OC3 coal mine. I am deeply concerned about the serious and irreversible harm this project would cause to our environment, climate, and community. The area in question is a rich, biodiverse landscape that should be protected as part of the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, not opened to further mining. The suggested amendments fail to lessen the clearing of native vegetation, arrive far too late to be meaningfully evaluated, and would nevertheless cause serious biodiversity impacts. My main concerns are: 1. Threatened species and habitat loss – The proposal would clear more than 113 hectares of known koala habitat, as well as habitat for the Regent Honeyeater and several micro‑bat species. Offsets cannot replace habitat that already supports threatened animals. 2. Impact on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve – Mining is planned within 100 metres of the reserve, yet there has been little assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts on the reserve’s ecosystems. 3. Water and groundwater risks – The expansion could cause long‑term groundwater drawdown, threatening Moolarben Creek and groundwater‑dependent ecosystems that act as vital drought refuges for wildlife. 4. Climate impacts – The project would generate roughly 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse‑gas emissions, at a time when NSW is not on track to meet the targets set out in the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 or the Paris Agreement. 5. Lack of public benefit – There is no clear justification for jobs or economic benefit, especially when the region is being encouraged to develop renewable‑energy projects. These issues are inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023, the goals of the Paris Agreement, and the broader need to protect our state’s biodiversity and climate. For these reasons, I respectfully request that the Independent Planning Commission: * Reject the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project. * Incorporate the land slated for mining into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve to ensure its protection. * Continue to prioritize renewable‑energy development and sustainable employment for our community. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely |
Richard Weatherley
|
ID |
20766 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2035 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
|
Submitter position |
Object |
|
Submission method |
Website |
|
Submission |
See upload |
|
Attachments |
Moolarben OC3 expansion 20260216.pdf (PDF, 30.16 KB) |
Peter Cranston
|
ID |
20776 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
Australian Capital Territory 2602 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
|
Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
|
Submission |
I am a retired environmental scientist - much of my career involved assessment of the relationship between fossil fuel use and CO2 emissions, and global warming - and the impact a warmer world is having on biodiversity on land and in the waters, inland and oceanic. This is accepted fact, not a belief: use of coal (and gas) causes much of the global warming already with us. It is obvious that there must be reduction of our emissions. And here we have a proposal to emit unabated million tonnes of greenhouse gas over its life, equivalent to more than 50% of NSW’s total annual emissions. No 'ifs' and 'buts' - the enormous climate impact is simply unacceptable. For us and our children and grandchildren for sure, but we also have a moral and ethical obligation to conserve biodiversity. Please reject the proposal. |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
20781 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2778 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is Clio, I am a 40 year old mum of two young boys in the Blue Mountains and I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in Australia due to the well known, well understood climate impacts of burning fossil fuels and the irreversible damage to biodiversity and water resources of the mines themselves. Therefore, I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, Clio Collar |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
20786 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
Redacted |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
|
Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, I am a retired state public servant (NSW) having served the State for 41 years. I have deep concerns relating to the expansion of coal mining in our stat across a broad range of issues. I write in objeciont to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. This project would cause serious and most likely irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community and should not be approved. This area has rich biodiversity and supports many Australia only species including some seriously threatened birds and animals and rather than being mined and destroyed, the area shoudl be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve where it can be protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss. The mine expansion proposal includes the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. These threatened species need protection and no biodiversity offsets can be trusted to effectively replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. 100 metres provides a totally insufficient buffer zone against mining activities. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that would harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets, alone is sufficient reason to stop this expansion. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
20801 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2257 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
|
Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
Coal mining is an old answer to our ongoing need for energy. Continuing it via expansions such as that proposed is a direct contradiction to NSW climate goals. Experts and the community know that solar and renewables are the environmentally and therefore morally responsible ways forward to meet our energy needs. Approving the Mooarbin OC3 expansion would reward short term greed at the expense of future generations right to live in a habitable world. During the decision process I support the call that the Yancoal amendments should be rejected, as should the proposed expansion. |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
20811 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
Victoria 3020 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
My name is [name redacted], I am a 52 year Environmental Health Officer in Western Melbourne and I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in our states, due to the climate impacts being felt in my area. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. The natural environment needs to be protected at all costs. Coal a fossil fuel has shown the impacts of climate change and green house gas emissions. Thank you Regards [name redacted] |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
20816 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
Redacted |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
|
Submission |
Given what the world now knows and accepts about the impact of carbon emissions on the climate (and thereby the future of the world), it is irredeemably irresponsible and totally unacceptable to increase carbon emissions. Alternatives are now available. To knowingly increase carbon emissions is nothing less that criminal given what it will do to our children and to other species with which we share this extraordinary planet. Please ponder hard the future you leave for our (including your) children and other species on which their future survival and enjoyment depends. |
JOY Nason
|
ID |
20821 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2103 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
|
Submission |
Just at a critical time in our planet’s history with climate change threatening our very existence, we are told there is a proposal by Moolarben to expand a mine that would clear over 100 hectares of koala habitat and bring mining very close to Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. I believe this expansion would be irresponsible to say the least and anyone with a conscience would not consider putting profits before saving our fragile natural resources. Please do the right thing and do not approve this expansion. Thank you. |
Damian Buck
|
ID |
20826 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2620 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. This project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I cannot accept: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, Damian |
Brian Richter
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ID |
20831 |
|---|---|
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Location |
South Australia 5112 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
This planet is already in decline and we as a civilisation must reverse these harmful effects . We must say no to this project so the future generations and our home [ mother earth ] has a chance to recover . Please do what is required to save this planet . |
Rhonda Allen
|
ID |
20836 |
|---|---|
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Organisation |
Toowoomba Knitting Nannas Against Coal and Gas |
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Location |
Queensland 4350 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Yancoal is 78% Chinese owned only 2% of the coal stays here in Australia. This coal mine will damage vital koala habitat, ecosystems, water and land beyond repair. It will never be rehabilitated to what it was. When the world including China is moving away fast from this filthy toxic industry why would we be expanding this mine? We need to be protecting our land for future generations not digging it up!!! Australians who want to preserve our unique land for farming, enjoying nature and living in wild places are being pushed further and further out. This mine expansion must not go ahead. |
Peter Tilley
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ID |
20841 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2294 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Climate change needs to be acknowledged and addressed. Fossil fuels need to be fazed out |
Anne Quinlivan
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ID |
20846 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2518 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Good morning, that we're even having to make submissions about the mine extension going ahead is completely flying in the face of the URGENT ADVICE from innumerable climate scientists re how critically important it is that we take diligent steps to LOWER OUR EMISSIONS NOW. This isn't some drill you know. Climate action isn't an option. It's imperative to OUR CHILDREN & GRANDCHILDREN that we stop being so damned cavalier about their future, & that the government WE ELECTED, yes, we elected, in that WE PUT YOU IN THE JOB remember, stops extending coal & gas licences & starts standing up to the bullies in the fossil fuel industry. Not forgetting that the escalating impacts of climate change are going to cost BILLIONS, do isn't it time you told the fossil fuel companies where to go? I'm so tired of this. I'm tired of fighting my elected representatives in order to try & salvage some form of LIVEABLE FUTURE for coming generations of Australians. The SHAME & ANGER I feel when trying to explain to my grandkids what climate change means & WHY this country is not doing enough is appalling. And let's face it, GREED & SELF INTEREST is ultimately the reason we're not doing enough to lower our emissions. So too, protecting our forests is paramount to combatting climate disruption & safeguarding the aquifers this country & our agricultural resilience depends on. Forests are a KNOWN STABILISER of weather systems, & given the MEASURABLE INCREASE IN EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS across Australia & the globe, protecting & regenerating forests should be high on the agenda. Forests also protect topsoil & supply essential water to the aforementioned groundwater reserves upon which much of the inland agricultural sector depends. Meanwhile, Australia has the HIGHEST MAMMAL EXTINCTION RATE ON EARTH. Do you think that's something to be proud of? Does it matter that this abhorrent statistic continues to climb under your watch? YES, YOUR WATCH. It certainly does. You must NOT ALLOW THIS EXTENSION TO GO THROUGH. We cannot continue to blithely ignore the extreme impacts that atmospheric warming is already having on this country & the planet or refuse to account for & take responsibility for the greenhouse emissions we also export. I've voted Labor for the last 40 odd years. I voted for you again last year for the EXPRESS REASON THAT YOU SAID YOU'D TAKE STRONG & CONCERTED ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE. Yet here we are, with more coal extensions in the works & the UTTER INSANITY of Fracking & Coal Seam Gas being let loose in this country & depleting & contaminating our precious groundwater. What gives? We live in fraught times, & the times demand people of courage & integrity to stand up & be counted. To not succumb to the demands of the fossil fuel industry, & to clearly communicate to the Australian electorate the concerns & the science behind your decisions. Regards, Anne Quinlivan |
Dominic Case
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ID |
20851 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2041 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I have been an active member of a local climate action group in inner Sydney for nearly 20 years. I am aware of the threats to a range of native species in the area, as well as the risk of contaminating ground water. Protecting local flora and fauna is not a matter of saving cute' animals, but of preserving the entire balance of nature that has supported human life for millions of years. Upsetting this balance has repercussions throughout our environment. But this is not the primary reason for my objection. My over-riding concern is for the stability of the world's climate. This project would result in massive destructive emissions from coal mining. The Net Zero Commission has reported that any further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act and the Paris Agreement. NSW is already off track to meet its 2030 and 2035 targets. It has never been justifiable to base an argument purely on the local ('scope 1') emissions from coal mining, ignoring 'Scope 3' emissions, purely because they occur elsewhere (wherever the coal is exported to and burnt). The' Scope 1, 2, and 3' system is purely an accounting procedure to avoid emissions being counted twice. Greenhouse gas emissions add to the total in the atmosphere world-wide, wherever they are produced. The so-called '(redacted) defence' - that if I don't supply a product somebody else will - is no longer a valid argument. There is not an unlimited supply of coal mines, and as the process of gaining approval becomes more complex - and therefore expensive and time-consuming - proposals become less and less attractive, resulting in fewer going ahead, therefore reduced emissions. Finally, despite an overwhelming number of scientists looking into not just the increase in GHG emissions and the steadily accelerating rise in global temperatures, but predicting - with alarming accuracy - the increase in wildly variable climates in various areas, and the increase in extreme and destructive weather events, the world is struggling to reduce emissions even slightly, as demand for energy increases. It is not unreasonable to foresee massive crop failures and famine, mass migration (and the political and military implications) following on from some populated areas becoming uninhabitable, by the end of this century unless changes are made now We must surely take every possible opportunity to reduce emissions wherever they occur, and however they are generated. Disallowing the expansion of Yancoal's Moolarben mine would be well supported by some other recent precedent rulings, and a step in the right direction. |
Helen Nugent
|
ID |
20856 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2541 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining due to the climate impacts being felt in my area. We are already sitting through extreme heatwaves, our energy bills are going up due to the added cost of air conditioning and I know communities across NSW are facing the same struggles. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community. It should not be approved. This richly biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species! • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. The proposed amendments do not reduce clearing of native vegetation, are far too late to be considered and the proposal still would have severe impacts on biodiversity. |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
20861 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2299 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, I am a keen scuba diver and snorkeller from (redacted), NSW. I am deeply concerned by the climate impacts of coal mining having witnessed myself the degradation of marine habitats in the area. The increased marine water temperatures, which are the direct result of the burning of fossil fuels harms ocean habitats in two ways. Firstly by changing the marine environment radically and rapidly, and secondly by creating larger storms, with large amounts of runoff that damages further these fragile areas. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including downstream effects on marine environments. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. Reducing part of a public reserve to an industrial waste area is effectively a giveaway of a public good to a private enterprise. • Water and groundwater risks, including to the Hunter and Goulburn Rivers. Moolarben Creek is a tributary to both rivers and here in Newcastle, the degradation of the water in the Hunter River has impact on our local marine environment as well as further out to sea. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. The projected increase to the acidification of the oceans, and the further loss of marine environments that comes with the increased emissions risks being catastrophic. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. Notably, in 2020-2021 Yancoal Australia paid no income tax, and has a poor track record in this regard. The NSW Government should not approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Respectfully, (redacted) |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
20866 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2108 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
Thank you for the opportunity to provide a submission with regard to this matter. However, as someone in his early 80's, I am appalled that it is necessary for me to continue to, again, add my voice, or my raised had, to stop yet another appalling misuse of our land and our waters from the predations which are outlined in the Moolarben proposal. I could not more vehemently oppose such madness a this is. Thank you again for the opportunity to express my heartfelt opinion. |
Maggie Lawlor
|
ID |
20871 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I strongly object to the expansion of any coal mine on the basis of the greenhouse gas emissions from coal. We do not need coal in Australia, and we are simply shifting the global problem out of our backyard and into another, whilst ignoring the fact that emissions are GLOBAL and will still affect the climate of Australia. This double-faced policy must end as it is meaningless, and in fact short-sighted and makes us complicit if we reduce our emissions whilst contributing to the emissions of another area. Despite the climate crisis and NSW’s commitment to reducing emissions, this project would lock in additional, unnecessary and destructive emissions from coal mining. In addition, the proposed expansion would clear critical habitat for koalas, Regent Honeyeaters, and micro bats, with plans to mine within 100m of the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, one of the oldest conservation reserves in the state. It threatens critical ecosystems, water sources, and cultural heritage on Wiradjuri Country. |
Mark and Lynda Bloxsome and Fletcher
|
ID |
20876 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2518 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
Document Attached |
|
Attachments |
Lynda Fletcher and Mark Bloxsome-IPC Submission-16 February 2026_Redacted.pdf (PDF, 153.62 KB) |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
20881 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2290 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I am strongly against coal mining in the Ulan, moolarben wilpinjong area. The impacts to the environment are not less than minor and are going to be long term. The drawdown in the overlying units and the alluvium will negatively impact the environment long term. Additionally, the coal will go on to contribute to human induced climate change that will lead to the irreversible change to our planet within our lifetimes. Lastly, the impacts to groundwater levels and quality and base flow contributions will be impacted. The impacts to our water resource are already unacceptable. |
Marie Hensley
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ID |
20886 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2852 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To: NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Subject: Submission of Strong Objection – Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project ________________________________________ Summary This submission formally objects to the proposed Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project. The proposal to extend the existing OC3 open cut pit and develop four new open cut pits along the Moolarben Valley floor is fundamentally incompatible with the current economic and environmental reality of New South Wales and our local Mid-Western Region. This submission provides clear evidence that the approval of further coal extraction represents a direct threat to the Mid-Western Region’s and NSW state fiscal stability and the well-being of its people, environment, social and economic stability due to the growing cost of Climate impacts as a direct result of increased emissions from Coal and its extraction. Please find my attached submission containing the information to support this claim and the reason for the objection. |
|
Attachments |
Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project_Submission.pdf (PDF, 646.2 KB) |
Alan Glover
|
ID |
20896 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2325 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, I am a volunteer firefighter with 46 years experience in the Hunter Valley and around NSW. I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in our states, due to the climate crisis affecting all of us. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that will harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, Alan Glover (redacted) NSW 2325 |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
20901 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2850 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is (redacted), I am a 42 year old mother and sustainability student living in (redacted) and I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in our area due to the resulting climate, biodiversity and environmental impacts. This current summer has been the hottest I have experienced since living in the region with extreme heatwaves, increasing energy bill costs as a result of a higher dependence on air conditioning, and I know communities across NSW are facing the same struggles. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely, (redacted) |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
20911 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2267 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
This coalmine expansion will negatively impact the local ecosystems on which many local threatened species rely on for continued survival. It also contradicts the NSW climate goals that our state government has encouraged. The decreasing demand for coal in the international market provides an insight into the global direction away from fossil fuel use, and towards a more sustainable way of living for the global community. |
Kate Miskin
|
ID |
20916 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2299 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
Clearing these areas will have significant and devastating impacts on koala habitat. |
Dr Lindsay Sharp
|
ID |
20921 |
|---|---|
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Location |
New South Wales 2534 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
My name is Dr Lindsay Sharp and I have watched horrified as this diabolical and destructive mine proposal has proceeded: 1. This area belongs in a protected nature reserve, not as an open-cut coal mine This valley should be protected as part of a single conservation landscape with the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, not trashed as a coal mine, clearing around 480 hectares of native vegetation and mining within 100 metres of the reserve, risking an area of high biodiversity. At least 23 threatened species have been recorded locally, with critical habitat for threatened yet resilient koalas. There is no justification to disturb this significant landscape and ecosystem; a project creating no new jobs but permanently destroying biodiversity. 2. Unacceptable and irreversible harm to threatened species and ecosystems Yancoal’s expansion would cause irreversible damage to nature, clearing irreplaceable native bush that cannot be offset; it would destroy 113 hectares of koala habitat with breeding koalas, including in the middle of a proposed mine pit; clear 80 hectares of Regent Honeyeater habitat with breeding females, and up to 401 hectares of the endangered Box Gum Woodland ecosystem. Impacts on threatened species such as the Regent Honeyeater, Broad headed Snake and microbats will likely be severe, as acknowledged by the NSW Environment Department, which warned the mine could lead to long-term population declines and affect habitat critical to species' survival. Despite this, noise/blasting impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve were poorly assessed, and Yancoal refused to adopt a recommended 500-metre buffer to protect the reserve and wildlife. This rich valley should never be mined and should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. 3. A massive climate cost contradicting NSW climate goals The proposed OC3 extension will generate approx. 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions total, equivalent to around 58% of NSW’s annual emissions, making its climate impact enormous. Yet DPHI’s assessment ignores clear findings of the Net Zero Commission that any further coal mine expansions are inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change Act and the Paris Agreement, failing to acknowledge that NSW is already off track to meet its 2030/2035 targets. The assessment also does not apply the Denman Court of Appeal decision, requiring decision-makers to consider emissions (including downstream emissions (99% of its emissions) and the local climate impacts caused, leaving the true climate and economic costs of the project unquantified and unaddressed. The economic and social costs of these emissions have not been addressed by Yancoal. 4. The expansion is not needed for jobs or regional prosperity The expansion cannot be justified on employment grounds or benefits to the local community, as the Moolarben mine will continue operating until at least 2038 regardless of this expansion, and coal jobs in the region have remained unfilled for years. At the same time, Mudgee sits within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, where renewable energy projects will create around 2,000 new jobs by 2036, offering good alternative employment. Yancoal has indicated that 65% of coal from Moolarben will go to China, 10% to South Korea, 10% to Taiwan, 5% to Thailand, 5% to Japan, and 5% to others. Given the forecasted decline in Australian thermal coal demand to China and South Korea especially - the economic argument could be even weaker than Yancoal has outlined in the May 2025 Resource Assessment. The expansion will deliver little economic benefit while imposing lasting environmental damage, making its costs far greater than any claimed public benefit. 5. Serious and long-lasting risks to groundwater and creeks The project is expected to cause significant groundwater drawdown of 2–6 metres, potentially lasting up to 25 years after mining, placing Moolarben Creek at serious risk as a critical drought refuge for wildlife. Independent experts warn that groundwater-dependent ecosystems along the creek, including deep-rooted riparian trees, will be affected by drawdown of up to 5 metres in the alluvium, risks compounded by the proponent’s failure to undertake adequate baseline water monitoring and its poor track record of complying with water monitoring requirements elsewhere in the mine complex. Yancoal are proposing an amendment to conduct 12 months of groundwater monitoring studies before they commence mining - this is inadequate, baseline groundwater monitoring studies should occur before a project is approved, not after. 6. The expansion will irreversibly harm Wiradjuri cultural heritage The project will destroy 55 irreplaceable Aboriginal cultural artefacts, and potentially impact dozens of others, all considered to have high cultural value by the Registered Aboriginal Parties consulted on the proposal. This expansion contributes to the fracturing of the landscape, and to cumulative degradation of Country from ongoing mining undermining the Wiradjuri people’s ability to practice culture, maintain connection to Country, and preserve sacred sites of immense and irreplaceable significance. 7. The cumulative impact There has been poor assessment of the cumulative impact of this proposed Moolarben Mine expansion combined with the proposed expansions of neighbouring mines. All proposed expansions have impacts on a similar set of threatened species listed as likely to have Serious and Irreversible Impacts due to clearing and loss of habitat. The Ulan Coal Mine Modification 6 and 8 and the Wilpinjong Coal Mine Modification 3 will impact an additional large area of similar landscape, connected water sources, rich biodiversity and cultural heritage values. It must be stopped. Failure to do so will affect my vote at the next election. Goodbye Labor hello Greens, despite our personal support, admiration and deep friendship with Katelin McInerny. Truly a tragic outcome on every count. Dr Lindsay Sharp. |
Philip vincent
|
ID |
20926 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
Queensland 4306 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
Submission to the NSW Independent Planning Commission Moolarben Coal Complex – Open Cut 3 (OC3) Extension To: NSW Independent Planning Commission Project: Moolarben Coal Complex – OC3 Extension Location: Near Mudgee, Mid-Western NSW (Wiradjuri Country) Introduction I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben Coal Complex Open Cut 3 (OC3) Extension. This submission is made in response to the Commission’s public exhibition process and in the public interest. The proposed expansion would result in serious and irreversible environmental, climate, water, and cultural heritage impacts, while delivering little demonstrable public benefit. I respectfully submit that the proposal should not be approved. Late Amendments and Procedural Concerns I am particularly concerned that Yancoal has submitted last-minute amendments to its proposal after the close of meaningful community consultation. These amendments do not reduce the mine footprint or vegetation clearing and instead rely on off-site “habitat enhancement” measures that fail to address the severe on-site impacts. Allowing such amendments at this stage undermines procedural fairness and the integrity of the assessment process. They should not be accepted or relied upon by the Commission. Unacceptable Impacts on Biodiversity and Threatened Species The proposed OC3 extension would clear approximately 480 hectares of native vegetation, including habitat for at least 23 threatened species. This includes: Around 113 hectares of koala habitat, where breeding koalas have been recorded Approximately 80 hectares of Regent Honeyeater habitat, including breeding females Up to 401 hectares of the critically endangered Box Gum Woodland ecological community Mining is proposed within 100 metres of the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, one of the oldest conservation reserves in NSW. Noise, blasting, and vibration impacts on the reserve have been poorly assessed, and the proponent has refused to adopt a recommended 500-metre buffer to protect wildlife and ecological values. These impacts have been identified by the NSW Environment Department as likely to cause long-term population declines and affect habitat critical to species survival. Such impacts are clearly serious and irreversible. Climate Impacts Inconsistent with NSW Law and Policy The OC3 extension is estimated to generate approximately 64.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its life — equivalent to around 58% of NSW’s total annual emissions. This is fundamentally inconsistent with: The NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act Advice from the Net Zero Commission Australia’s obligations under the Paris Agreement The Department’s assessment fails to properly account for downstream emissions, which represent approximately 99% of the project’s total emissions, contrary to established legal principles requiring their consideration. The climate, economic, and social costs of these emissions have not been adequately addressed. Groundwater, Surface Water, and Long-Term Environmental Risk The project is expected to cause groundwater drawdown of between 2 and 6 metres, with impacts potentially lasting up to 25 years after mining ceases. This places Moolarben Creek at significant risk, including its function as a critical drought refuge for wildlife. Independent experts have warned that groundwater-dependent ecosystems, including riparian vegetation, are likely to be harmed. The proponent’s proposal to conduct groundwater monitoring only after approval is inadequate — baseline monitoring should occur prior to any approval decision, not after. Irreversible Harm to Wiradjuri Cultural Heritage The proposed expansion would destroy at least 55 Aboriginal cultural artefacts, all assessed by Registered Aboriginal Parties as having high cultural value. The cumulative impact of ongoing mining in the area continues to fracture Country and undermine the Wiradjuri people’s ability to maintain cultural practices, protect sacred sites, and sustain connection to Country. These impacts are permanent and cannot be meaningfully mitigated or offset. Lack of Public Benefit and Cumulative Impacts The expansion is not required to maintain employment, as the mine will continue operating until at least 2038 regardless of the OC3 extension. Coal jobs in the region remain unfilled, while the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone is expected to generate thousands of new jobs over the coming decade. In addition, the cumulative impacts of this proposal in combination with nearby mine expansions — including Ulan and Wilpinjong — have not been adequately assessed, despite overlapping impacts on threatened species, water systems, and cultural heritage. Conclusion For the reasons outlined above, I respectfully urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben Coal Complex OC3 Extension Project be refused. This proposal would cause unacceptable and irreversible harm, is inconsistent with NSW climate and environmental objectives, and fails to deliver a clear public benefit. Thank you for considering my submission. Yours sincerely, Philip Vincent (redacted), Qld, 4306 |
Tina Wilkie-Miskin
|
ID |
20936 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2289 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I object to coal mine expansion due to the effects of coal mining and coal use on climate change, native plant and animal habitats, and water quality |
Matthew Washington
|
ID |
20941 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2783 |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, My name is Matthew, I am a 73 year retiree. I have property in the (redacted) area which I know and love. Hence I know about the detrimental impacts of coal mining and that most mining in general can bring. I am deeply concerned about the expansion of coal mining in our State, due to the climate impacts being felt in my area. I believe it is a growing fact that many people, in the NSW regions and in our cities, now understand the threats and damage caused by climate and environmental damage. Not only do we have extreme heatwaves and floods, we see our energy bills are going up due to the added cost of air conditioning. Hence I know many communities across NSW are facing the same struggles and have genuine fears for our future for farming and just for our ordinary urban life. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. I am also aware that as a genuine issue for our future that, we must protect important areas, their habitat and threatened species, so that can be enjoyed and protected while being an ongoing source of wonder and pride in our unique natural heritage. We in Australia are lucky to have these habitats and remarkable species. But if we destroy and disrespect these areas we destroy that uniqueness which we can no longer share with future generations. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. These creatures are widely known and loved so how can we imperil their habitat. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. It is clear that rather then endangering this nature reserve it should be added to by protecting and expanding it to include this threatened area where mining expansion is proposed. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. Ground water disruption can have very bad long term effects so that this proposed mine expansion should be viewed as highly likely to create irreparable damage. • Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. As this proposal is in a Labor held state one wonders how the electorate will view such blatant disregard for the climate and the environment as elections come around. • Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. The NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused. Thank you for considering my submission. Yours Sincerely, Matthew Washington |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
20946 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2135 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Website |
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Submission |
We are in a climate emergency. The International Energy Agency reported back in 2021 that if the world is to meet the target of net zero emissions by 2050, and stay within 2˚C of warming, that the approval of new or expanded fossil fuel projects must end. That was nearly 5 years ago, so how can we be considering opening or expanding any coal or gas projects now ?? It is insane and must stop. History will judge those continuing this madness, in the face of all the evidence of a heating world and climate breakdown. It doesn't matter where the coal is burnt - the CO2 goes into the same atmosphere. And even the process of extracting it will release thousands of tonnes of methane pollution. Your children and grandchildren will ask what did you do to prevent this. What will you tell them ? |
Julie Kolges
|
ID |
20951 |
|---|---|
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Location |
Redacted |
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Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Object |
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Website |
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Submission |
I object to the proposed Moolarben OC3 coal expansion. The environment and wildlife cannot afford the clearing of 113 hectares of koala habitat, it would be criminal. Plus it would add an estimated 64 million tonnes of pollution, at a time when NSW is already failing to meet its legislated climate targets, and communities across NSW and Australia and also across the world are facing climate fuelled disasters. Haven't we already lost too much to bushfires and floods? Enough is enough, start protecting our unique wildlife and flora, because once its gone its gone there is no Planet B, this is it and we need to protect it with our lives, because the human race are the only ones that can do it. STOP the destruction and STOP the greedy fossil fuel corporations from destroying our planet. |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
20956 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2325 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community, and should not be approved. This rich biodiverse area should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. In particular, I am concerned about: • Threatened species and habitat loss, including the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. • Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. • Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife etc. |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
20961 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2118 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
|
Submission |
To the Independent Planning Commission, I live in Sydney and I am extremely worried about the expansion of coal mining in NSW, due to the climate issues in NSW and Australia. NSW and Australia have had extreme heatwaves and floods, our energy bills are expensive, and many folks across NSW & Australia, in regional areas and the cities are facing these struggles. I am writing to object to Yancoal’s proposed Moolarben OC3 coal mine expansion near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. I am concerned that this project would cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and our communities, this should not be approved. These rich biodiverse areas should be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and protected. Our koalas and wildlife continue to suffer habitat and forest loss, the clearing of over 113 hectares of koala habitat where koalas and breeding have been recorded, as well as Regent Honeyeater and microbat habitat. No biodiversity offsets can replace habitat that is already supporting threatened species. Impacts on Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, with mining proposed within 100 metres of the reserve and inadequate assessment of noise, blasting and vibration impacts. Water and groundwater risks, including long-term groundwater drawdown that could harm Moolarben Creek and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are critical drought refuges for wildlife. Climate impacts, with the project producing an estimated 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gas emissions at a time when NSW is not on track to meet its legislated emissions reduction targets. Lack of public benefit, with no clear jobs justification for expanding coal mining in a region where renewable energy development is being prioritised. We are in a climate and environment crisis, the NSW Government cannot afford to approve new or expanded coal projects during a climate and biodiversity crisis. This proposal is inconsistent with the NSW Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023 and the goals of the Paris Agreement. For these reasons, I urge the Independent Planning Commission to recommend that the Moolarben OC3 Coal Mining Extension Project be refused, and not be allowed to go ahead. Please consider my submission. Kind regards (redacted) (redacted) 2118 NSW |
Mark & Lynda Bloxsome & Fletcher
|
ID |
20966 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2518 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
|
Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
|
Submission |
Submission attached. |
|
Attachments |
Lynda Fletcher and Mark Bloxsome-IPC Submission-16 February 2026.docx (DOCX, 19.88 KB) |
Yvonne Wells
|
ID |
20976 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
Victoria 3515 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
I ask the question - why - we share this planet with all types of species - please keep the status quo - we need to start thinking how this impacts different species rather than taking and taking. NO, no, no it should not go ahead. |
Zoe Butler
|
ID |
20981 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2778 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
|
Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
|
Submission |
Please see my attached file. |
|
Attachments |
20981 - Zoe Butler.pdf (PDF, 35.92 KB) |
Alexander Betcher
|
ID |
20986 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2140 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
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Submission |
As a taxpayer, I don't want to be on the hook for a white elephant when coal becomes unprofitable in the next decade (china and India both reduced their coal generated power last year), which let's be honest, is exactly what we know is going to happen. Plus, the destruction of the environment and damage to water resources and biodiversity in the area, plus impact on air quality for residents, plus just general climate change considerations. It's madness to consider. |
John Philpott
|
ID |
20991 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2034 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
Stop Moolarben The amendments do not reduce clearing of native vegetation and proposal still would have severe impacts on biodiversity. |
Nicola Hensel
|
ID |
20996 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2289 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
|
Submission |
I object to the expansion of the Moolarben open cut coal mine. I think it is vital for Australia to move away from it's dependence on fossil fuels and that we do everything we can to address the devastating effects of climate change. I am extremely concerned this project would cause irreversible damage to the environment. I am very concerned about the loss of habitat for the threatened species in the area, particularly the Regent Honeyeater, as well as the impact the expansion would have on the nearby nature reserve, the groundwater, and the 64 million tonnes of additional greenhouse gases that would result from the project going ahead. I urge you to recommend that the Moolarben Coal Extension Project be refused and that the area concerned be incorporated into the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. Thank you for considering my submission. Sincerely Nicola Hensel Adamstown NSW |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
21001 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2291 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
This government should be closing coal mines in his State not opening new ones or allowing expansion of existing mines. The community is repeatedly suffering loss and damage to homes, farmland and National parks due to major climate events as a result of climate change contributed to by the burning of fossil fuels. |
Name Redacted
|
ID |
21011 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2034 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
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Submitter position |
Object |
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Submission method |
Website |
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Submission |
Beyond the obvious and well documented greenhouse effects of coal, the extension of this mine will damage further and , probably irreparably, the delicate ecosystem of Mudgee. we ask you to protect the remaining ecosystem form further damage for future generations. thank you |
John Turier
|
ID |
21016 |
|---|---|
|
Location |
New South Wales 2289 |
|
Date |
16/02/2026 |
|
Submitter position |
Object |
|
Submission method |
Website |
|
Submission |
I am extremely concerned about the proposed extension to the Moolarben opencut |