Clarence Colliery’s proposed Modification 11 is now on public exhibition, and we have until Thursday 19 February to lodge submissions.
This proposal seeks to extend operations for another five years. At a time when we urgently need to reduce reliance on coal, approving extended coal extraction is the wrong direction for the Gardens of Stone region and for NSW.
The Gardens of Stone Alliance is urging supporters to oppose the extension in its current form. Mining and burning coal prolongs the environmental damage already affecting our waterways, landforms and climate.
Still – this is a significant opportunity to demand change: if the extension is approved despite community opposition, it must come with these six strict conditions.
- Link approval to the upgrade of the Lidsdale coal unloader. This critical infrastructure would reduce reliance on the polluting, wet Springvale mine.
- Reject the continued approval of 300,000 tonnes of coal by truck. There is no justification for extending years of heavy truck movements through the Blue Mountains and Sydney. Rail is available and its use should be mandatory.
- Acknowledge the real impacts of truck transport. The claim of “no or negligible” impacts does not reflect the experience of communities dealing with noise, traffic, diesel pollution and road safety risks from over 7000 truck trips every year.
- Prioritise local use over export. Most Clarence coal is exported. If extraction continues, it should supply Mount Piper Power Station to avoid pressure for new coal from more damaging mines in the region.
- Strengthen rehabilitation requirements. Existing rehab commitments are outdated and inadequate. Any extension must impose modern, enforceable rehabilitation standards.
- Link approval to rehabilitation of old waste dumps. The disused coal waste heaps of this mine must be rehabilitated immediately to prevent fine sediments washing into the Wollangambe River, a listed wild river.
This is a critical moment. Five more years of coal extraction is not a minor administrative change — it is a significant decision for our environment, our communities and the Gardens of Stone.
Please take a few minutes to lodge a submission before 19 February.
Here’s how:
- Use the text of this email to help you draft a submission. Even a short statement matters. First, opposing the extension and, secondly, state the conditions for approval.
- Click on this link, log in or create an account (use this guide, if you need help creating an account – once you create an account, save it, and you don’t need to do this again).
Together, we can demand better outcomes for the Gardens of Stone and hold decision-makers to account.
