Submissions for coal mine extension reopened by the Independent Planning Commission

The Independent Planning Commission has reopened public submissions for the proposed stage three extension project at the Narrabri underground coal mine.

New information was received from the Department of Planning and Environment and the project’s proponent, Whitehaven Coal.

In response to the new details, the commissioners have agreed to reopen submissions until 5pm on Tuesday, March 8.

“This deadline will be strictly enforced and late submissions will not be considered by the panel nor uploaded to the commission’s website,” the IPC said in a statement.

“The panel will only consider submissions received directly from the person submitting the comment.

“Campaign emails, petitions or form letters will not be considered nor uploaded to the commission’s website.

“Submissions must specifically relate to the new material only.”

In its newest submission, Whitehaven Coal responded to questions taken on notice during the two days of online hearings held on February 14 and 18.

These responses related to make good impacts on landowners’ bores, pre-drainage gas characteristics, carbon dioxide impacts and biophysical strategic agricultural land in offset areas.

The company concluded its submission by saying the project is considered to be wholly consistent with the NSW government’s Strategic Statement on Coal Exploration and Mining in NSW.

“The NSW government’s Net Zero Plan Stage 1: 2020-2030 recognises that coal mining will continue to be an important part of the economy into the future and it is important that the state’s action on climate change does not undermine those businesses and the jobs and communities they support,” director of Narrabri Coal Operations stage three project, David Ellwood said in his report.

“The project would allow for continued employment of the existing operational workforce at the Narrabri Mine and the socio-economic benefits associated with ongoing expenditure by NCOPL in the regional economy and payment of royalties to the NSW government.”

In the DPIE’s response, it provided a revised economic evaluation following queries about the apportionment of greenhouse gas emissions.

The department, in its submission, said the net benefit of the project is reduced from $598 million to $462 million using a central carbon price scenario.

At a high carbon price, it is reduced to $341 million.

“In summary, the department considers that even with consideration of the range in net benefits due to applying sensitivity of key parameters and apportionment of greenhouse gas emissions, and applying the central carbon price scenario, the project would provide substantial benefits to NSW.”

Following a presentation at the recent hearings, the Australia Institute published new research which it said reduced the economic benefits of the project to zero in the event a basic carbon price is included in its assessment.

The national public policy think tank said the proposed expansion is particularly emissions-intensive and would increase direct greenhouse emissions by 22 million tonnes, while burning the coal would result in 250 million tonnes, almost half of Australia’s annual emissions.

“Yet again the financial benefits of a coal mine have been overstated, while the costs have been understated,” said Rod Campbell, research director at the Australia Institute.

“The Independent Planning Commission should refuse this project based on its climate impacts and limited economic benefit.

“The commission should also urge independent review of economic claims commissioned by project proponents.”