Locals back Narrabri mine extension

Narrabri locals are standing up in support of the proposed extension of Whitehaven Coal’s Narrabri underground mine and say the development ensures the benefits the mine brings can continue for decades to come.

The mine has been operating since 2012 and is currently approved to operate until 2031. The stage three extension project is a proposal to extend the life of the mine until 2044.

In January 2022, the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment released its independent comprehensive technical assessment of the project, concluding it is in the public interest and recommending it can be approved with conditions.

The extension project is now being considered by the NSW Independent Planning Commission.

The company says the extension will secure the future of the 500 people working at the mine, most of whom live in the region, and ensure the other socio-economic benefits, including spend with local businesses and royalty payments to the NSW government, can continue for more than another decade.

One of those who wants to see the mine life extended is surveyor Ray Boyce. After spending the first decade of his career in the Hunter Valley, Ray moved to Narrabri with his family four years ago.

“We moved here for the lifestyle, to be able to buy a property where we can have animals and raise our three young kids – we just couldn’t have had that in the valley,” he says.

“At Narrabri Mine I’ve had more training and exposure to new technology than at any previous workplace. We’re encouraged to try new, better ways of doing things at work and that’s why I see a lot of opportunity for career development here.”

“The community has been so welcoming. My wife helps run a playgroup and I’ve just started helping out with the youth group at our local church.”

“I get to go home to my family every night but if the extension doesn’t go ahead, we’d have to think about how to provide a stable life for our kids. That could mean FIFO or seriously considering our future in Narrabri.”

As outlined in the comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement, the Narrabri Stage 3 extension is set to contribute $599 million in additional net economic benefit to NSW, including $259 million in additional royalties to the NSW government, as well as $247 million in additional local supplier spend to 2044 (NPV basis).

One of the business owners who supports the extension is Ross McClure, who is the proprietor of Specialised Civil Services, a Narrabri-based earthmoving and general contracting company.

“We’ve been working with Whitehaven since the inception of the Narrabri Mine itself, and over that time our business has grown from a handful of employees to around 35. On any given day we have about 20 contractors at the Narrabri mine,” he says.

“All of our employees live in the Narrabri Shire so our wages stay in town, we procure all of our services locally, and we’re able to give back through community sponsorships and initiatives. That’s an example of the flow-on effect of just one business working with the Narrabri Mine.

“Mining has been a saviour for the district for the last four years of drought and it’s one of the few industries that hasn’t missed a beat through COVID up until quite recently. Small retail businesses have struggled because of drought and COVID, but mining has helped keep money in the region.

“If you want to buy a house, start a family, or start a business – these are long-term commitments that need to be supported by long-term, stable employment. Allowing the existing Narrabri mine to operate until 2044 will provide certainty for the district.”

The NSW DPIE sought public feedback on the proposal in November-December 2020. A total of 82 submissions were received from public authorities, organisations and members of the public. Of these, 63 submissions (76.8 per cent) were in support of the Project, 16 (19.5 per cent) were comments, and three (3.6 per cent) objected. Whitehaven’s most recent round of independent quantitative research showed that locals are positively disposed to the Narrabri mine.

The company said over the past five years it recorded the highest increase in positive community sentiment of all its mines (including starting from the highest base). The research also found that 75 per cent of residents agree mining jobs are essential for the economy.

Seventy-three per cent of Narrabri residents agree Whitehaven makes the local economy stronger and more resilient.