STOP PRESS!!! STOP PRESS!!!
STOP PRESS!!!

"SAVE THE DRIP"

Moolarben Coal MineProject Stage 2

is out on Exhibition again!

Now called 'Preferred Project Report'

It gives no protection to
The Drip and Corner Gorges.
They have not been included in any offset plan
or Statement of Commitment and will be at the mercy of Moolarben Coal Mines (YANCOAL Pty Ltd) who have been granted freehold title over this iconic section of the Goulburn River
(was previously a Crown Lease converted to freehold
in December 2010).

At any stage this coal mine can legally STOP ALL PUBLIC ACCESS.

For all who value this special place could you please write a short (or long) submission (plus forward to other people to also comment)

Please include a clear statement
along the lines…
THE DRIP & CORNER GORGES are a public asset of signifcant conservation and cultural value.

The area MUST BE GRANTED FULL PROTECTION WITHIN THE GOULBURN RIVER NATIONAL PARK.

It is essential that this area is permanently protected from damage by mining and safeguarded for future generations as a source of inspiration, recreation and learning.

(More Information)

To lodge your comments:
S ubmissions to the Preferred Project must reach the Department of Planning and Infrastructure by the close of business on
Friday 24th February 2012
Emailed to: plan_comment@planning.nsw.gov.au
or faxed to: 02 9228 6466
or Posted to:
Major Development Assessment
Department of Planning
GPO Box 39
Sydney NSW 2001

The L & E COURT'S FINAL RULING ARE STILL OUTSTANDING

Moolarben Coal Operations
(Yancoal Pty Ltd)
in the Land and Environment Court (9 July 2010) for a number of pollution events of the Goulburn River. The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) provided evidence that extensive clearing and earthworks on the site of the Moolarben coal project did not have adequate sediment and erosion controls as required under their
Conditions of Approval.
Stage 2 MCO is still being assessed
by Department Planning.

Moolarben Coal Mine Stage 2 :
Link to map of mines
Moolarben Stage 1 was approved in September 2007. Felix Resources have now applied for Stage 2 and a modification of Stage 1 infrastructure.

If approved this will create a mega mine producing 17 million tonnes of new coal per year for 24 years

• The unsustainable extraction of groundwater and interference to aquifer and river system due to mine subsidence, dewatering and on site water use.

• The removal of a total of 851 ha of remnant native vegetation
  Includes 157 ha of CEEC (Critically Endangered Ecological Communities) that provides habitat to a range of threatened woodland birds including Regent and Painted Honeyeaters, Hooded Robin, Brown Treecreeper, Diamond Firetail (referred under EPBC Act)

• Removal of over 11 km of creek habitat in the Murragamba Creek (also rated as significant cultural landscape) and Eastern Creek valleys including two groundwater dependant ecosystems (GDEs).

• Removal of five Aboriginal heritage sites of high significance and 16 sites of medium significance. An additional two Aboriginal heritage sites of high significance and seven sites of medium significance will be disturbed. Underground 2 surrounds a significant site in a 100m cliff line (C7 - Site ID S2MC236) containing numerous artworks - hand stencils, animal tracks and animal motifs. The mine has provided only a 55 metre buffer area to protect this area from subsidence.

• Cumulative impacts MCM will inflict on this catchment deserve serious offsets and protective measures around important natural and cultural features that are valued by society. There is wide spread support for the inclusion of the Goulburn River Drip Gorge, riparian area and adjacent escarpments into the Goulburn River National Park. This area has multiple values (cultural, scenic, educational, tourism and now a Brett Whitley Mural) and is of national significance. It is also supports a sensitive and connected groundwater system that is poorly understood.