What is this campaign about? In 2024, NSW is facing at least 14 proposals to expand existing coal mines. Together these projects would add 2 Gigatonnes (2 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent) of greenhouse gases – most when the coal is burnt, much of it overseas. The mines also pollute locally, as they allow fugitive methane gas to enter the atmosphere. Finally, these mine expansions are threats to water, air, agriculture, and the native plants and animals affected by land clearing. Many of the operations, such as the monster Hunter Valley Operations project near Singleton, are owned by foreign companies, and are seeking a licence to mine for decades ahead. We are calling on the NSW government to leave a positive legacy for NSW by putting climate action first and scrapping pro-coal policies that facilitate mine expansions.
What is Climate Change Balmain-Rozelle doing? CCBR, as part of the Lock the Gate Alliance, will be advocating for the NSW government to:
● refer any coal mine expansion proposals to the Independent Planning Commission, as promised by the Labor Party before the 2023 election
● ensure by setting clear criteria that applications to expand mines are not classed as “modifications” to avoid scrutiny by the Independent Planning Commission
● withdraw the Strategic Statement on Coal, a policy document negotiated by John Barilaro’s National Party, which is hindering fair assessment of coal mining impacts
● acknowledge that expanding coal production is inconsistent with the government’s own Climate Change (Net Zero Futures) Act 2023, which recognises that “action is urgently required”, and commits to reducing NSW greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2035.
What you can do
● Sign the petition to Premier Chris Minns and relevant ministers: Don’t pour fuel on the climate fire
● Subscribe to CCBR e-newsletter for updates on this campaign
● Join CCBR so that, through the ccbr-forum, we can keep you in touch with actions and opportunities for letter and submission writing.