On April 23, 2021, the NSW Independent Planning Commission (IPC) decided to approve the Tahmoor coal mine’s expansion project in Bargo.

At a time when Australia critically needs to lower its greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), this expansion will extend the mine’s life to 2032, releasing 20 million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere, 

This project will impact Dharawal, Dharug, and Gundungurra Country. It will directly affect thirty-two sacred sites, including campsites, artefacts, rock shelters, art sites, axe-grinding grooves and a sacred tree.

There will be local environmental and ecosystem damage that will lead to significant loss and erosion of local ground and surface water resources.  Flora and fauna will be impacted severely.

The mine expansion will also pose huge subsidence risks to more than two hundred homes in Bargo. Bargo residents are already recovering from the loss of their homes during the horrific bushfires at the start of 2020; the product of fossil fuel-induced climate change.

Support for affected communities that currently depend upon the fossil fuel industry for their employment is essential. Stopping the expansion of this mine should not come at the cost of people’s livelihoods. Local employment must be provided with similar wages and conditions.

We respectfully ask that you:
1. Refuse the proposed extension of the Tahmoor Coal Mine
2. Respect and protect the sanctity of Indigenous sacred sites
3. Support communities whose livelihoods will be impacted by an orderly and just transition to renewable energy