Sydney Knitting Nannas are gearing up to support the Mudgee District Environment Group in the battle to stop the expansion of the Moolarben coal mine at Wollar. We’ll be writing submissions and attending the Independent Planning Commission hearing in Mudgee. We want you with us.
We encourage everyone who cares about climate change and protecting the natural environment to join this important campaign and make a difference.
Yancoal is seeking approval to significantly expand its Moolarben Coal Mine (OC3) near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country. The proposal was referred to the NSW Independent Planning Commission (IPC), the decision maker on whether NSW’s biggest producing coal mine is allowed to expand even further.
If approved, the Moolarben OC3 expansion would clear 113 hectares of koala habitat, destroy microbat and regent honeyeater habitat, and bring mining within 100 metres of Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. It would add an estimated 64 million tonnes of climate pollution — at a time when NSW is already failing to meet its legislated climate targets, and communities in NSW and across the world are facing climate-fuelled disasters.
Submission Writing
Submissions currently close on 17 February 2026 and the public will also be given a further opportunity to make written submissions on any amendment to the Application when received. Written submissions already made to the Commission will be considered by the Panel.
NCC submission guide and more information.
Lock the Gate submissions guide here.
Submissions don’t need to be long or technical, short objections by hundreds of people can make a difference.
Online submission writing workshops and recordings
– Lock the Gate Thursday 5th Feb at 5:30 PM to do some quirky Koala trivia
– Nature Conservation Council (NCC) Social lunch and in-person submission workshop in Sydney – city or inner West venue to be announced soon. RSVP HERE.
Host a submission writing workshop
NCC How to HOST a Submission Writing Workshop webinar on Thurs 22 Jan 6:30pm online for a step-by-step guide on how you can help your friends and family write submissions. Show the film Voices For the Valley. RSVP HERE.
Koala Trivia Night
Koala Trivia is held in solidarity on the same day as the Independent Planning Commission hosts the public hearing in Mudgee on Yancoal’s Moolarben Coal Mine expansion.
When: 6-8pm, Tuesday 10 February
Where: Chamber Hall, Glebe Town Hall
160 St Johns Rd, Glebe
Trivia Host: Former ABC Science presenter, Bernie Hobbs
Free event, RSVP required by Thurs 5 Feb
https://www.lockthegate.org.au/koala_trivia_night_sydney
Lock the Gate will provide snacks and light refreshments. Bring your friends and colleagues or meet new folks and join their team. Submission writing will be encouraged.
Speak at IPC Hearing
Registrations to speak at the IPC Hearing either online or in person are temporarily closed as it has been postponed due to the applicant wanting to amend their application.
“The proposed amendments include changes to the project’s run of mine coal extraction schedule and provision of additional habitat enhancement area. The applicant has advised that it would take approximately 4 weeks to prepare an amendment report.”
This does not change the submission process. Submissions on the amendments only will be called for at a later date.
When a new hearing date is announced the submission team will contact those who have registered and will answer any questions you have about speaking online and or to a PowerPoint presentation at the Hearing.
The IPC hearing will be held at Mudgee Showground (main pavilion) at 11 Nicholson St, Mudgee NSW 2850. A rally outside will be held from 9am before the hearing commences at 10am.
Welcome Back Pollies
Tuesday 3 February – 10.30am – Sydney Knitting Nannas invite you to join us for a rally to welcome back the politicians after their winter break. We’ll be campaigning against Chain Valley and Moolarben Coal projects and asking the government to improve legislation and funding for regional jobs proposal in coal mining areas.