The Australia Institute made two submissions to the NSW Independent Planning Commission regarding the proposals to extend the Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) coal mines.

The first submission highlighted the flaws in the economic assessment of the project, which overstate benefits and understate costs. These flaws are well-known and widely acknowledged.

The second submission is a response to additional information received by the Commission from the applicant dated 1 September 2026. The applicant claims that the project is the most valuable mine in NSW history, while at the same time suggesting that any limits on approval conditions will “significantly undermine project viability”.

In our view, the economic case for the HVO projects has been overstated, particularly in relation to worker benefits, supplier benefits, climate impacts and the overall viability of the project. The Commission should refuse the HVO continuation proposals.