The majority of speakers were in favour of the project, mostly based on expected employment (665 people at peak construction, 470 at peak operations 291 of which directly).

James Armitage, speaking as a member of the Kandos/Rylstone community, said that the project could benefit the area which has suffered the impacts of a downtown in industry.

He pointed to the closures of Kandos cement, Charbon mine and Big Rim in recent years, and said “the economic and social impact has been significant” which includes young people disengaged due to a lack of opportunities.

And that it’s not an overstatement to say “this is the last chance for the Rylstone/Kandos area”.

Mudgee Chamber of Commerce vice president, Andrew Palmer, said if the area doesn’t embrace these opportunities there’ll be nothing for other businesses to look to if they’re considering moving to the region.

KEPCO Australia’s chief operating officer Bill Vatovec said that the project will benefit NSW and more specifically the region in terms of employment – particularly the Rylstone/Kandos area.

Also with the coal destined for use in South Korea, “the resource already has an end customer”.

Those speaking against the proposed mine were for reasons including the environmental and social impacts on the Bylong Valley and more.

Muswellbrook Shire Council mayor, Martin Rush, said that the Bylong Valley Way is not safe enough for the scale of project planned.

He also said that the benefits of the project were being pitched to the Mudgee region, and that his council “was not well consulted”, even though areas such as Sandy Hollow, Denman, and Merriwa were all closer to the proposed mine.

Australia Institute research director Dr Rod Campbell, gave his submission via phone and said “I find it amazing that in 2017 we’re talking about the benefits of a green field mine”.

Claiming that banks, resource analysts, and even Newcastle Ports wouldn’t advise undertaking such a project.

And that the PAC has approved extensions on existing mines into the 2040s, “so there’s no shortage”.

Community members and Lock the Gate Alliance boycotted the hearing over the PAC process and the lack of ability to appeal an approval, instead they staged a protest outside.

The written submission period remains open until 5pm, Friday, May 19, and need to be sent to Jade Hoskins, NSW Planning Assessment Commission Level 3, 201 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, email: pac@pac.nsw.gov.au