Locals fear for their children’s quality of life if the biggest coalmine extension in NSW is approved

Hunter Valley Operations is the largest proposed coalmine expansion in NSW and the first to come before the state planning commission for a determination. Photograph: Lock the Gate

At Branxton community hall in the New South Wales Hunter Valley last week, local resident Janet Murray was given five minutes to speak about plans for the state’s biggest coalmine extension.

Before her were dozens of people, also there to share their views about whether the 19-year extension proposed by Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) should be allowed to proceed.