Prior to the first speaker, Rio Tinto’s Coal Australia managing director Chris Salisbury, addressing the commission protesters had already voiced their objections to the mine’s proposed extension plans.

The purpose of the proceedings is for the commissioner’s Paul Forward (chair), Lynelle Briggs AO and Gordon Kirkby to directly hear from concerned community members and groups in regard to Rio Tinto’s new plan to extend the life of both mines for a further 21 years and extract 259 million tonnes of coal.

The NSW Land and Environment Court ruled that a similar extension plan was unacceptable in terms of its impact on the community and the environment in 2012.

Currently in progress, the commission will hear 82 speakers over the next two days which is a very high volume compared to previous PAC hearing in Singleton.

Although the hearing will go well into the night, it is already evident the new proposal is dividing our local community.

Those for the proposal are spruiking the economic benefits and claim the project’s approval will provide job security for 1300 workers employed at both operations.

While those against sight the impacts the expansion will have on the community of Bulga and the environment in general, are unacceptable.

Bulga residents, Greame O’Brien and his wife Susanna, pointed out the whole unfortunate situation could have been avoided if the company had honoured the Deed of Agreement that was included in the original consent conditions.

This agreement stipulated the company preserve an area known as Saddleback Ridge, in effect provide a buffer between the besieged community and the mining operations.

The futility of the situation was highlighted by Paul Harris, a mineworker and a Bulga Resident.

Mr Harris says he faces a situation where he either loses his job or his home.