About 80 speakers to appear before the Independent Planning Commission

NSW’s Independent Planning Commission will examine the proposed Hunter Valley Operations coal mine expansion at a public hearing from 16 to 18 July 2026.

Commissioners extended the hearing to three days because of strong public interest, and about 80 speakers are expected to appear.

Parents for Climate describes the proposal as the largest coal mining operation in NSW history.

According to the group’s 14 July 2026 briefing, the expansion would generate about 809 million tonnes of greenhouse gas pollution over its lifetime.

That total equals roughly seven times NSW’s annual emissions, making the project one of the state’s biggest climate decisions of 2026.

Parents for Climate chief executive Nic Seton plans to address the commission on behalf of more than 26,000 parents, grandparents and carers.

Minns Government approved 11 expansions

The hearing follows the NSW Government’s response to its independent Net Zero Commission.

That commission found continued coal extensions and expansions are inconsistent with NSW’s legislated climate targets.

However, the Minns Government has continued approving 11 coal mine extensions and expansions.

As a result, the Hunter Valley Operations proposal has become a key test of how NSW plans to balance climate commitments with future coal development.

Seton will argue Hunter families already face climate impacts including floods, bushfire smoke, extreme heat and rising household costs.

Parents for Climate also says children living in the Hunter will carry the consequences of this decision long after the mine stops operating.

Beyond the mine site, the group is using the 16 to 18 July 2026 hearing to press for long-term transition planning for Hunter communities.