Sydney’s drinking water supplies over five million people. Right now, it is under attack from coal mine companies.

Centennial Coal has, yet again, submitted plans to dump tens of millions of litres of water laced with heavy metals and salinity into the Coxs River every day. 

Why? Because it wants to expand its underground mines and the dirty water is in the way. It might be a cheap and easy option for the coal company, but it’s at the expense of our public health and the health of our environment.

Centennial’s mines operate next to the sensitive Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area and under the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area. If approved, the expansions it’s seeking would turbo charge destruction of this ecologically sensitive area, home to endangered upland swamps.

In the Illawarra, Peabody wants to mine further under the Woronora catchment. Coal mining has already decimated threatened flora and fauna and permanently disrupted ground and surface water flows.

Sign the petition calling for NSW Labor to honour its promise and protect Sydney’s drinking water.

The first of many coal mine expansions in the pipeline was recently approved by the Independent Planning Commission (IPC). The approval of the Chain Valley underground coal mine on the Central Coast will mean more profits for the coal industry, and more climate chaos for the rest of us. 

There are three more coal mine expansion proposals expected to go to the IPC for decision in the coming months: 

• The Moolarben open cut 3 expansion near Mudgee would clear 113 hectares of koala habitat right to the edge of one of the oldest nature reserves in Australia, Munghorn Gap. 

• The Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) project is the biggest coal mine project ever proposed in NSW. 

• The Maules Creek Continuation project would threaten endangered ecological communities and clear 428ha of Leard State Forest — precious habitat for the Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater. 

Alongside the Chain Valley approval, these coal mines, if all approved, would contribute an extra 1 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases to an already over-cooked atmosphere, clear 1000 hectares of habitat and cause continued air quality issues for the surrounding communities. 

We’re facing ever worsening climate damage. Our species are on the brink and fossil fuels are the main culprit. It’s time to end the age of coal. 

MEDIA RELEASE 

Friday 8 May 2026

The Gardens of Stone Alliance is calling for bold action to protect Sydney’s drinking water, as a clean up notice imposed on Centennial Coal has failed to bring down high levels of toxic pollution in the Coxs River.

New readings show pollution in the catchment remains severe, despite intervention by the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).

Water monitoring by Lithgow Environment Group this week recorded salinity levels of 1448 µS/cm in the Coxs River downstream of Centennial Coal’s Springvale mine operations near Wangcol Creek, compared with an environmentally healthy level of 38.5 µS/cm upstream of mining impacts.

The EPA’s January Clean Up Notice stated that saline discharges from the mine were exceeding Australian water quality guideline values and ordered the coal mine to address contaminated water management at the site.

Quotes attributed to Jacqui Mills, Senior Climate and Energy Campaigner at Nature Conservation Council of NSW:

“Time is up for Centennial Coal. They need to stop treating the headwaters of Sydney’s drinking water catchment as a dumping ground and find solutions to the large volumes of polluted wastewater generated by their coal operations.”

“What’s worse, Centennial Coal wants to expand its coal mines. This would mean even greater pollution discharges and is completely unacceptable."

“The NSW Government promised before the election to strengthen water quality protections for the Sydney catchment. It is time to deliver on that commitment.”

Quotes attributed to Steph Lentz, Campaigner at the Gardens of Stone Alliance:

“The EPA intervened because pollution levels were already deeply concerning. Months later, we are still seeing extremely high salinity levels downstream of the mine."

“The question now is what happens next. The community cannot accept this becoming normalised.”

“It’s outrageous that there remains no enforceable salinity limits for discharges from Centennial Coal licensed discharge point 1 despite the EPA previously indicating limits would be considered.”

Western Sydney University water pollution expert Dr Ian Wright has described this discharge point into Wangcol Creek (LDP001) as “the most poorly regulated waste discharge point in the whole of the Sydney Basin”.

ENDS

Media contact: Anna Greer  
E: [email protected] Ph: (02) 7208 9482  

Note: Spokespeople are available for comment on request

Notes

The Alliance formally notified the EPA of the latest salinity readings on 6 May 2026 and is calling for salinity limits to be imposed on the site. It is also asking the NSW Government to reinstate the robust water quality test it previously championed for all projects affecting the Sydney drinking water catchment, and to reject any proposal that would worsen pollution risks. Further information: Stop the Pollution Loophole: reinstate real protection for Sydney’s drinking water - 4nature

The readings come more than three months after an EPA-directed pollution reduction trial at Centennial’s licensed discharge point after repeated community complaints about highly saline discharges from the site.

MEDIA RELEASE 
9 April 2026

Today’s approval of the Chain Valley coal mine extension by the Independent Planning Commission is pushing the state recklessly toward climate chaos as another three big coal mines rush to expand their operations this year, Nature Conservation Council NSW (NCC) warns.  If the planning authority continues today’s approach and approves all three additional coal mines, it would unleash more than 1 billion extra tonnes of climate pollution.

Today’s approval of the Chain Valley Consolidation Project on the Central Coast will allow the mine to extend operations from its slated closure date in 2027 to 2029, to supply the Vales Point power station.

Quotes attributable to NCC CEO, Jacqui Mumford:

“This is the first coal mine approval since the NSW Climate Change Act came into effect and is the first in an avalanche of coal projects seeking approval this year. 

“If the planning authority approves the three other coal mines in the pipeline, it would unleash more than 1 billion extra tonnes of climate pollution at a time when we need to be cutting emissions rapidly. This is disastrous for everyone in NSW and globally.

“Chain Valley releases huge amounts of methane gas from its shafts, in fact it is one of the most polluting coal mines in NSW.

"The pollution from coal mines costs NSW residents enormously by causing extreme weather events and more intense bush fires.

“It will get even worse if other coal mine expansions in the pipeline are approved. These three mines are some of the biggest coal mines ever proposed.

"The Minns government needs to properly assess climate impacts and stop making the mistake of approving developments where the costs and harms outweigh the benefits.

“It is unacceptable that a major climate polluter can extend their operations without committing to any genuine measures to reduce emissions.

“We call on the NSW government to update planning guidance to ensure full consideration of lifecycle emissions and climate impacts in coal mine assessments in line with NSW and international law.”

ENDS

Media contact: Anna Greer    
E: [email protected]  
PH: (02) 7208 9482 

Note: Spokespeople are available for comment on request

MEDIA RELEASE 
THURSDAY 26 FEBRUARY

Data centres setting up shop in Australia as part of the AI boom will be required to contribute to Australian energy and skills under a proposal put to the federal government by an alliance of industry groups, unions, community groups and environmental organisations today.

The plan, delivered to Industry Minister Tim Ayres and Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy Andrew Charlton by the Carbon Zero Initiative, would see data centre operators invest in new renewable energy to power their operations instead of pushing up the price of wholesale power, use water responsibly and train local apprentices rather than siphoning skills away from national priorities like housing. 

The plan has been endorsed by the Clean Energy Council, Electrical Trades Union, Australian Conservation Foundation, WWF-Australia, Smart Energy Council, RE-Alliance, Climate Energy Finance, Nature Conservation Council of NSW, Environment Victoria, Queensland Conservation Council, Sunrise Project Australia and Carbon Zero Initiative. The eight principles include:

1. Be powered by 100% additional renewable energy

2. Strengthen grid stability 

3. Be appropriately sites to minimise impacts on nature and land use

4. Minimise embodied emissions and maximise efficiency and circularity 

5. Use water resources responsibly 

6. Operate with transparency

7. Commit to earning and delivering ongoing social license

8. Support the training and upskilling of the workforce
   
   

NATURE CONSERVATION COUNCIL OF NSW, CEO, JACQUI MUMFORD said

 "We cannot allow data centres to drain renewable energy supplies, suck up precious water resources, or degrade high biodiversity land,” Ms Mumford said. 

“The NSW government needs a plan to manage data centre growth and keep the renewable energy transition on track," she said.

CLEAN ENERGY COUNCIL CEO, JACKIE TRAD said

“Electricity demand from Australia’s data centre growth is expected to rise from 1.35 GW today to between 5-8 GW by 2035. Without new supplies of electricity to meet this demand, this will place increased pressure on all existing generation resources,” said Jackie Trad, CEO of the Clean Energy Council.

“With the expected growth in demand it’s important Australia has a sustainable solution to meet the supply needs of new data centres.

“Data centres powered exclusively by new renewable energy can grow the existing supply pool without increasing pressure on existing residential and commercial electricity users,” she said. 

ETU NATIONAL SECRETARY, MICHAEL WRIGHT said

"Australia needs tens of thousands more electrical workers to wire our nation into the 21st century - including by building data centres,” Mr Wright said.  

“Data centres must open doors for young Australians to train for skilled, rewarding electrical careers, not just siphon existing skills away from important national priorities like housing and energy transition. 

"Data centres that invest in Australian energy and skills are welcome here - ones that drive up power prices, take drinking water and lock young people out of jobs are not," he said.

 WWF-AUSTRALIA’S SENIOR MANAGER, ENERGY TRANSITION, ROB LAW said

“Data centres can play a role in Australia’s future, but only if they’re built in the right ways and right places,” said Rob Law, WWF-Australia’s Senior Manager, Energy Transition.

“That’s why we need strong guardrails to ensure new data centres are highly water-efficient and powered by 100% new build renewables.

“They must be sited smartly — away from high-value biodiversity areas and with water availability, First Nations interests and regional impacts front of mind,” he said.

AUSTRALIAN CONSERVATION FOUNDATION CEO, ADAM BANDT said

“Data centres guzzle power and water, and big tech corporations could derail the clean energy transition unless we regulate them,” said Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Adam Bandt.

“If you want to build a data centre, you should have to build the renewables and water recycling to power it. Big tech corporations should be forced to do their fair share, so they don’t drain our resources.” 

CLIMATE ENERGY FINANCE, DIRECTOR, TIM BUCKLEY said

“Data centre investment is red hot, so we expect our governments to ensure that giving approvals to new infrastructure projects comes with clear community benefits - after all, the data centres can only be built leveraging the existing publicly funded water and grid infrastructure we have all paid for,” Mr Buckley said. 

“Approvals should be conditional upon new long-term firmed renewables PPA as a pre-requisite.

“Approvals should come with clear community alignment and best practice, including developing a green energy powered future made in Australia," he said.

CARBON ZERO INITIATIVE, PROJECT LEAD, ALEXANDER HOYSTED said

“Data centres can support Australia’s clean energy future, but only if new demand brings new renewables with it,” Mr Hoysted said. 

“Clear guardrails now will benefit households, communities and the grid. Done right, data centres can accelerate Australia’s clean energy transition by anchoring new renewable generation and storage. 

“We need to ensure growth strengthens the grid and expands supply, rather than competing with households and industry for limited capacity,” he said.

ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA, CLIMATE CAMPAIGN MANAGER, JOY TOOSE said

“A $10 billion data centre has been proposed for the former Hazelwood power station site in Gippsland’s Latrobe Valley – a region already grappling with the water legacy of coal,” Ms Toose said. 

“Gippsland’s waterways are already under intense pressure. Without careful planning and regulation, data centres threaten to add new and unacceptable water and energy demands onto already stressed systems - at the expense of regional communities and ecosystems,” she said.

QUEENSLAND CONSERVATION COUNCIL, ACTING DIRECTOR ANTHONY GOUGH said

“We need to make sure that new energy demands come with their own well-planned renewable energy and water supply arrangements to be able to protect our communities and unique natural environments,” Mr Gough said. 

“Despite the Queensland Government rhetoric of being open for business, they have stifled renewable energy investment. This needs to change if Queensland is able to participate sustainably in new data centre development.”  

SMART ENERGY COUNCIL, CHIEF ADVOCACY OFFICER, DAVID MCELREA said

“Data centres are arriving in Australia at a critical time in our energy transition, with unreliable coal and expensive gas being squeezed out of the system” Mr. McElrea said.

“We don’t want data centres driving up the cost of living and causing increased climate pollution by keeping coal and gas operating a day longer than they need to.”

ENDS

Media contact: Anna Greer  
E: [email protected] PH: (02) 7208 9482   

Note: Spokespeople are available for comment on request 

About 

The Nature & Renewables Toolkit was developed to help communities in NSW who are grappling with how to achieve a renewables rollout that protects and enhances the local environment, are done in collaboration with Traditional Owners and benefit communities.  

It aims to build up the capacity of communities and local environment groups to engage with the planning process for renewable energy developments in their regions in an informed, constructive way.  

It can be used by local community members or groups who are being impacted by the transition (whether located inside or outside of a Renewable Energy Zone), key stakeholders (such as local councils), and decision makers, to inform policy decisions. 

Nature & Renewables Toolkit Parts 

• Introduction | DOWNLOAD

• Part 1: Protecting nature in the rollout of renewable energy | DOWNLOAD

• Part 2: Nature and Renewables FAQs | DOWNLOAD

• Part 3: Renewable energy developments and the NSW planning system | DOWNLOAD

• Nature & Renewables Toolkit (Full version) | DOWNLOAD

MEDIA RELEASE 

26th June 2025  

Today’s NSW State of the Environment Report paints a grim picture of the health of NSW ecosystems according to the Nature Conservation Council of NSW, the state’s leading environmental organisation. 

The State of the Environment report is NSW’s premier scientific report card, released every three years. It describes the health of our life support systems – the land, water, air and ecosystems, and it tracks trends over time. This year almost all indicators are “getting worse”. 

Key Report Findings 

Since the last report, 36 more animal and plant species have been listed as threatened with extinction. 

Since 2021, there have been 190 fish kill events, with tens of millions of fish dying in some events. 

Alarmingly, the fastest growing segment of threatened animals is those which are critically endangered, which grew by 35 species over the same period. This is a stark indicator of the worsening biodiversity crisis, and shows current settings to protect endangered species are not working.  

Across the state, distribution of native land mammals continues to shrink, with fewer habitats left to offer safe refuge. The clearing of native vegetation remains significantly higher than before land clearing laws were loosened in 2016, with agriculture the main driver. 

Projections show that only half of all native animal species currently listed are expected to survive the next 100 years. 

Recommendations 

In response to the State of the Environment report card, NCC is calling on the NSW Government to: 

• Rein in land clearing for agriculture by closing legal loopholes. 

• End native forest logging, protecting 1 million hectares of our most precious forest for conservation and recreation.  

• Reduce water extraction by irrigators, allowing inland rivers to connect and flow. 

• Restore coastal estuaries to protect communities from climate impacts. 

• Increase funding for environmental programs from 1.6% to at least 2% of state expenditure to resource an effective NSW Nature Strategy. 

Statements attributable to Jacqui Mumford, Chief Executive Officer of Nature Conservation Council NSW: 

"Every NSW resident should be outraged that our shared natural heritage is being stolen from under our feet.  

“The risk to First Nations cultural heritage is intolerable. Indigenous knowledge must be informing the protection and restoration of Country. 

“This report confirms what we already know, and the message couldn’t be clearer. Nature in NSW is in deep trouble and those in power are failing to turn this alarming trajectory around.  

"Our state's environment is being mismanaged, and until the developers, irrigators, and logging companies are kicked out of government back-rooms, nothing will change. 

"The ecological carrying capacity of NSW has been slashed to 29% of its natural level since colonisation. 

“Our rivers are being sucked dry, forests are shrinking, and species are vanishing. We need the NSW Government to act with the urgency that the biodiversity crisis demands. 

“The NSW Government urgently needs to develop and implement their Nature Strategy, fix the laws that aren’t working and truly chart a path out of this crisis.” 

“This is an opportunity for Premier Minns to secure a legacy as the government that stood up for nature by acting urgently to stop extinction, restore ecosystems, and protect the future for all of us.” 

Statements attributable to Mel Gray, Inland Rivers Campaigner, NCC: 

“This report is truly alarming. River health is plummeting. Waterbird populations have suffered sharp declines and native fish kill events have increased dramatically since 2018. 

“Even with wetter conditions in recent years, poor riparian and wetland health has meant a spike in water pollution and an increase in native fish kill events. Combined with the sudden crashing of water bird populations in inland NSW, it paints a chilling picture - and it's just getting worse.  

“Despite overwhelming evidence and years of promises from Labor in opposition and as a new government, for the people and wildlife of the Darling-Baaka River nothing has changed. 

“We know how to solve this. The Connectivity Expert Panel has provided a blueprint, backed by science and the law, for restoring the Darling-Baaka River to life, and yet it sits on a shelf.” 

Statements attributable to Jacqueline Mills, Senior Climate Campaigner, NCC: 

“NSW has warmed by 1.4 degrees since 1910, and sea levels have risen 12 cm in the last 35 years. 

“Climate change is one of the biggest drivers of species extinctions, yet NSW is not on track to meet its emission reduction targets.  

“The Minns government needs to redouble its efforts to bring on renewable energy and give nature a fighting chance. 

“Everyone in our state has been impacted by climate-fuelled disasters, yet coal and gas companies are pouring more fuel on the fire every day.  

“Today’s report makes it clear that transition to clean energy and a phase out of coal mining can’t come quickly enough to preserve our way of life.”  

ENDS  

Media contact: Madeline Hayman-Reber 
E: [email protected] M: 0493 733 529  

Note: Spokespeople are available for comment on request 

MEDIA RELEASE 

23rd June 2025 
 
Australia’s leading environment groups have come together to release a new report tracking states and territories’ progress towards electricity decarbonisation, finding that protecting nature and improved regional planning are the missing link to accelerating Australia’s renewable energy rollout. 
 
The report, States of Transition, prepared by Common Capital, finds that planned renewable energy projects currently in the pipeline could meet 2030 renewable energy targets by up to 5 times in some jurisdictions, but stronger nature and community protections are vital for public confidence and to ensure the best projects get built. 
 
The good news out of the report is that Australia currently has a healthy supply of renewable energy projects in train to meet our nation's energy goals. However, not all proposals are viable and the report finds that progress is being held back by inadequate planning, lack of community clarity around the rollout of renewables and public concern on nature impacts. 
 
The States of Transition report identifies the need for strong regional strategies to safeguard high-level conservation areas and restore degraded habitat. 
 
This will ensure that the renewable energy transition can help tackle climate change and Australia’s ongoing extinction crisis. While shifting the nation off fossil fuels and powering homes and businesses with renewable energy is a long term win for both the climate and nature, restoring and not further degrading landscapes and ecosystems is equally critical. 
 
First Nations engagement and consultation will be essential to achieving positive environmental and cultural outcomes as we transition to renewable energy in a manner consistent with the vital principles of free and prior consent and self-determination. 
 
Nature Conservation Council of NSW, Senior Climate and Energy Campaigner, Jacqui Mills: 
 
“Half of threatened species in NSW are not expected to survive the next 100 years and climate change is one of the biggest threats. The renewable energy transition is a once in a generation opportunity to tackle climate change and bring transformative benefits to our regions whilst protecting and restoring nature.  
 

With the right planning, renewable energy projects can help us give nature a fighting chance. Biodiversity hotspots must be off limits for any form of development and we need to throw everything into restoring and connecting habitat as we roll out renewable energy”.  

 
Environment Tasmania, Energy and Climate Campaigner, Maddie McShane: 
 
“With an increasingly unstable climate, it’s time to prioritise the renewable transition in Tasmania. Tasmanians have a proud legacy as a renewable energy superpower, but it’s important to recognise the need to diversify and expand our renewable energy generation to support our electrifying society. 
 
Tasmania ranks far behind the rest of Australia on rooftop solar and there lies a massive missed opportunity to cut bills and emissions. It’s time to catch up and unlock our full potential. Designing and citing renewable energy zones that benefit nature and communities is critical to powering this transition.” 
 
Environment Centre Northern Territory, Senior Climate Campaigner, Bree Ahrens: 
 
“The Territory has the natural assets to become Australia's renewable energy leader, but we need to move faster. With strong planning and environmental regulation we can help secure a safe climate future while safeguarding the Territory’s nature. 
 
More battery storage, greater investment in the grid and reinstating our renewable energy target will help deliver more affordable and reliable power for Territorians. With parts of the Territory set to become unlivable by 2070 due to climate change, we need to act now.” 
 
Environment Victoria, Senior Climate and Energy Advisor, Dr Kat Lucas-Healey: 
 
“A decade ago, Victoria had one of the dirtiest electricity grids in the world. Today, 40% of Victoria’s electricity comes from clean renewable energy. There is still a long way to go to reduce climate pollution down to zero. 
 
“Renewable energy projects that genuinely protect nature and respond to local concerns have the best prospects. Fast-tracking must not come at the expense of best practice public consultation and environmental assessment. There is also huge potential to expand smaller-scale renewable generation and storage projects, making use of rooftops in the cities and improving community energy resilience in the regions.” 
 
Queensland Conservation Council, Senior Campaign Manager, Stephanie Gray: 
 
“Queensland is blessed with natural advantages and we have a strong pipeline of renewable energy projects, but disappointingly, the Queensland Government is not capitalising on this exciting economic opportunity.  
 
“Instead they’re creating policy uncertainty and dragging their feet on the Renewable Energy Zone planning we need to responsibly manage the energy transformation.” 
 
Conservation Council of Western Australia, Executive Director, Matt Roberts: 
 
"We are already seeing the impacts of climate change in our day-to-day lives. To protect West Australians and our natural environment from increasing climate impacts like heat waves, fires, and floods, we urgently need to, as a state, raise our ambition and funding to deliver the renewable energy we need. 
 
“WA emissions have risen by 17% since 2005, far exceeding any other jurisdiction, with no clear pathway to the reductions we have committed to. We can cut climate pollution, while continuing to meet our energy requirements by having a robust renewable energy target, creating certainty and that clear pathway forward. 
 
“Strong state and federal environment laws are the way to enable community confidence and the environmental protections we need to deliver an energy transition that is fast and fair.” 
 
ENDS 

Media contact: Madeline Hayman-Reber  
E: [email protected] M: 0404 935 157 

Note: Spokespeople are available for comment on request 

23rd June 2025

Conservation councils have come together to release a report tracking renewable energy progress across Australia’s states and territories. With only half of all threatened species in NSW expected to survive the next 100 years and climate change a major driver of species loss, we need urgent action. Renewable energy is critical to decarbonise our electricity supplies and address climate change, but the energy transition should not proceed at the expense of local ecosystems.

Key findings

• NSW is currently ranked fourth out of seven states and territories on the percentage of energy currently from renewable sources. We need to wean ourselves off fossil fuels – last year, 63% of our energy needs were met by coal or gas.  
• To get there, we need a timely renewable energy transition. There’s an untapped opportunity to get more solar panels and batteries onto homes and businesses fast.
• Most states and territories have enough renewable energy project proposals ‘in the pipeline’ to meet 2030 renewable energy targets. For NSW, we could meet our targets 2.5 times over.
• But a lot of projects never get built, held back by planning system barriers and community concerns, including on nature impacts.
• The NSW Government is tackling planning system roadblocks through a reform package announced late 2024, but there’s more to do to expedite the transition whilst simultaneously ensuring genuine concerns on nature and renewables are addressed
  
  

Renewable energy is a once-in-a-generation opportunity

The report finds that nature protection and improved regional planning are the missing link to a successful energy transition.

With the right planning, renewable energy projects can help us give nature a fighting chance. Biodiversity hotspots must be off limits for any form of development, and we need to throw everything into restoring and connecting habitat as we roll out renewable energy. 

Renewable projects like the Blind Creek solar farm in NSW combine renewable energy with farming and biodiversity restoration. Communities have a say in and benefit from the project.

What we’re calling for

NCC is working with communities in NSW Renewable Energy Zones and other allies to push for improved strategic planning of renewable projects to promote habitat protection, restoration and connectivity. We’re engaging with the NSW government on the Biodiversity Conservation Act reform and development of the NSW Nature Strategy.

Click here to read the report