The department is keen to hear the community’s views on the application which seeks to extend the completion date of mining operations at the Wongawilli colliery Nebo area project site for five years until 2020, a spokesperson for the department said.

“Community consultation is an integral part of the planning process and the applicant will have to respond to the feedback we receive and this is taken into consideration when we develop our recommendations,” the spokesperson said.

“It’s easy to participate by going online and we encourage everyone to take a look and have their say.”

To make a submission or view the environmental impact statement, visit www.majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au.