Minister rejects Margaret River coal mine
Western Australian Environment Minister Bill Marmion has upheld the Environmental Protection Authority’s decision to reject Vasse Coal’s proposed underground mine, located 15kms north-east of Margaret River. He cited environmental risks as the deciding factor.
Western Australian Environment Minister Bill Marmion.
Mr Marmion said it is likely that the mine would cause significant impacts or risks to the Leederville and Sue aquifers and on the environmental values that these aquifers support.
In May, the EPA reported the proposal would be environmentally unacceptable due to serious risks to environmental values in the Margaret River region. Five appeals were received in objection to the EPA’s report, including one from Vasse Coal.
Mr Marmion agreed with the EPA, saying that further assessment was unlikely to significantly alter the level of uncertainty.
“Margaret River is a unique region with important environmental values which should be protected. From an environmental perspective, this project is too risky,” he said.
After upholding the rejection, the Minister is required by the Environmental Protection Act 1986 to consult with relevant decision making authorities on whether or not the proposal may be implemented based on broader social and economic factors.
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