Bulga appeals expansion of Warkworth mine

March 4, 2016
Issue 
The protests to save Bulga and stop the coal mine's expansion are continuing.

The residents of the tiny Hunter Valley village of Bulga have applied to have the Planning Assessment Commission's (PAC) approval of a Rio Tinto coalmine expansion declared invalid due to a legal error.

The Environmental Defenders Office's chief executive officer Sue Higginson, who is running the case, said: "This is an appeal not based on the merit of whether this mine should go ahead or not, but based on whether the PAC has applied the law as it applies to mining projects in high biodiversity areas."

The residents of the tiny Hunter Valley village of Bulga have applied to have the Planning Assessment Commission's (PAC) approval of a Rio Tinto coalmine expansion declared invalid due to a legal error.

The Environmental Defenders Office's chief executive officer Sue Higginson, who is running the case, said: "This is an appeal not based on the merit of whether this mine should go ahead or not, but based on whether the PAC has applied the law as it applies to mining projects in high biodiversity areas."

The residents of the tiny Hunter Valley village of Bulga have applied to have the Planning Assessment Commission's (PAC) approval of a Rio Tinto coalmine expansion declared invalid due to a legal error.

The Environmental Defenders Office's chief executive officer Sue Higginson, who is running the case, said: "This is an appeal not based on the merit of whether this mine should go ahead or not, but based on whether the PAC has applied the law as it applies to mining projects in high biodiversity areas."

The PAC approved an expansion and 21-year extension of the Mount Thorley Warkworth mine in November. Residents have fought for six years to stop the mine's expansion, fearing it would destroy the village.

Like the article? Subscribe to Green Left now! You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

You need Green Left, and we need you!

Green Left is funded by contributions from readers and supporters. Help us reach our funding target.

Make a One-off Donation or choose from one of our Monthly Donation options.

Become a supporter to get the digital edition for $5 per month or the print edition for $10 per month. One-time payment options are available.

You can also call 1800 634 206 to make a donation or to become a supporter. Thank you.