In Western Australia the government is hoping to protect the wine growing area of Margaret River from mining by setting up new laws. WA’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) recently denied LD Operations permission for a coal mine in the region. EPA chairman Dr Paul Vogel said that the proposal was fundamentally and fatally flawed.
LD Operations wished to start a coal mine at Osmington which is about 15 km away from the Margaret River township. The EPA gave its final report on the proposed mine this week saying that it was environmentally unacceptable. A decision which was supported by the state government, but against which the company had a right to appeal.
Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett said that the government was now considering legislation which would make future mining applications for the region impossible. The laws would be like the Swan Valley Act that protects the heritage grape area in the region north east of Perth. Premier Barnett said that the laws were not to impose a halt on the mining industry but to protect the unique tourist and agricultural characteristics of Margaret River.
The mining company however felt that the assessment of the project to date had been deficient and needed to be revisited. Environment Minister Bill Marmion said he would carefully consider the EPA's recommendations and any subsequent appeals by LD Operations. The state opposition has been demanding an immediate decision on the matter by the Environment Minister.