HVO approval welcome – but protection needed from activist ‘lawfare’

The NSW Minerals Council has welcomed approval of the HVO Continuation Project, and called for the passage of legislation to protect the decision from activist ‘lawfare’.

“After six long years, the NSW Independent Planning Commission’s decision to grant approval to the Hunter Valley Operations Continuation Project (HVO) is an important step in finally securing certainty for the workforce and the region,” NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee said today.

“However, the process is not yet complete, as HVO still needs environmental approval from the Commonwealth Government, which must be granted quickly.” 

“Workers at HVO also still face the uncertainty of a potential ‘lawfare’ legal challenge from climate activists determined to object to every coal mining approval on ideological grounds.”

“The NSW Parliament should protect the HVO approval from any such legal challenge through the passage of legislation validating the approval decision. This would limit the opportunity for activist ‘lawfare’ seeking to overturn the approval.”

Attention should also be given to reforming the planning system in NSW.  

“Assessment of a critical project like HVO should not take six years. Part-time bureaucrats should not be left to make final approval decisions for such large and important projects.” 

“The  current process creates way too much uncertainty for mining workers, local communities and for potential investors wishing to support the NSW economy.”

Contact: Brad Emery | bemery@nswmining.com.au | 0450620254