The WA State government has rejected a proposal to build a coal mine near Margaret River.
The proposal by Vasse Coal Management Pty Ltd proposed to develop an underground mine about 15km north-east of Margaret river, comprising a surface footprint of about 40 hectares, and some 1200 hectares of underground tunnels.
The final decision was made following consultation between Environment Minister Bill Marmion and other ministers with an interest in the proposal.
“This decision provides the people of Margaret River with certainty that the State Government recognises the uniqueness of the region, both from an environmental and social perspective,” Mr Marmion said.
In May 2011, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) reported that serious risks to important environmental values in the Margaret River region, especially surface and groundwater and the consequential impacts on the social surroundings, rendered the proposal environmentally unacceptable.
In December 2011, the Minister dismissed an appeal by the proponent and others in objection to the EPA’s recommendation that the coal mine be rejected, citing serious risks to environmental values in the Margaret River area.
The area proposed for mining is one of several known coal deposits stretching between Margaret River and Busselton.