After vigorous opposition from locals WA Environment Minister Bill Marmion yesterday finally rejected the Margaret River Coal proposal that would have seen an underground mine 15km northeast of the Margaret River township operating for 15 to 20 years with possible impacts and risks to surface and groundwater that were environmentally unacceptable.
In May 2011, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) reported that serious risks to environmental values in the Margaret River region, especially surface and groundwater and the consequential impacts on the social surroundings, rendered the proposal environmentally unacceptable.
Finally a WIN against the corporate giants of the coal industry and surprisingly a very sensible decision.
Environment Ministers Press Release can be found here State says no to Vasse Coal proposal