Front Line
Over 30 protestors have rallied out side Whitehaven Coal’s Boggabri office in support of a legal challenge to winter clearing in the Leard State forest making way for the Maules Creek coal mine. the rally coincides with a visit by Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon and NSW MP Mehreen Faruqi to the Leard Blocakde to bear witness first hand to the destruction.
Last week NSW Environment Minister Rob Stokes expressed ‘concern’ about Whitehaven Coal’s lack of biodiversity strategy for the Leard Forest area and claimed that any decisions about clearing in the Leard fell within Goward’s Planning portfolio.
Maules Creek Community Council launched legal action against Whitehaven Coal on Friday claiming that the Maules Creek project has breached development consent, contravening the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. The case, now entering its third day, continues to be heard.
Leard Forest Alliance Spokesperson Ros Druce said “We believe the clearing is unlawful, and this case needs to be heard quickly before any more irreparable damage is done to this unique forest environment and the animals that live in it.”
226 people have been arrested this year in the ongoing campaign against coal mining in the Leard Forest area.
Further comment:
Ros Druce, Leard Forest Alliance Spokeperson, 0427 826 188