Lock the Gate Alliance welcomes the decision by the Independent Planning Commission to refuse a five year extension of the notorious Dartbrook coal mine near Aberdeen in the Hunter Valley.

Mining company KEPCO’s attempt to keep community consultation reports for its coal exploration titles in the Bylong Valley hidden demonstrates the company’s lack of social licence in the district, according to Lock the Gate Alliance.

Lock the Gate Alliance condemns the Federal Government’s attempts to bully NSW and Victoria into opening new polluting and unwanted unconventional gas fields.

Lock the Gate Alliance fears a Federal Government review of mining assessment regulation and time frames will further reduce the ability for regional communities to fight inappropriate and unwanted resource exploitation.

Lock the Gate Alliance welcomes the Independent Planning Commission’s move to impose conditions on a planned NSW mine that would require the company to ensure countries receiving its coal are participating in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.