MACH Energy has plans to expand its Mt Pleasant coal mine in the Hunter, doubling production and continuing mining to 2048.
A tiny community group from the Upper Hunter is heading to the High Court in Canberra and we want them to feel solidarity before heading into the hearing for one of Australia’s most significant climate legal battles, so we’re heading along too.
The Denman Aberdeen Muswellbrook Scone Healthy Environment Group (DAMSHEG) are defending a landmark judgment made in the NSW Court of Appeal last year that found that the local impacts of climate change have to be considered in planning decisions about coal mines in NSW. The mining company appealed, which means the High Court of Australia will hear its first climate change case next month.
The highest court in Australia will consider whether the local climate impacts of coal mining on people like Wendy and Tony, their Upper Hunter community and the precious environment must be considered when assessing fossil fuel projects. This is about the Hunter, but the outcome will affect us all.
You're invited to join the Lock the Gate contingent gathering outside the High Court on 13 May in solidarity with DAMSHEG.
If they win this case it may set a precedent that will help protect communities across Australia from destructive coal and gas mining.
There's a lot at stake - hope you can be there!
