Call for photo finish for Dartbrook approval

AT the eleventh hour the Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association (HTBA) have lodged an application with the High Court that they have standing in the matter of an agreement between Australian Pacific Coal (AQC) and the New South Wales Independent Planning Commission (IPC).

If the application is accepted by the High Court, the Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders will be able to make submissions against the approval of modifications to the mine development.

On November 2, the mining company and the IPC had reached an agreement for the modifications to be approved but this last minute application by the Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders may thwart the approval. 

Background:

In 2019 the IPC originally granted approval for modifications to board-and-pillar operations but rejected APC’s application for a five-year licence extension.

AQC argued without the five year extension the operation of the mine would be untenable and entered into further negotiations with the IPC in the Land and Environment Court.

The parties reached agreement, but the submission from the Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders to the High Court, may now void that agreement. 

Related stories: 

• Call For Public Submissions – Dartbrook Mine – August 11, 2020
• Dartbrook Negotiating Licence Terms – July 23, 2020
• Dartbrook Decision May be Challenged – September 17, 2019
• Dartbrook: Council Questions Time Constraint – August 13, 2019
• Dartbrook Mine Approved to Reopen -August 9, 2019
• Dartbrook Mine Overview – April 8, 2019