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Category: Mining (Rural) / Mining Industry / Rural / Mining Environmental Issues / Environmental Impact / Activism and Lobbying / Courts and Trials / Law, Crime and Justice / Environmental Policy

Legal battle begins over New Hope mine expansion

Monday, 7 Mar 2016 10:38:07 | Stephanie Smail

Acland say they have had good results from grazing on former mine sites. (Jodie Gunders)

Lawyers for New Hope Coal have told Brisbane's Land Court there is no evidence that expanding the Acland coal mine on the Darling Downs would cause adverse health impacts.

A 10-week battle over the proposed coal mine expansion has begun in the Land Court.

Farmers, conservationists and locals are fighting the project, arguing it will damage groundwater levels, air quality and agricultural land.

In its opening address, New Hope Coal's legal team told the court a degree of misinformation had been spread in the community about ground water management.

Barrister for New Hope Coal Peter Ambrose QC told the court coal mining and agriculture had been the two principal industries on the Darling Downs for about 175 years.

He said emotion and anti-mining sentiment were driving much of the objection to the mine.

"Because these objectors are anti-coal mining in the area they simply argue expansion should not proceed," Mr Ambrose said.

He argued New Hope Coal had a "good record of compliance" and the company was willing to work with government and the local community to address concerns to reduce impact on nearby communities and the environment.

Barrister for the Oakey Coal Action Alliance, Saul Holt QC said arguments that objections were merely emotional or based on anti-mining sentiment were "unhelpful" and "cartoonish".

"Of course there is an emotional connection, these people have real concerns and a connection to the land," he said.

"But this is a matter of analysis and fact."

The court heard New Hope Coal was a good corporate citizen and had dramatically improved environmental monitoring of its existing operations.

New Hope's lawyers argued emotion should be set aside for the economic future of the region.

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