Legal Challenge To Mount Pleasant Coal Mine Extension Dismissed

 BY IAN CROUCH

A legal challenge to the extension of the Mount Pleasant open-cut coal mine near Muswellbrook has been dismissed by the Land and Environment Court.

The Denman Aberdeen Muswellbrook Scone Healthy Environment Group launched the action in December 2022 arguing the Independent Planning Commission made errors in failing to consider the impacts of the scope 3 emissions from the mine on the environment as well as social and economic impacts on the area including air quality.

However, Justice John Robson dismissed the legal action, saying it was beyond the jurisdiction of the court to rule on the potential impacts of the mine extension, saying its role is to determine whether the IPC carried out its functions in accordance with its statutory powers, which it did.

It means the Mount Pleasant Mine will become the largest open cut operation in NSW, allowing MACH Energy to extract 21 million tonnes of coal a year up until 2048, 22 years longer than its current approval, which expires in 2026.

The Mount Pleasant open-cut mine. Picture Newcastle Herald

 

Beach Hotel Wins Battle To Trade Until 3am

 BY IAN CROUCH

A controversial development at a popular Merewether hotel has been approved by the Land and Environment Court after initially being rejected by Newcastle Council.

The $3 million renovation of the Beach  Hotel included plans to have the ground floor open until 3.00am every night except Sunday - a move opposed by many nearby residents and some councillors.

The hotel's liquor licence allows it to trade until 3.00am which cannot be amended by council.

The hotel's licensee and Council have reached agreement to allow the extended trading hours with limitations on live and recorded music and the provision of security guards and a courtesy bus.

An artist's impression of a $3mil refurbishment of the Beach Hotel which has been given approval to have its ground floor open until 3.00am 6 nights a week.