Episode Details

Australia's highest court has upheld a first-of-its-kind environmental challenge to a major coal mine expansion.

Australia's highest court has determined planning authorities must account for the broad environmental impacts of burning fossil fuels when approving projects.
In the landmark decision, the High Court ruled against the proposed expansion of a coal mine in the Upper Hunter region of New South Wales.

In this episode:

• New South Wales planning authorities approved the expansion of the Mount Pleasant coal mine in 2022.
• Hunter Valley residents including Wendy Wales launched a legal challenge.
• The majority of High Court judges ruled to halt the mine's proposed expansion.
• It's the first time Australia's highest court has upheld that project approvals must account for the broad environmental impacts of burning fossil fuels.
• The NSW Nationals warn the decision puts "thousands of future mining jobs at risk" and is calling for law changes.
• NSW Premier Chris Minns describes the judgment as a "very narrow, technical decision" and warns people not to "overreact."

SBS News in Depth is a news analysis podcast from SBS, going behind the headlines with reporting and interviews on the stories shaping Australia and the world.

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