Court overturns Tanya Plibersek’s protection order which company says blocked controversial NSW goldmine
Federal court overrules decision by former environment minister for the McPhillamys goldmine development at Blayney The federal court has overturned a rare protection order issued by former environment minister Tanya Plibersek under Indigenous heritage legislation, which the company said effectively blocked a controversial goldmine in the central west of New South Wales. Regis Resources…
The federal court has overturned a protection order issued by former environment minister Tanya Plibersek for the McPhillamys goldmine development at Blayney in New South Wales. The order, issued in 2024 under Indigenous heritage legislation, was challenged by mining company Regis Resources, which claimed it would make the mine unviable.
The Wiradyuri Traditional Owners Central West Aboriginal Corporation had requested the protection of the Belubula River's headwaters and springs, important in their creation stories. The court ruled the order invalid, stating that it lacked procedural fairness and government errors in the process. Regis Resources, anticipating the decision, now plans to pursue a co-disposal approach for waste management, avoiding the protected area.
The company's managing director expressed relief at the ruling, emphasizing the significance of the McPhillamys Gold Project for the region's economy and social benefits.
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