Heritage law overhaul to combat 'explosion' in claims

The Federal Court has overturned an Aboriginal heritage order that was putting a stop to the development of the $1 billion McPhillamys Gold Project near Blayney in central-west NSW. The project, which has been controversial in the region, had been stalled due to the order issued by then-environment minister Tanya Plibersek in 2024.

The court's decision, made earlier in October, overturned the government's decision and deemed the project viable once again. Mining giant Regis Resources celebrated the outcome, urging for planning reform in the meantime. Environment Minister Murray Watt acknowledged the need for reform in Australia's cultural heritage laws, stating that they are not effectively protecting cultural heritage and are not slowing down necessary projects.

Two new Aboriginal protection applications related to the gold project have been lodged since the court's decision, highlighting the surge in applications under the heritage laws. Senator Watt emphasized that the range of applications being lodged demonstrates the urgent need for reform, as the current laws are failing to address genuine cultural heritage issues across the country.

Blayney mayor Bruce Reynolds highlighted the financial impact of the stalled project, estimating the loss of up to $8 million in rates for the town of 3,000. Despite the regional concerns, the court ruled that procedural errors had led to the grant of heritage protection over the project's proposed location in 2024.