Greens Welcome EPA Decision on Margaret River Coal

Submitted by Louise Sales on Mon, 21/03/2011 - 17:12

Lynn MacLaren MLC, Greens planning spokesperson, joined Giz Watson in welcoming the EPA’s decision that the Vasse Coal mining proposal in Margaret River would be unacceptable environmentally, and congratulated the NoCoalition for their proactive campaign opposing the proposal.

 “The community has grown from strength to strength in developing their arguments against the proposal. An international supporter base has been established across a range of interests, from tourism and agricultural to security of water supply,” Ms MacLaren said today.


The Margaret River community has set a new standard for social impact rights in the face of mining proposals. I hope the Barnett Government honours the will of the people and the advice of the environmental protection authority and rejects the proposal,” Ms MacLaren said.

Earlier, Giz Watson MLC responded to the EPA announcement. Her media release follows:

“I am delighted the EPA has given the Margaret River coal proposal the thumbs down,” said Greens spokesperson, Giz Watson.

“This has been a deeply unpopular and environmentally irresponsible proposal,” she said.

“The Margaret River community are to be congratulated for their united opposition to this dirty industry,” she said.

 “The Minster for the Environment must now take the EPA’s advice and remove the threat that has been hanging over Margaret River for too long,” she concluded.

Read the EPA's announcement.