The NSW Land and Environment Court's rejection of a South Korean company's bid to mine the Bylong Valley was a win for Australian agriculture over the interests of multinational companies, the locals who emerged victorious from the David and Goliath battle say.
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The Independent Planning Commission originally rejected South Korean government-owned KEPCO's planned mine due to its "long-lasting environmental, agricultural and heritage impacts", however KEPCO later appealed that decision.
Bylong Preservation Society president Phillip Kennedy said the decision had far-reaching implications..
"People tend to forget these are foreign entities that are doing this. Mining is 80-odd per cent foreign-owned in Australia and yet you have three levels of government bending over backwards welcoming them into the country," he said.
"Particularly in times like this when trade is scratchy. But it's a great win, it's a fantastic Christmas present, everyone in the valley seems to be very happy with it."
"There's not too many of us left now, maybe half a dozen. We've fought pretty hard to keep it as an agricultural valley and they're overjoyed by it," he said.
"We just hope that's the end of it, that we don't have to this again and again and again with more appeals."
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Environmental Defenders Office lawyer Rana Koroglu paid tribute to the community's determination.
"We congratulate the BVPA on today's decision, which is a historic win, not just for Bylong but for everyone working to limit global carbon emissions and avoid the worst impacts of climate change," she said.
Kepco is yet to announce its plans for the land, which it has gradually acquired over many years.
"Kepco is very disappointed that the court did not find in favour of the project and the strong case it made for overturning the refusal by the Independent Planning Commission," Kepco Australia's chief operating officer Bill Vatovec said
"Kepco will now take some time to review the decision of the court and decide the future direction of the project."
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IN THE NEWS:
Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
