The NSW government plans to introduce legislation allowing MACH Energy to lift annual coal output at its Mount Pleasant mine from 12.5 million to 16.5 million tonnes until 2032. Premier Chris Minns says the move would protect 400 jobs that he says are at risk before Christmas. The change follows a High Court ruling that invalidated the mine's expansion approval over the failure to consider downstream emissions. Minns says the mine would need to meet Scope 3 limits and sell only to Paris Agreement signatories. The Greens and a local environment group have criticised the proposal.
The NSW government will introduce legislation allowing MACH Energy to raise annual coal output at its Mount Pleasant mine near Muswellbrook by 4 million tonnes, to 16.5 million tonnes, until 2032. Premier Chris Minns said the bill was needed to protect 400 jobs before Christmas. The move follows a high court ruling that the approval of an expansion at the mine was invalid. Environmental groups and a lawyer who acted in the case criticised the plan, saying it bypasses the planning process and the court's decision.
The NSW Government will introduce legislation to protect around 400 jobs at MACH Energy's Mount Pleasant coal mine near Muswellbrook. The move follows a High Court decision that created legal uncertainty for the mine's operations. MACH Energy has agreed to a job guarantee, committing to keep its current permanent workforce until 2032. The proposed law would allow annual production of up to 16.5 million tonnes until 2032 and require existing staffing levels to be maintained. Premier Chris Minns said the intervention protects regional workers and their families before Christmas.
AU Now app
Your suburb’s news, alerts and Shorts — in one app
Alerts, Shorts and your saved stories — free on Google Play.
Climate activists have condemned a New South Wales government move to protect jobs at the Mount Pleasant coal mine in the Hunter region, calling it dangerous political interference. The High Court had backed a challenge by community environmentalists, upholding a finding that planning bodies must weigh the climate effects of downstream emissions. Premier Chris Minns said the one-off intervention was needed to avoid production cuts and protect at least 400 jobs, adding that he had agonised over the choice. Lock the Gate and Greens MP Sue Higginson argued the legislation would allow significant unassessed climate pollution.
The Federal Court has overturned an Aboriginal protection order placed over part of the McPhillamys goldmine site near Blayney in New South Wales. Justice James Stellios found the decision-making process was fundamentally flawed. The order, made by former environment minister Tanya Plibersek in 2024, protected headwaters and springs of the Belubula River, where a tailings dam was planned. Justice Stellios said a new application should have been treated as a fresh process, including public consultation. The matter now returns to the federal government for redetermination. The Albanese government says it remains committed to reforming the legislation.
Residents and experts have told the NSW Independent Planning Commission that a proposed silver, lead and zinc mine near Lue could pose health risks. A University of Queensland professor recommended moving Lue Public School, two kilometres from the site, citing potential lead dust exposure. The mine's proponent, Silver Mines Limited, says predicted health risks are very low and that the project has been independently reviewed. Concerns about water supply and drainage were also raised. The commission is due to make its determination by December 9.
A Federal Court decision has set aside a federal Aboriginal heritage protection order that had stalled a $1 billion gold mine near Blayney in central western NSW. The order, issued in 2024, rejected a proposed tailings dam site at Regis Resources' McPhillamys Gold Project. The matter will now return to the federal government for reconsideration. Regis Resources said it was eager to move forward, while NSW Premier Chris Minns backed the mine. Blayney's mayor said the town lost up to $8 million in rates revenue during the delay.
Plans for a $1 billion silver and lead mine in Central West New South Wales are being reassessed, as opponents protested in Mudgee with tractors. The NSW Court of Appeal voided the original approval in August 2024, ruling the planning commission should have examined the environmental impacts of the project's transmission line. The Independent Planning Commission has begun three days of hearings. Silver Mines Limited says the project's merits are now stronger. Protesters, including sheep and cattle farmer Tom Combes, oppose the mine, and 97 speakers are scheduled to give evidence. A determination is expected by December 9.
A Federal Court decision has set aside a federal Aboriginal heritage protection order that had stalled a $1 billion gold mine near Blayney in central western NSW. The order, issued in 2024, rejected a proposed tailings dam site at Regis Resources' McPhillamys Gold Project. The matter will now return to the federal government for reconsideration. Regis Resources said it was eager to move forward, while NSW Premier Chris Minns backed the mine. Blayney's mayor said the town lost up to $8 million in rates revenue during the delay.
A magnitude 2.3 earthquake struck beneath the Cadia Valley gold and copper mine in New South Wales at about 10.25am on Friday 9 October, according to Geoscience Australia. The tremor was felt at 10 locations, all reporting weak or light shaking. Mine operator Newmont said the event caused no disruption to operations and no effects on personnel or infrastructure. It is unclear whether the quake was linked to mining activity. Earlier this year, a magnitude 4.5 quake shut underground operations at the site for days.
More than 580 local workers are expected to benefit as Tahmoor Mine prepares for a restart in December. GM 3 completed its acquisition of the mine last week and is ramping up operations to return to longwall production by the end of the year. Recruitment and onboarding will continue in stages until the workforce reaches full capacity. GM 3 chief executive Peter Baker said the company aims to build a sustainable operation that provides stable employment for many years. The mine, in the Wollondilly region, primarily produces premium steelmaking coal.
A $10 million loan from the Tasmanian government to the King Island tungsten mine, converted into shares, is now worth $75 million, the government revealed on Tuesday. Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the mine's revival had exceeded expectations. Of the windfall, $50 million will reduce state debt, $20 million will seed a regional fund to strengthen communities facing economic disruption, and $5 million will go to the island's school. The shares will be sold gradually, as Mr Rockliff said holding mining stock is not the government's role.
Former Fraser Coast councillor James Hansen, 57, has been identified as the man found dead in floodwaters at Boompa, police say. He served on the Fraser Coast regional council from 2012 to 2024 and ran for One Nation in 2017. Mayor George Seymour called his death a great loss to the community. Police have begun an investigation and will prepare a report for the coroner. Separately, six campers were rescued from flood waters at Leyburn on the Southern Downs.
Experts say AI can find and exploit software weaknesses in minutes, a speed that could fuel a rise in cyber attacks. The warning follows a recent breach involving flaws in PHP, a programming language that underpins 70 percent of the internet. Several government agencies took websites offline, including a cyber defence portal, to prevent breaches. Security specialists urge governments to use AI for defence, share intelligence with private firms, and recover critical services first.
Hope Vale angler Justin Convent won the adult prize, a Quintrex boat with a motor and trailer, at the Cooktown barramundi competition. More than 1100 anglers entered the event held from Friday to Sunday. Junior winner Nickalah Cobus also took home a boat. Thomas Hone caught the heaviest fish, weighing 7.4 kilograms. Local business owners said the weekend brought many shoppers into town.
AU Now app
Your suburb’s news, alerts and Shorts — in one app
Alerts, Shorts and your saved stories — free on Google Play.
Gympie Regional Council is asking the community to help shape renewed playgrounds at Crab Creek Park in Tin Can Bay and Clive Colburn Park in Kandanga. Both projects were funded in this year's Budget and aim to deliver modern, safe and accessible play spaces. The Crab Creek playground sits on the foreshore and is popular with locals and visitors. The Clive Colburn playground is heavily used on game and training days at nearby sporting fields. Surveys close at 5pm on Thursday, 12 November 2026, and the renewals are expected to be completed by 30 June 2027.
Isaac Regional Council has announced a delay in kerbside waste collection for Moranbah residents. Due to mechanical issues, the general and recycling collections scheduled for Tuesday, 27 October 2026, will be completed on Wednesday, 28 October 2026. Residents are requested to keep their bins at the kerbside until the delayed collection. The council has expressed apologies for the inconvenience caused and thanked residents for their patience. For further details, residents can contact the council's 24/7 Customer Service Centre.
Gleneagle State School celebrated 70 years of play on September 16 with an Under 8s Day attended by more than 150 community members. Children, parents and extended family took part in pony rides, cookie decorating, loose parts play, sensory play and hula hoops. Local police and firefighters also visited. Under 8s Day coordinator and Prep teacher Shannon Taylor said the event gave families and younger children a welcoming way to connect with the school before starting Prep.
Retired dentist Peter Lynch has designed a $4 plastic basket that lets pickers pack mulberries directly into punnets. His Sunshine Coast hinterland farm, Kureelpa Mulberry Company, says the change has cut fruit damage by 80 per cent and reduced labour costs. The farm's four-week harvest depends on daily pickers, and the couple is concerned that cuts to working holiday visa numbers could make hiring difficult. Two French working holiday makers on the farm said a second year in Australia is uncertain.
Children aged 0 to 5 are invited to a Pop Up Playtime session at the Cooktown Botanic Gardens on Wednesday 18 November. Titled Bugs in my Backyard, the morning takes place at the Botanic Gardens Yarning Circle. Activities include bug hunting, bug-themed stories and hands-on discovery among the plants and pathways. Children can look under leaves for beetles, watch butterflies and find out what else lives in the gardens.
Nebo residents face a planned water supply outage from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Thursday, 29 October 2026, while the council carries out repairs at the Emergency Services Building. About 11 properties on St Lawrence and Kemmis Streets will be affected. Once supply returns, some households may notice discoloured water. Residents in that situation are advised to flush their taps and avoid using washing machines until the water runs clear. Flushing water can be reused on gardens or lawns.
Mining companies in Queensland's North West Minerals Province are struggling to find workers as drilling ramps up and new jobs open. AIC Mines chairman Aaron Colleran said hiring has been difficult everywhere, including at its Eloise copper mine near Cloncurry. The Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association estimates the industry will need 24,000 new workers across the country by 2027. Queensland Resources Council figures point to competing skill needs and fewer young people entering trades and mining careers. Industry leaders say apprenticeships must grow to ease the shortage.
Entries for the 2026 Spring in the Mary Photo Competition close this weekend, on October 31. The Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee is inviting photographers of all ages and skill levels to share spring images from across the region. Six award categories share $2,500 in prizes, including a Junior category for entrants aged 16 and under. Entrants may submit up to three original photographs taken within the Mary River catchment, using a camera or smartphone. Images, a short caption and an entry form are to be emailed to the committee.
Tamborine Mountain U3A is bringing mature residents and retirees together through a wide range of classes and events. The group has run on the mountain since 2007. Members can take part in activities including ballet, card games, pickleball, language classes and novel discussions. Branch Secretary Bev Kirk says the group helps prevent loneliness and keeps members engaged. The U3A also runs events at local businesses, including a Great Gatsby Murder Mystery Night on October 23 at the Fox and Hounds.
