High Court overturns a major coal mine expansion
The High Court has overturned the expansion of the Mount Pleasant coal mine in New South Wales. The expansion had been approved in 2022, extending the mine's life.
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Mount Pleasant, WA 6153 · 6 stories this week
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The West Australian · Yesterday
Mount Pleasant fire: Police charge second man over threatening arson of Ullapool Road property
- New authority to guide NSW coal regionsNE Times · This week
- NSW Labor to introduce law overriding High Court coal mine rulingGreen Left · This week
- Home in affluent Perth suburb set alight, threat graffitied on drivewayABC News Just In · This week
- Mount Pleasant house destroyed in suspected arson attackPerthNow Local · This week
- Retired judge lashes NSW decision to rewrite laws to support coalmineABC News Business · This week
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Minns accused of bypassing high court ruling with laws to allow NSW mine to increase coal production by 32%
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.
NSW Government steps in to protect 400 Hunter mining jobs
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.
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Get the app'Political intervention' after mine court order slammed
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.
Mackay’s Troppo Markets find success at new home
Troppo Markets has moved to Caneland Central in Mackay, where its first market lifted overall foot traffic by 20 per cent. The monthly market runs on the second Sunday of each month from 7.30am to 11.30am, with a gold coin entry donation. Several food outlets, including Laffo's, Muffin Break and Jamaica Blue, will open slightly earlier to serve market shoppers. Centre manager Mark Farquhar said management will monitor traffic, parking and pedestrian access during the first few markets. The centre's owner, Sentinel Property Group, says the event will help draw visitors and strengthen ties with the local community.
$5M for cycling infrastructure projects
Councils across South Australia will share $5 million in funding for 16 cycling infrastructure projects. Grants of up to $200,000 come through the latest round of the State Bicycle Fund. Projects include new shared-use paths, safer crossings and a further three kilometres of the Amy Gillett Bikeway between Birdwood and Mount Pleasant. The works are scheduled for delivery this financial year. The announcement sits alongside larger projects, including the $15.4 billion Torrens to Darlington Project.
Australian High Court ground breaking climate ruling
The High Court of Australia has ruled that NSW planning authorities must consider overseas emissions when approving coalmine expansions. The decision came after a community group from the Hunter Valley challenged the extension of the Mount Pleasant open-cut thermal coal mine. The court dismissed the mining company's appeal, marking the first time the High Court has considered a case on climate grounds. Environmental Justice Australia hopes this will influence future coal project developments.
Australia’s top court puts fossil fuel developers on notice
Australia’s High Court has ruled that planning authorities must assess the full carbon footprint of fossil fuel projects, including emissions from burning coal overseas. The decision, in a case brought by a community group against MACH Energy’s Mount Pleasant coal mine in NSW, sets a new standard for coal and gas projects in the state and potentially across the country. The ruling means developers of future coal projects in NSW will be expected to propose ways to curb their scope 3 emissions, which could reshape the economic case for continued fossil fuel production in Australia.
High Court’s landmark climate ruling counts true cost of coal
The High Court of Australia ruled on October 7 that the New South Wales Independent Planning Commission must consider the climate impact of exporting fossil fuels. It upheld a NSW Court of Appeal decision that invalidated the expansion approval of MACH Energy’s open-cut thermal coal mine at Mount Pleasant. The High Court found the commission had not considered how pollution from the coal would affect the region. The ruling means the mine’s expansion approval to 2048 is invalid, though it can operate until 2032. Climate activists view the decision as a landmark judgement.
Overseas, Albanese sees ‘the very definition of climate injustice’ – but at home, he still wants coal
The high court has overturned a coalmine expansion approval in the Hunter Valley, a decision that could impact other coal developments in New South Wales. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed support for existing coal industries, contrasting with his statements at a climate conference in Fiji. The conference highlighted the severe climate threats facing Pacific nations like Tuvalu, which is experiencing rapid sea level rise and land erosion. Albanese called for more international investment in the Pacific Resilience Facility to help the region cope with climate change impacts.
‘Lawyers should be running to courts’ to stop coal approvals after landmark ruling, NSW MP says
Australia’s highest court has ruled that the approval of a coalmine expansion in NSW was invalid, setting a precedent for fossil fuel projects. The court found the state’s Independent Planning Commission failed to consider imposing conditions to minimise greenhouse gas emissions generated by the mine when the coal is sold and burnt overseas. NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson said the judgment could lead to legal challenges for other coalmine approvals, including the Hunter Valley Operations extension.
'Exposed for the sham it is': Celebrations as High Court blocks major coal mine expansion
The High Court has blocked the expansion of the Mount Pleasant coal mine in NSW, ruling that project approvals must account for broad environmental impacts. The decision follows a years-long community campaign and is the first of its kind in Australia. Environmental campaigners have welcomed the ruling, calling it a victory for all Australians and urging the government to move away from fossil fuels. MACH Energy, which sought to extend the mine's life, has accepted the court's decision.
Saturday Lotto: Two WA punters end the weekend $1.5m richer after nabbing major division one jackpots
A Kalgoorlie player and a Perth southern suburbs player each won $1.5 million division one prizes in the Saturday Lotto draw. The Kalgoorlie ticket was sold at Kalgoorlie Newsagency, the first division one jackpot from the city this year. The Perth-area ticket was bought at Wattleup News and Post, the first major win for owner Lien Nguyen since she took over five years ago. Lotterywest congratulated both stores and wished the winners well. The winning numbers were 32, 44, 40, 13, 18 and 42, with supplementary numbers 37 and 27.
Popular Perth bowling alley Rosemount Bowl goes up in flames, triggering frantic late-night evacuation
A popular bowling alley in Perth's north has closed indefinitely after a fire broke out on Monday evening. Rosemount Bowl on Fitzgerald Street in North Perth was evacuated, along with the nearby Pot Black and Bloodlines venues. The business said at about 10pm that everyone had left safely and no one was hurt. The fire is not believed to be suspicious and is being managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services. A witness claims the blaze started in the kitchen, but this has not been officially confirmed.
Country residents paying three times to keep local doctors
A Western Australian country town is giving 16 per cent of its annual rates income to keep a local doctor. The Shire of Narembeen pays the local medical practice $370,000 a year and also provides a building, a car and a house. Shire President Holly Cusack says the arrangement is financially unsustainable but that losing the GP would mean a 120-kilometre round trip to the nearest doctor. In Kalbarri, a community group crowdfunded more than $70,000 to set up a not-for-profit, bulk-billing clinic after the town's only GP closed in June.
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Get the appNew drone program to give WA police the upper hand with Australian-first tool
WA police will use a new drone program to gather real-time intelligence before officers reach emergencies. Drones will launch from docking stations in Kwinana, Rockingham and Baldivis and can operate beyond line of sight. They will be dispatched from a command centre in Perth. Police Minister Reece Whitby says the program is an Australian first. Targeted uses include family and domestic violence matters, missing persons, crimes in progress and stolen vehicles.
City of Melville condemns violence towards local government but baulks at calling for sector-wide review
The City of Melville council has condemned online bullying, harassment, threats and violence against council members, candidates and staff. It did so after independent federal MP Helen Haines was struck by a car in an alleged road-rage incident on October 19. However, councillors voted 6-7 against asking the WA Local Government Association to push for a coordinated response and review gaps in protections. Councillor Karen Wheatland, who proposed the motion without notice, said nobody should have to accept threats as the price of serving their community. Other councillors questioned whether the proposal was appropriate and sensitive.
Full steam ahead for Xpeng as it expands network, lineup and resolves open TrueEV cases
Xpeng Motors Australia expects to have 66 retail locations across every state and territory by the end of 2026. The mid-size L03 SUV, priced from $41,900 before on-road costs, is due in showrooms before year's end. The company says it has processed more than 1400 customer enquiries and resolved 250 cases linked to promotional offers from its former distributor, TrueEV. Customers who bought through TrueEV and were promised offers can contact Xpeng ANZ, which says it is backing its vehicles with seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranties.
Denza Z9 GT delayed, electric shooting brake launch pushed to 2027
BYD's premium brand Denza says the Z9 GT electric wagon will not reach Australia until the first half of 2027. A spokesperson said the company is juggling priorities and does not want to launch simply to meet a date. Denza had earlier planned a launch in the third quarter of 2026. The Z9 GT has a claimed 0-100km/h time of 2.7 seconds and a 1036km electric range under the CLTC cycle. Pricing for the Australian market has yet to be announced.
Porsche 911 and 718 recalled
Porsche Cars Australia is recalling 77 of its 911 and 718 sports cars made in 2023 and 2024. A manufacturing defect in the centre-lock wheel nuts may cause a wheel to loosen and detach while driving. The recall covers several 911 and 718 models from the 992 and 982 generations. Porsche will contact owners and ask them to book a free repair at an authorised Porsche Centre. The 911 was previously recalled in March 2025 over a seatbelt issue.
Tax office complaints surge during crack down on debts
Complaints about the Australian Taxation Office have risen sharply as the agency ramps up debt collection. The Tax Ombudsman received 2376 complaints in the six months to September, up 74 per cent on the same period last year. The office said it received 1358 complaints over that period, because the ombudsman's figures also included matters not involving the tax office. The ombudsman found the tax office acted reasonably in 63 per cent of debt collection complaints it investigated. Outstanding tax debt stood at $54.2 billion in 2024/25, with $35.9 billion owed by small businesses.
Lotus Elise recalled
Lotus Australia has issued a nationwide safety recall for 114 Lotus Elise sports cars made between 2014 and 2021. A manufacturing defect may deform the low-pressure fuel pump impeller, causing the fuel pump to fail and the engine to stall. The company warns that a sudden loss of power while driving may increase the risk of an accident causing injury or death. Owners will be contacted by their Lotus dealer to book a free repair appointment. The Elise was last recalled in 2020 over a fuel rail issue.
Equities higher, Anthropic's IPO filing buoys AI stocks
US stocks closed higher on Monday after two weeks of declines, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq lifted by optimism around AI companies. Anthropic disclosed steep losses and rapid revenue growth in its filing for a US initial public offering. Semiconductor firms helped drive the gains, while Meta plans to raise up to $US95 billion in equity to fund its AI expansion. Investors are watching the Federal Reserve's policy statement on Wednesday and a busy week of earnings reports.
Snowy 2.0 exit cost unknown despite price blowout
The cost of abandoning Snowy 2.0, Australia's largest renewable energy project, is still unknown. Snowy Hydro chief executive Dennis Barnes told a Senate estimates committee that the cost of ending the project has not been modelled. The company estimates completion will now cost between $22.2 billion and $25 billion, up from $12 billion in 2023. Barnes said replacing the project with batteries was modelled at $80 billion. Innovation Minister Tim Ayres said abandoning the project would be immensely costly and that the government would see it through.