Deadline for Glencore to Appeal Glendell Coal Mine Expansion Elapses
9 February 2023 - The deadline for fossil fuel giant Glencore to appeal the Independent Planning Commission’s (IPC) decision to reject their proposed Glendell Coal Mine expansion has now passed, marking an end to a decades long struggle by the Plains Clans of the Wonnarua People to protect cultural heritage and the environment.
Greens MP and spokesperson for mining, coal and gas, Sue Higginson said:
“We are completely relieved that this date has passed and now the mining company can’t challenge the IPC’ s decision.
“Scott Franks and Robert Lester, and all the Plains Clan Wonnarua Traditional Owners have never given up on fighting to protect their lands. When the IPC rejected the expansion application last year, it was a huge moment of relief but we still had to hold out while we waited to see if Glencore would appeal. Now knowing that the IPC’s decision is final, Hunter Communities can at last breathe easy.
“Whilst this win is testament to the strength and tenacity of First Nations communities working together to protect Culture and Heritage, it shows how destructive and powerless our cultural heritage laws are in this State. NSW is still without stand alone cultural heritage laws and it’s well overdue for us to legislate a cultural heritage framework that takes decision making powers out of the hands of mining companies and non-Aboriginal decision makers and hands the power back to Aboriginal communities and cultural knowledge holders.
“This coal expansion not going ahead is also good for climate action, but it’s not enough. We need to draw the line in the sand and put an end to opening up any more areas for coal and gas across NSW. Communities should not have to keep taking on billion dollar fossil fuel companies to protect precious cultural heritage, biodiversity and all of us from the dangerous impacts of climate change. For the climate and for First Nations justice, we need to see an end to coal and gas altogether.” Ms Higginson said.