Update: 3:30pm hearing scheduled for injunction application to stop winter clearing in Leard Forest

12.012 PM 10.6.2014

Media release

 

The NSW Land and Environment Court has granted a hearing for an urgent injunction to stop operational clearing in the Leard Forest at a hearing in the NSW Land and Environment Court.

The injunction application will be heard this afternoon at 3:30pm at the NSW Land and Environment Court at Court 10B, Level 4, 225 Macquarie St, Sydney.

The Maules Creek Community Council (MCCC) are arguing that work should stop at least while current court proceedings against Whitehaven Coal, relating to winter clearing in the forest, are underway.

Late on Friday the MCCC, represented by law experts EDO NSW, launched legal action to stop clearing of the Leard Forest for the Maules Creek Coal Mine near Narrabri in north-west NSW.

The civil enforcement proceedings argue that Whitehaven is in breach of its development consent by clearing the forest during the winter months when animals, including threatened species, are hibernating.

Spokesman for the MCCC Phil Laird said, “We believe that the clearing of Leard Forest during the winter months is unlawful and while that legal argument is heard in court, work at the site needs to cease.

“We are seeking an urgent injunction to stop the bulldozers from flattening anymore of this unique and fragile ecosystem.”

Further comment: Phil Laird 0428 712 622

EDO contact Jon Walter 0404 647 842

Lock the Gate’s Carmel Flint is available in Sydney 0400 521 474