Approval of biggest coal project in NSW planning commission’s history described as ‘infamous betrayal’
The New South Wales Independent Planning Commission has approved the Hunter Valley Operations Continuation Project, the largest coal mine project in its history. While acknowledging the project's contribution to climate change, the commission ruled that these impacts are outweighed by the economic benefits to the region.
Why it matters
This decision highlights the ongoing tension between urgent climate action goals and the economic reliance on fossil fuel industries in regional Australia.
Aerial views of the Hunter Valley Operations. The Independent Planning Commission (IPC) has greenlit the HVO’s Continuation Project after a contentious assessment that drew in climate and environment groups, unions, state authorities and more than 10,000 public submissions. Photograph: Lock the Gate Aerial views of the Hunter Valley Operations. The Independent Planning Commission (IPC) has greenlit the HVO’s Continuation Project after a contentious assessment that drew in climate and environment groups, unions, state authorities and more than 10,000 public submissions. Photograph: Lock the Gate Breaking News Australia New South Wales Approval of biggest coal project in NSW planning commission’s history described as ‘infamous betrayal’ Independent Planning Commission says climate change impacts from Hunter Valley project will be ‘outweighed’ by economic benefits
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