burning

Approvals for two massive new coal power stations were today upheld by the NSW Land and Environment Court, undermining the credibility of NSW planning law.

The court found that while the applicant, Ned Haughton, had standing to make the case and that his argument’s had merit the decision by the Planning Minister was nevertheless lawful.

“The fact that the Planning Minister’s decision was lawful underscores the reason why the law must be changed to protect our communities and our environment”, said Ned Haughton, the Newcastle student who challenged the approvals.

“If these approved power stations are built, they will increase total greenhouse pollution in NSW by up to 15% at a time when we need to be urgently cutting emissions.

MEDIA RELEASE - 15th September 2010

Today is the first day in a major court case challenging the viability of new coal-fired power stations in New South Wales. Newcastle-based environmental activist Ned Haughton is objecting to the approval of two power station concept plans on the basis that the Minister has reached an illogical conclusion that no rational decision-maker could have done. The case will be heard in the Land and Environment Court.