Hunter Valley

A planning decision on a coal project in the Hunter Valley near Singleton, New South Wales, has drawn attention after conditions were reportedly proposed that would limit exports to jurisdictions with greenhouse gas emissions policies consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Critics are calling the restriction ineffective, arguing it allows coal exports to continue while nominally addressing climate concerns.

New South Wales' Independent Planning Commission has approved the largest coalmine in the state's history, in the Hunter Valley. Writing in The Guardian, Georgina Woods called the green light shocking proof that Australia's governance systems are betraying Australians and the world, arguing the decision ignores the climate crisis. Climate campaigners, including Lock the Gate, are voicing strong opposition.

The New South Wales Independent Planning Commission has approved the largest coalmine project ever to come before it, allowing mining at a Hunter Valley operation to continue until 2045. Critics have described the decision as an 'infamous betrayal', arguing it locks in coal production for two more decades despite climate concerns and opposition from environmental groups and local communities.