Please attribute to a Department of Environment, Science and Innovation spokesperson
The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation has approved the environmental authority (EA) application for Whitehaven WS Pty Ltd's Winchester South coal mine.
This project was comprehensively assessed through an environmental impact statement managed by the Coordinator-General, who issued an evaluation report in November 2023, which recommended the project proceed subject to the conditions and recommendations in the report.
This EA application was publicly notified and five submissions were received by the department – all of which were considered in the assessment process.
Additional background
The department will issue a notice of the decision, including reasons, to Whitehaven and the five submitters by 14 February 2024.
Whitehaven and the submitters now have the opportunity to object to the department's decision and request that the project be referred to the Land Court.
The objection period is 20 business days from receipt of the notice of decision.
