Whitehaven Coal announced that Australia’s high court has dismissed a green group’s request to appeal a judgment concerning the climate change effects of coal emissions related to its Narrabri Stage 3 project. The Environmental Council of Central Queensland (ECCQ) sought to challenge a decision made by the Full Federal Court in May, which had already dismissed their review proceedings.
The ECCQ has been involved in ongoing legal actions against various coal and gas projects, including the Narrabri project, since filing its initial application with the Federal Minister for Environment and Water in July 2022, which was subsequently rejected. The group then escalated the matter to the Federal Court and later to the Full Federal Court, both of which also dismissed their appeals.
Whitehaven expressed concern over the prolonged legal challenges, noting that the delays have affected the progress of projects that are essential for creating jobs and attracting investment in regional Australia.