Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has found the ‘irreversible’ and ‘permanent’ loss to Aboriginal heritage outweighed the financial cost of halting a $1 billion gold mine development in the New South Wales Central West.
Ms Plibersek today released the Statement of Reasons behind her decision to protect part of the Belubula River, its headwaters and springs near Blayney, from the tailings dam earmarked for the site by Regis Resources McPhillamys gold mine.
In August, the Minister accepted an application by a coalition of Wiradyuri elders to protect the area from ‘injury’ or ‘desecration’ due to its cultural significance. In the document, Ms Plibersek acknowledged Regis Resources’ financial interests would be affected by her decision.
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