Carmichael mine approval hits court snag

Environmentalists say a court has overturned approval of the Carmichael mega-mine in Queensland, but bureaucrats say it's a technical hitch.

Galilee basin

(AAP) Source: Greenpeace

The federal environment department says it will take six to eight weeks to provide updated advice to the minister on the controversial Carmichael coal mine.

The Federal Court has formally set aside the approval of the mine and rail project in Queensland's Galilee Basin under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

The step was taken at the request, and with the consent, of all of the parties to the court proceedings.

The Mackay Conservation Group says the court ruled Environment Minister Greg Hunt's approval was invalid after the minister conceded to the court that he failed to properly assess the project.

In a statement, proponents Adani said the "technical legal error" from Mr Hunt's office meant he would now have to reconsider their application.

The department said in a statement it had followed long-standing practice in preparing its advice for the minister.

The minister had made his decision after considering this advice.

However the department said a "technical administrative matter" had arisen in the way the advice was provided to the minister.

"To remove this doubt, the department has advised that the decision should be reconsidered," the department said on its website on Wednesday.

It said it was not necessary to revisit the entire approval process.

"Without pre-empting a final decision about the project, the department expects that it will take six to eight weeks to prepare its advice and the supporting documentation, and for the minister to reconsider his final decision."


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