Tarkine decision set aside

NEW Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek must start from scratch in her deliberations over a mine tailings dam in the Tarkine.

On Thursday, Federal Court Judge Mark Moshinsky ordered a previous decision by former Environment Minister Sussan Ley approving the dam be set aside and the matter be remitted to the new minister.

MMG, which owns the Rosebery mine, has also agreed to remove its machinery from the site, which under the orders it must do on August 1.

Under the court orders, MMG must remove the machinery “at a walking pace having regard to the need to cause minimal disturbance” and Bob Brown Foundation members must also keep a reasonable distance from MMG staff and equipment and not obstruct them.

The company said it had at all times operated in good faith “and followed due process and any instruction issued by state and federal government departments or agencies”.

It said assessment of its proposed new tailings storage facility was ongoing and the new minister would need to decide whether its preliminary works were a controlled action under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

“We remain committed to the highest standards of compliance and accountability and will continue to work with regulators to enable us to find a balanced solution that will coexist with the natural environment and secure the future of the Rosebery Mine,” it said.

The Bob Brown Foundation called on Ms Plibersek to “clear the deck” to protect the Tarkine.

“This proposed tailings waste dump will cause irreversible harm to the environment,” campaign manager Jenny Weber said.

The organisation has invited Ms Plibersek to see the Tarkine in person before making her decision.