The Western Australian Government has announced it will wait for the completion of an appeal by LD Operations over proposed coal mining in the Margaret River before any changes to environmental protection in the area are made.

 

The announcement by the State Government comes after Premier Colin Barnett last year said his government would investigate the option of legislating to protect the region from further coal mining development.

 

Mr Barnett announced protective legislation was a possibility after residents voiced their concerns over LD Operations’ bid to commence mining operations at Osmington.

 

The state’s Environmental Protection Agency recommended against the proposal. LD Operations has appealed against EPA's recommendation and is currently pending a final decision.