| Project | Wandoan Coal Project – Case in the Land Court of Queensland |
| Client | Xstrata Coal Queensland |
| Location | Near Wandoan, southern Queensland |
| Completion | Court’s Decision Delivered March 2012 |
| Disciplines/Service | Expert witness |
| WRM Contact | Michael Batchelor |
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- Site of the proposed Wandoan Coal Project
The Challenge
Michael Batchelor was asked to give evidence on behalf of Xstrata Coal regarding the surface water management system proposed for the project, and the potential impacts of the project on flooding.
Key Activities
The local community was concerned about coal mine water management following events during the 2010-11 wet season. There were also concerns regarding the likely impact of the project on the beneficial flooding of Mud Creek which flows through the project area. The proposed project was relatively large, and the environmental impact assessment complex. Michael provided an extensive written report to the court and provided evidence during the proceedings, clearly explaining the methodology used to model the impact of flooding on the project, the components in that system for flood containment and the design capacities of those structures.
Outcome
The court recommended that the mining leases be granted without modification to the proposed water management plan