Australia environment Minister Mr Bill Marmion said that he won't be rushed into a quick decision on a controversial coal mining proposal near Margaret River.

In a statement Mr Marmion said he has received a report on the proposed coal mine from the Environment Department’s independent Appeals Committee, but doesn’t expect to make a decision on whether the proposal is worth further study.

The company pushing the proposal, LD Operations, wants to build a coal mine around 15km from Margaret River, but is facing stiff opposition from community and environment groups opposed to the plan.

The Environmental Protection Authority recommended against the idea in March, saying it would be “environmentally unacceptable, but LD Operations appealed the decision, accusing the EPA of bowing to public pressure before considering all of the evidence. The company argued the proposal is worth further study before a final decision is made.

(Sourced from www.perthnow.com.au)