Maules Creek 'in breach'

Vocal opponents of Whitehaven Coal's Maules Creek project have continued their attack on the miner, alleging it has breached its conditions by failing to make public a review of its biodiversity offsets, according to The Australian.

The Northern Inland Council for the Environment said yesterday it had been a condition of Whitehaven's approval for the mine that the biodiversity offsets be subject to independent review, to be completed and lodged by December 30.

Concerns linger around economy’s mining hangover

The outlook for the Australian economy is still tied to China’s fortunes, experts say, and its ability to transition away from mining-led growth will be one of the focal points for overseas investors this year, according to the Australian Financial Review.

Abbott takes aim at ‘green power’

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has flagged possible changes to the Renewable Energy Target, saying the Coalition was committed to reducing the impact of renewable energy policies on household power bills, according to the Australian Financial Review.