The mine, proposed by Aviva subsidiary Central West Coal, was expected to produce 2-2.5 million tonnes per annum of coal.

Yesterday, Marmion dismissed five appeals in objection to the Environment Protection Authority’s decision to reject a proposal for the mine.

The EPA rejected the proposal for the mine in February this year, stating that the proposal could not meet its environmental objectives for flora and fauna, fearing it would cause an unacceptable direct loss of a rare flora species in the region.

Marmion said he considered the appeals and a report from the independent appeals convenor upon making his decision.

“The Lake Logue nature reserve is an important and recognised conservation asset of the state, supporting significant flora, fauna and wetland values and any adverse impacts on the environmental values of the reserve were key considerations,” Marmion said.

“The combination of risks associated with the proposal were such that the EPA’s conclusions were appropriate.”

Marmion will now consult with other relevant decision-making authorities over the proposal.

Central West Coal was proposing to mine 75Mt of sub-bituminous grade coal over 1700 hectares to feed an associated power station for 30 years.