A Federal Court overturns a protection order issued by former environment minister Tanya Plibersek that stalled part of Regis Resources’ McPhillamys gold project near Blayney in central-west New South Wales. The order, made in 2024 under Indigenous heritage legislation, was intended to address concerns under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act.
Regis Resources argued the decision effectively blocked development of a controversial area of the project. Multiple outlets report the court set aside the ministerial action, including a restriction involving work connected to the project’s tailings dam. The coverage is broadly consistent in its account of what was challenged and the outcome: the minister’s block is rejected by the Federal Court.
While outlets differ slightly in phrasing—such as references to a “block” or a “protection order”—the central factual storyline remains the same. The court’s ruling removes the legal barrier created by the 2024 ministerial decision, allowing the company to proceed with the aspects of the project affected by the order unless further legal steps arise.
