Mudgee Regional Health Alliance v Minister for Resources & The Premier - NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal
[2026] NSWCATAD 195
MRHA and supporters outside NCAT in Sydney (Credit: Jayne Bentivoglio)
Appeal to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal for the release of government information recording communications between lead mining company Bowdens and the Minister for Natural Resources.
The documents sought relate to a proposal for an open cut greenfield lead mine to be constructed 2km from a primary school in the Mudgee region, Australia’s top-ranking agritourism destination.
Johnson Legal acted for local community group, Mudgee Regional Health Alliance (MRHA), concerned about the health impacts of the proposed open cut lead mine on food production and families, including children who are highly vulnerable to elevated lead levels in blood.
MRHA sought greater transparency of the planning process which initially recommended approval of the lead mine. That approval was overturned by the NSW Court of Appeal in 2024.
The case was run by Director Elaine Johnson, together with Paralegal Natalie Jakacic. Robert White and Joy Chen of Counsel are appearing for MRHA in these public interest proceedings.
The matter was heard at the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal in Sydney on 12-13 March 2026. The full decision is available here with the Tribunal granting partial access to the documents sought.
