Mudgee Regional Health Alliance v Department of Planning - NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal
A tractorcade protesting the Bowdens lead mine in Mudgee (ABC Central West: Mollie Gorman)
[2026] NSWCATAD 194
Appeal to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal for the release of government information recording communications between lead mining company Bowdens and the NSW Department of Planning.
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.
The documents sought include submissions made by Bowdens’ lawyers, Swaab, after the NSW Court of Appeal overturned consent for the lead mine.
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 was seeking greater transparency of the planning process which initially recommended approval of the lead mine.
The case was run by Director Elaine Johnson, together with Paralegal Natalie Jakacic. Robert White and Joy Chen of Counsel appeared 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 Tribunal granted access to some of the documents sought. The decision is here.
