Environmental groups apply to take Tanya Plibersek to high court over coalmine approvals

Environmental group argues Tanya Plibersek was legally required to protect the environment – including koalas and the Great Barrier Reef – from the climate harm the coal projects would cause. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

Conservationists will ask the high court to examine whether the environment minister, Tanya Plibersek, should have assessed the climate damage that would be caused by two large coalmine developments.

The Environment Council of Central Queensland has sought special leave in Australia’s highest court to appeal against the federal court’s dismissal of what is known as the Living Wonders case.