“The bill will remove the power of the Mining Act to override local planning schemes,” Ms Watson said.

“Only by changing the Mining Act will local communities regain security for their region from the onslaught of coal and gas extraction proposals.

“The Margaret River community is unified in their opposition to coal mining, their voices are reflected in the local council but currently the Mining Act leaves them powerless to protect their clean and green region.

“I call on the other political parties to move beyond their promises of protective legislation and support the only legislative change that can lift the threat of mining from this besieged community.”

NO COAL!ition spokesperson Brent Watson said this proposal was a welcome sign and recognition of the problem for Margaret River.

“Even if we win this appeal, Margaret River still faces a future of attacking these mines one at a time,” he said. “There’s nothing in law to prevent that. “People need to be reminded this 14-month epic struggle has only been against the first mine for the first miner.”

Despite the “really powerful message” of past protests, Mr Watson said residents and investors still faced the unpredictability of another proposed mine in the area.

He acknowledged it was a “tricky question” on whether such a bill would be passed, with WA experiencing a mining boom.

However, he said he hoped the politicians who supported their cause would treat the proposed bill constructively.