A Directions hearing for the matter is due on 1 March 2012 at which the company will seek to set the final timetable and have the full hearing set down before the Queensland Planning and Environment Court at the earliest possible date.

Cougar Energy has decided not to appeal a decision of the Court made on 21 December 2011 refusing an interlocutory application made by the Company to stay a requirement for it to commence some rehabilitation works before the hearing of the appeal. Whilst the company is disputing the interlocutory decision, it has no relevance to or bearing upon the appeal in which full expert evidence may be led on all relevant issues.

The company’s Writ issued out of the Queensland Supreme Court seeking damages from the Queensland Government and various named officials continues to proceed through preparatory (interlocutory) steps for trial later this year.