West Australia's peak environment group has congratulated the Margaret River Council on taking a strong stand to protect local community, industry, environment and the Margaret River Brand from proposed coal mine.

At the local council meeting last night the Margaret River council came out in unison to say it has arrived at the position of joining the fight against the coal mining proposal.

Louise Morris, Campaigns Coordinator at the Conservation Council of WA said, "Councillors have taken a strong position reflecting the sentiments of the community because it is the right thing to do."

"This position highlights the need for the Environmental Protection Authority to throw out the proposal immediately - it does not take an Environmental Impact Assessment process to determine that this project is totally unacceptable."

"Ray Colyer and others on council have taken a strong and decisive stand with the people they represent across the region to protect the farming, viticulture and tourism industries from coal mines in Margaret Rivers back yard. This is a resounding signal that local council is listening to the local community, and acting in their best interests.

"Communities across Australia where underground coal mines have gone ahead have seen and experienced negative impacts on local water supplies, air quality and the health of those living around the coal mines.

"The stance the Margaret River Council has taken to join the local community to fight this proposed coal mine is a step in the right direction to protect the unique environment, industries and community that is Margaret River.

"We call on the State Government and The EPA to take a similar leadership position and immediately rule out any government approvals for this appalling proposal."