The Federal government’s decision today to approve Adani’s Carmichael coal mega mine in Western Queensland is blind to the devastation it will cause to water, habitat and the local environment says Mackay Conservation Group.
‘Carmichael will be one of the world’s biggest coal mines and the environmental impacts of the mine as well as associated infrastructure, such as ports and rail, are simply unacceptable,’ said Mackay Conservation Group Co-ordinator Ellen Roberts.
‘The mine will use 12 billion litres of water every year. This water will be pumped from underground sources which are vital to maintaining agriculture and wildlife in this dry environment. There will be drops to the water table ten kilometres from the mine.’
‘The conditions placed on the mine relate to further studies on impact on groundwater and species, which raises concerns that Greg Hunt did not adequately understand the impacts of this mine before making the approval.’
‘Adani wants to export coal from the Carmichael mine through its huge new port to be built in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
‘In March 2014 Mackay Conservation Group launched a legal challenge to the Federal government’s decision to approve the controversial Abbot Point coal terminal because we considered that decision unlawful and due to it’s damage to the Reef.
‘Seagrasses and corals and the animals that depend on them such as fish, turtles and dugongs will all be affected by the proposed Abbot Point terminal.
‘Jeff Seeney’s plans to use legislative powers forcibly buy up land for the rail lines to ship Carmichael coal have also been thrown into doubt, with his plans referred to a Queensland government committee to examine its legality.