A coal mine proposed by Clive Palmer has been rejected on the grounds it might threaten the Great Barrier Reef, freshwater creeks and floor water.
The proposed Central Queensland Coal Project was an open-cut mine northwest of Rockhampton that will have had capability to provide as much as 10 million tonnes of coal yearly for 25 years.
The refusal by Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek is the primary such willpower to be made below nationwide environmental regulation.
Ms Plibersek introduced on Wednesday she determined to knock again the challenge as a result of it could have unacceptable impacts on close by areas.
She mentioned it posed a really actual threat of inflicting irreversible harm to the Great Barrier Reef because it was lower than 10km from the pure marvel.
“After a thorough assessment of all of the information before me, I’ve decided to stick with my decision and I won’t be approving the Central Queensland Coal Project,” Ms Plibersek mentioned in a video posted to Twitter.
“I’ve decided that the adverse environmental impacts are simply too great.”
A spokesman for Mr Palmer mentioned he and his govt staff have been contemplating the choice.
A media convention is predicted on the Gold Coast on Friday morning.
Ms Plibersek proposed on August 1 final yr to not approve the challenge and undertook public session.
More than 9000 feedback have been acquired and 98 per cent have been towards approving the mine.
Key causes included its influence on estuarine and near-shore ecosystems and floor water high quality, in addition to the potential for elevated sediment being launched into the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
The Environment Council of Central Queensland, which launched a authorized intervention in July, mentioned all Australian coal and gasoline ought to keep within the floor.
“Tanya Plibersek has rightly assessed the impact the central Queensland mine will have on the reef and surrounding waterways – what comes next in how the minister considers each of the other new gas and coal proposals is critical,” council president Christine Carlisle mentioned.
Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young mentioned there have been 118 coal and gasoline initiatives into consideration.
“Any new or expanded coal or gas projects will blow Labor’s already weak 43 per cent target out the water,” she mentioned.
The Australian Conservation Foundation’s Jaclyn McCosker mentioned the mine would have been a “climate and nature disaster”.
“Pollution from the mine would have damaged local habitats, including nesting beaches for turtles and seagrass meadows needed by dugongs,” she mentioned.
Flynn MP Colin Boyce mentioned the choice would adversely influence on useful resource sector funding in Australia.
However, the coalition MP mentioned whereas he supported the event of extra coal mines, their proximity to the reef and high-grade agricultural land wanted to be thought of.
“I can understand the environmental protocols that need to be met,” he mentioned.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
