The decision is the first time 22-year-old environmental laws have been used to block a coal mine, potentially raising stakes for other fossil fuel projects.
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has slammed the door on a controversial Clive Palmer-owned central Queensland coal mine project, potentially setting a powerful precedent for her to block almost two dozen otherThe decision marks the first time that a minister has used Australia’s 22-year-old Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act to reject a coal mine, raising expectations Ms Plibersek will use her powers to halt other projects that threaten biodiversity and habitat loss.
“I have decided not to approve the Central Queensland Coal Project because the risks to the Great Barrier Reef, freshwater creeks and groundwater are too great,” Ms Plibersek said on Wednesday. News of the decision came as Adam Bandt put Labor on notice the Greens would seek to amend legislation for a $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund to ensure it could not invest in coal and gas.
“There is nothing in the legislation itself to prevent investment in coal and gas, or in projects that would lock in and extend the use of coal and gas. Anything the Government of the day chooses to support could be declared NRF priorities in the future.”Australian Marine Conservation Society campaigner Cherry Muddle said Ms Plibersek had listened to the scientists and community by rejecting the Palmer project.
“Australia and Queensland need to embrace the massive economic and job opportunities in renewable energy. We have some of the best and most abundant renewable energy resources in the world and can become a renewable energy superpower, powering the industries of the future.” Changes to the EPBC will likely need the support of Greens and independent senators including David Pocock, who late last year said their support would be contingent on the creation of an explicit climate trigger as well as outright bans on new coal and gas projects.
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