The Australian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tanya Plibersek, has approved a new coalmine development, marking the first such approval since coming to power. The Isaac River coalmine, situated in Queensland's Bowen basin, has been granted the green light. The mine, to be operated by Bowen Coking Coal, is planned to produce approximately 500,000 tonnes of metallurgical coal annually for a five-year period. Metallurgical coal, also known as coking coal, is utilized in the steelmaking industry.
The decision to approve the coalmine is in line with the government's commitment to evaluating each project on its own merits and in compliance with national environmental laws. The government emphasized that no submissions opposing the project were received during the public consultation period, including from environmental groups. However, climate campaigners argue that scientific advice suggests new fossil fuel projects should not proceed if the world aims to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees Celsius. They maintain that the planet cannot afford new coalmines, regardless of the type of coal being extracted. Rod Campbell, research director at the Australia Institute, highlights the urgency of keeping fossil carbon in the ground to mitigate the climate crisis. He criticizes the approval of the coalmine, stressing that there are already sufficient coal projects approved to contribute to climate change. The announcement of the approval was seen as controversial, made during the budget week and with concerns raised about its timing.
Critics also raise concerns about the environmental impact of the coal mine. Dr Coral Rowston, director of EnvA (Environmental Advocacy) CQ, emphasizes that the project will encroach upon the habitat of the vulnerable ornamental snake. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential release of affected water from sediment dams into the Isaac River, which ultimately flows into the Great Barrier Reef, thus impacting water quality in central Queensland. Despite the approval of the Isaac River coalmine, Plibersek has cancelled two coal projects whose applications had lapsed. Three other projects, two in New South Wales and one in Queensland, are set to proceed to the next stage of the assessment process. These projects are part of a larger group of 19 proposed coal and gas projects that have been questioned by Environment Justice Australia due to their potential greenhouse gas emissions.
The decision by Plibersek to move forward with these projects has drawn criticism, with claims that federal environment ministers are neglecting to consider the climate risks associated with new coal and gas mines. However, the government argues that it is unable to halt the projects at this stage as national environmental laws require substantial evidence linking specific project emissions to climate change effects on matters of national environmental significance. Out of the original 19 projects, five have been withdrawn or cancelled due to lapsed applications. The approval of the Isaac River coalmine leaves 11 projects still under reconsideration by Plibersek. Environmental Justice Australia is considering legal options, including potential federal court challenges, in response to the decision.
In summary, the Australian government has approved the development of the Isaac River coalmine, marking the first such approval since taking office. The decision has sparked debate and criticism from climate campaigners who argue that new fossil fuel projects, including coal mines, should not proceed to combat climate change. Environmental concerns have also been raised, including the impact on vulnerable species and water quality. Meanwhile, Plibersek plans to advance three other coal projects to the next assessment stage. The approval decision highlights the ongoing tension between environmental considerations and economic interests in Australia's energy sector.
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