Queensland Parliament has announced it’s support for the approval of Adani’s $21.7 billion Carmichael Coal project.
State Development and Natural Resources and Mines Minister Anthony Lynham said the House agreed a motion that all State Government approvals be provided to help create jobs in North and Central Queensland.
Government and Opposition speakers, including Dr Lynham and Treasurer Curtis Pitt, told the Parliament that the project potentially offered thousands of jobs and much-needed economic development.
“The Government strongly supports the sustainable development of the Galilee Basin for the jobs and economic development it could provide for regional Queensland,” Dr Lynham told the House.
“For that reason the Government and the independent Coordinator General have been working closely with Adani to facilitate their approvals in accordance with statutory obligations.”
Dr Lynham told Parliament that the projects’ mining leases could only be approved when compensation agreements were reached.
He said he was “aghast” that the former LNP Natural Resources Mines Minister Andrew Cripps did not understand the appropriate process under legislation he had previously been responsible for.
“My focus is to do this thoroughly,” he said.
”Statutory assessments and decision-making process must be robust and comprehensive to minimise any risk of legal challenge.
“I can assure the people of Queensland, particularly those who want the jobs and economic development that this project could offer: I will only make decisions armed with all of the relevant facts, and with careful and detailed consideration.”
Dr Lynham said the Palaszczuk Government would continue to hold to its election commitments:
- to protect the nationally-significant Caley Valley Wetlands
- to prohibit the sea-based disposal of capital dredge spoil within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area
- that infrastructure will not be funded by Queensland taxpayers and
- that dredging for Adani’s coal terminal at Abbot Point not proceed until Adani demonstrates it has the necessary finance in place for the full mine, rail and port project.
The Carmichael Coal project has faced many challenges during it’s journey towards operation with . In February, the project received final environmental authority from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection.
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