The resources industry has welcomed the Queensland Government completing final approvals for Adani’s Carmichael Project.
The decision allows the project to get underway and bring a wealth of employment and economic opportunities to Northern Australia.
“The approval of Adani’s groundwater management plan was the final hurdle for the company throughout a rigorous process taking more than a decade,” Steve Knott, Chief Executive of Australian Resources and Energy Group AREEA, said.
“AREEA congratulates Adani on its patience and persistence, and for successfully complying with some of the most stringent environmental conditions for any project anywhere in the world.
“We have seen in the recent Queensland Government the huge importance of resources royalties to fund the state’s schools, hospitals, roads and other community infrastructure. The enormous contribution of the resources sector to our national prosperity was further demonstrated in the 2019 Federal Budget.”
“The Adani project will inject billions of dollars into the Queensland economy, provide thousands of jobs and countless opportunities for small and medium businesses along the supply chain.
“Further, AREEA is confident the final approval will open up the enormous development potential of the resources-rich Galilee Basin, creating long-term employment opportunities and economic prosperity to the regions.
As a valued member of AREEA, Mr Knott said the employer group was “very pleased” to support Adani as the company embarks on this project and delivers on its long-held vision.
“That the Adani Carmichael Project will proceed backed by federal and state governments sends a positive message for future investment prospects in Australia’s world-leading resources and energy industry,” he said.
The Coal Council of Australia welcomed the decision but said the approval process was too lengthy.
“Clearly project approval processes need to be revamped and streamlined to ensure this type of debacle is never repeated,” Coal Council chief executive Greg Evans said.
“Over the past day BP has released its annual energy report which shows strong Asian demand for thermal coal in the region, this contradicts detractors of the project who have said these types of investments have no future.”
