DEVELOPMENT of Indian company Adani’s Carmichael coal project in central Queensland is once again back on track following the federal government’s re-approval subject to 36 strict environmental conditions.
The mega-development, worth an estimated $16bn and 10,000 jobs, was required to undertake a secondary approval process after the Federal Court found in favour of the Mackay Conservation Group that the government’s first approval did not properly consider advice on two vulnerable reptile species.
The new conditions, which environment minister Greg Hunt said were ‘the strictest in Australia’s history’, allow the mine, rail and port project to proceed, delivering a much-needed injection of employment and capital expenditure into Queensland’s resource industry.
“The conditions I have imposed take into account issues raised by the community and ensure that the proponent must meet the highest environmental standards,” Minister Hunt said.
“The rigorous conditions will protect threatened species and provide long-term benefits for the environment through the development of an offset package. These measures must be approved by myself before mining can start.”
Federal Resources Minister Josh Frydenberg also noted the significance to India’s and the world’s economic and social development.
“(The project) will create thousands of jobs, it will see more than $15 billion invested into those regional economies, but most importantly of all, it will help lift hundreds of millions of people out of energy poverty, not just in India but right across the world,” he told the ABC.
Despite ongoing opposition from the Australian Greens and various environmental action groups, the development of the project has been met with bipartisan support from both the Queensland Labor Government and the federal Opposition.
The state’s Minister for Development and Natural Resources and Mines Minister, Anthony Lynham, said the project offered Queensland jobs, economic development benefits and future royalty income.
“North Queensland’s resource communities have been impacted by low commodity prices and this is welcome positive news for the resources sector,” Minister Lynham said.
“The delay has been unfortunate but in the interim, the state has continued to progress approval processes under its control in a timely way, including the environmental impact statement for dredging and containment ponds at the Port of Abbot Point.”
The federal Opposition’s shadow minister for resources, Gary Gray, said the project was of great importance to Queensland and to Australia.
“Australia’s coal exports are important to our customers and our mining communities,” Mr Gray said.
“The best environmental regulation is strong environmental regulation that allows third parties to offer their view; allows good science to be brought to bear; and is transparent and ultimately comprehensive in its capacity to enable clear recommendations, decisions and conditions on approvals.
“The EPBC Act has done its job here.”
Adani’s Carmichael Coal Project is still subject to final investment decision but could be underway as early as 2017.
