28 July 2014

Statement by Scott Barklamb, Executive Director, Policy & Public Affairs

Resource industry employer group AREEA (Australian Mines and Metals Association)

AUSTRALIA’S resource industry employer group, AREEA, welcomes the federal government’s environmental approval of Adani’s $10 billion Carmichael Coal Mine in Central Queensland’s Galilee Basin.

The project is now on track to become Australia’s largest coalmine and bolster the state economy for a generation, with an estimated $300 billion value over its 60 year lifespan. It will create about 2,500 jobs during construction and over 10,000 total employment opportunities.

This is an extremely positive development for the national resource industry and for Queensland in particular.

Many of Queensland’s major LNG and mining projects are moving into production over the next 12-18 months, meaning new investments of this scale are necessary to prolong demand for construction skills and ease the transition toward a long term operations-based workforce.

Given this project’s huge economic and employment benefits, it is disappointing to see reflexive green opposition already being peddled by vocal minority groups.

The depth of process and rigour in which the federal government has taken to balancing our environmental needs with our nation’s economic development is demonstrated by the 36 strict conditions placed on the company for this project.

There is no reason why we cannot find ways to protect our natural environment while also creating thousands of jobs and decades of economic benefits for Australians.

Today’s decision sends a positive message to the world that Australia remains a very attractive destination for economically and environmentally responsible investment.

For a PDF of this release including relevant media contact, click here.