Hogsback will remind readers that last August a humble yakka skink and a species of snake stood in the way of the massive multi-pit mining complex and infrastructure project slated for Queensland’s arid Galilee Basin.
Environmental groups had challenged federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt’s green tick of approval for the project.
The reptiles would be imperilled by the project, it was stated by conservation groups in the courts. The courts decided to rescind the project approval on a “technicality”, according to Hunt.
But to the relief of most of central Queensland’s mining industry and suppliers up and down the nation, Hunt has just re-approved Carmichael.
“The Carmichael Coal mine and rail infrastructure project has been approved in accordance with national environment law subject to 36 of the strictest conditions in Australian history,” he said.
“In making this decision I have considered additional information provided by Adani and environmental groups, including the Mackay Conservation Group, the Environmental Defenders Office and the Australian Conservation Foundation.
“The conditions I have imposed take into account issues raised by the community and ensure that the proponent must meet the highest environmental standards.”
Good to see that the minister is setting such high benchmarks in environmental approval.
He has even won over the newly-elected Labor government in Queensland. This is the same government that was for the project, then against the project, and now The Hog assumes very much for the project.
Queensland mines minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the announcement was a significant milestone for a project that offered Queensland jobs, economic development benefits and potential royalty income.
“North Queensland’s resource communities have been impacted by low commodity prices and this is welcome positive news for the resources sector,” he 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.
“Submissions to the draft EIS are currently being considered before the final EIS goes to the Federal Minister for consideration.
“The environmental authority and mining lease are currently before the Land Court and the Coordinator-General continues to progress development applications for rail construction in the Galilee Basin and Abbot Point State Development Areas.”
Dr Lynham said that ultimately commercial decisions to proceed were up to proponents, but the Palaszczuk Government shared the commitment of the federal government to developing the Galilee Basin.
Everyone is now waiting on a decision regarding the expansion of the Abbot Point coal terminal which is slated for early November. This could have a few twists and turns and provide even more entertaining reading in the months ahead.
