Advanced Search

Share Coverage



Category: Courts and Trials / Great Barrier Reef / Coal / Mining Environmental Issues / Activism and Lobbying / Federal - State Issues

Abbot Point coal terminal to be scrutinised in Supreme Court

Friday, 24 Jun 2016 09:34:07

The Whitsunday Residents Against Dumping group speak to media in Brisbane. (ABC News: Dea Clark)

The Supreme Court will hear a case brought forward by a group of north Queensland residents questioning whether the State Government properly assessed the expansion of the Abbot Point coal terminal before approving it.

In a directions hearing on Friday, Justice Ann Lyons ordered the case, brought by The Whitsunday Residents Against Dumping, be set down for a hearing on October 7.

The group argues that there is a question mark over whether the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection properly assessed the project before giving it the green light.

Group spokeswoman Sandra Williams said the decision to approve the terminal would have grave consequences for the reef and the tourism industry.

"We should not have to take this project to court, but an independent review will help ensure proper scrutiny of the decision-making process," Ms Williams said.

"We believe the approval was unlawful and, along with many thousands of Australians, feel that it is wrong to damage the glorious Great Barrier Reef to build a port for an unviable foreign owned coal mine that nobody needs."

If the project goes ahead 1.1 million cubic metres of seabed will be dredged and dumped on vacant industrial land next to the existing terminal near Bowen.

Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the Government was committed to the mine going ahead despite another court challenge.

"I don't think they have anything to worry about in tourism, we're seeing an unprecedented tourism boom," he said.

"We're seeing tourists coming from China, we're seeing tourists coming from India, it's good news for the tourism sector."

Deputy Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington wants laws changed to prevent further appeals against the project.

"This is a project that has been through rigorous environmental approvals processes at both state and federal level over the past six years," she said.

AustraliaPlus


 

Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.

沪公网安备 31010602000204号

Email this to your friend