Advanced Search

Share Coverage



Category: Coal / Mining Industry / Mining Environmental Issues / Mining (Rural) / Federal - State Issues

Adani coal mine ruled 'critical' in Queensland Government bid to kick-start project

Monday, 10 Oct 2016 06:01:30

The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) has launched a Federal Court challenge against Adani's Carmichael coal mine in Queensland's Galilee Basin. (ABC News)

The State Government has declared Adani's Carmichael coal mine project in western Queensland to be "critical infrastructure" in a bid to fast-track its remaining approvals.

State Development Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the Government had invoked special powers to help progress Adani's $21 billion Carmichael coal and rail project in the Galilee Basin.

Dr Lynham said the move would mean less red tape for the project and the Coordinator General can sign off on approvals quickly.

He said the project's special "prescribed project" status had been renewed and expanded to include its water infrastructure.

"This step bundles together major elements of the project for the first time — the mine, the 389-kilometre rail line, and the water infrastructure, including a pipeline, pumping stations and a dam upgrade," he said.

"This Government is serious about having the Adani mine in operation, we want this to happen."

Dr Lynham said water licenses were the only outstanding state approvals for the project.

"When this Government came to power in early 2015, it is fair to say that there was a long way to go with the approvals that Adani needed before they could start construction.

"Since then, 22 key Commonwealth, state and local government approvals have been granted for Adani's mine, rail and port facilities and there have been 29 key milestones reached.

"Adani has now obtained all the necessary primary approvals for its mine, rail and port project - and most importantly, I have granted the mining leases."

Queensland Resources Council CEO Michael Roche described the move as a step forward but said new water license laws introduced to Parliament could lead to more legal obstacles.

"Getting that water licence could open up Adani to more court action, more appeals in the land court and other courts," Mr Roche said.

Dr Lynham said the progress on the project had been achieved while protecting the Great Barrier Reef and meeting Queensland and Commonwealth environmental impact assessment requirements.

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