Coal Mines And The Coral Reef

Australian history was made this week following the decision to block Clive Palmer’s Central Queensland coal mine development.

This is the first time a project of this nature has been halted by the government.

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek made the initial decision last year and a lengthy public consultation ensued.

A total of 9000 submissions were received, 98 per cent of which were in favour of blocking the project.

The planned mining site was 10 kilometres from the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and thorough research indicated that the mine generated risks to the reef that were too great.

Cherry Muddle, a Senior Great Barrier Reef Campaigner said that she was thrilled to see the project overturned, but that the decision was simply abiding by the law.

“The Minister listened to the scientists and followed the law,” she said.

“We hope that this decision means the Australian Government are serious about the Great Barrier Reef.

“There is insurmountable evidence that the impacts of mining on the reef in that location would be irreversible and unacceptable.”

Groundwater contaminants from holding ponds within the mine would have leached into the catchment area and travelled down to the ocean through creeks and rivers.

These mine pollutants and various fine sediments from the development of the mine would travel across the reef and dramatically decrease water quality.

“There is a huge tide and current that could cause widespread impacts to the reef,” said Cherry.

“Especially to the Dugong and Sea Turtle nesting areas.”

While environmentalists are celebrating, however, local Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, is concerned about how the decision will impact the regional economy.

“We need to have a good think about what props up our nation. Without the resources industry there are no funds to build the big-ticket items,” she said.

Senator for Queensland, Matthew Canavan, agrees, stating the decision is not what we need while living costs continue to skyrocket.

“People need jobs so they can pay their mortgages and removing red tape would help reduce inflation by creating a more productive economy,” he said.

Finding a balance between protecting our natural environments and utilising them to create jobs and economic benefits for our community is a challenge.

The ambition to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, however, is a goal that is changing the shape of our resource industry.

“In Australia, we have abundant natural resources, such as wind and solar,” said Cherry.

“I don’t know why we aren’t grasping them with both hands and seizing the opportunity.

“There are 60,000 people directly employed in tourism in the Great Barrier Reef and we need to consider their welfare too.

“It’s not about stopping an individual coal mine; it is about looking at all the overlapping impacts.”

Currently, there are 17 other coal and gas applications under consideration, 11 of which are in Central and North Queensland.

Only time will tell whether this history-making decision will pave the way for others to follow.

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Senior Great Barrier Reef Campaigner, Cherry Muddle

Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, says that our local economies need coal mines. Photos supplied

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