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About 20 people have raised their concerns in Port Macquarie on Wednesday about federal government involvement in the proposed Adani coal mine.
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The group say they oppose the mine, want to raise awareness in the activities of the Indian mining and energy company and also show their level of concern and frustrations to local political representatives.
Meeting outside the new office of Cowper MP Luke Hartsuyker, group spokesperson Vicki Burrows was able to deliver a letter on behalf of the group.
The local action was part of an Australia-wide initiative through GetUp!.
Ms Burrows says her concerns were raised when the federal government floated the idea of using $1 billion of public funds to build a rail line from the mine to the associated coal port at Abbot Point.
“Adani is an Indian mining and energy company seeking to build the world’s biggest new coal mine in central Queensland’s Galilee Basin — the Carmichael mine,” Ms Burrows said.
“Adani’s Carmichael coal mine has become notorious for its sheer scale, and for the damage it will cause to the Great Barrier Reef, to vast quantities of groundwater, to the world’s climate, and to threatened species.
Malcolm Turnbull’s federal government is now preparing to give Adani a $1 billion taxpayer-subsidised loan to build a rail line from the mine site to the associated coal port, Abbot Point.
- Vicki Burrows
“The reef is one of the seven wonders of the world. It currently suffers from 49% bleaching.
“We need to raise local concerns about this project and its impacts.”
Ms Burrows said local people care about environmental issues and would not want this mine created.
“There are alternatives. Let’s look at the reality of this situation; we have affordable and clean alternatives available, we were the pioneers of the solar power industry,” she added.
She says the federal government should consider having a positive impact on the environment, invest in renewable energy options while the power industry should look to divest itself of coal-powered use.
Ms Burrows said the project’s proponent is fast becoming one of the most controversial companies in the world.
“Despite Adani’s appalling track record, the mine’s unpopularity, and its enormous environmental and social impacts, Queensland and the federal governments continue to support the Adani project.
“Malcolm Turnbull’s federal government is now preparing to give Adani a $1 billion taxpayer-subsidised loan to build a rail line from the mine site to the associated coal port, Abbot Point.
“Polling shows 74.4% of Australians oppose public money being used in this way.”