- Court decision against ACF’s challenge signals start of next stage in campaign to stop Adani’s mega coal mine.
- Current environment laws not strong enough to protect our Great Barrier Reef.
- The Environment Minister must listen to our community and stop the Adani mine.
- ACF exploring further legal options.
The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) says today’s decision by the Full Court of the Federal Court against its challenge to the Adani coal mine approval has once again revealed the weakness of Australia’s environment laws and signals the start of the next stage of the community campaign to stop the massive polluting project.
ACF Chief Executive, Kelly O’Shanassy, said the organisation would now explore other legal options to challenge the mine, which represents a monumental threat to the Great Barrier Reef and our planet.
“We will never give up. The most significant environment campaign of this generation is only just getting started,” Ms O’Shanassy said.
“If the Environment Minister can legally approve this reckless polluting mine, it confirms our environment laws are not strong enough.
“Since this mine was approved burning fuels like coal has driven record back-to-back coral bleaching events and up to half of the Great Barrier Reef coral may have died.
“It’s Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his government’s job to look after the Reef for future generations, including coastal communities and the 70,000 people whose livelihoods depends on it.
“A mass movement of people power will stop the Adani coal mine. We are the custodians of one of the seven natural wonders of the world – the Great Barrier Reef – and we must do everything we can to protect it.
“Millions of people in Queensland and across Australia have already taken a stand against the mine, and almost 150 local community groups have formed to take action.
“If the Turnbull Government chooses to destroy the Reef by backing this polluting coal mine then it will be held accountable. The Prime Minister’s legacy will be a dead Reef and the pollution of our planet.
“ACF will consider all avenues, including further possible legal options, to halt the most destructive coal mine in Australian history and protect our Reef.
“We are extremely proud of the campaign to stop this mine. ACF was formed half a century ago to protect the Great Barrier Reef from limestone and gas mining and we continue that mission today.”
ACF was represented in court by the Environmental Defenders Office Queensland.
Media contact: Tom Arup on 0402482910
