The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) has expressed significant alarm at the Queensland Government’s approval of a massive new coal mine on prime agricultural land near Roma.
“This announcement by Mines Minister Anthony Lynham is a shocker.” ACF Climate and Clean Energy Campaigner, Jason Lyddieth, said.
“One week it looks like the Palaszczuk Government understands the urgent need to act on climate change by backing new clean energy projects. The next they undo it all by making a terrible decision like this.
“There is absolutely no reason to allow a massive multinational coal company to dig another big dirty hole on some of Queensland's best farming land.
“For many years local farmers have been fighting this coal mine and this decision is a kick in the teeth for the Australian soldier settlers who have lived and relied on this land for generations.
“Earlier this year a massive solar project near Roma was approved with the overwhelming support of the community. That is the kind of decision the Queensland Government needs to be making, not more dirty coal.
‘We know that big coal mines like this waste our precious water. We know they divide communities. We know that digging up coal and burning it is polluting our air and fueling climate change.
‘The Queensland Government needs to get serious about preparing for a carbon pollution free world. It needs to get serious about our water, our land and our air.’
For interviews or more information please call Tom Arup on 0402482910.