Above average temperatures, out-of-control bushfires in Queensland and NSW and a looming monster El Nino send a dire warning to the federal government to stop approving new coal and gas with Australians on the frontline of the climate crisis.
“We are just a week into Spring and already Aussies and emergency services crews are facing emergency-level bushfires fuelled by coal and gas,” said Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Adam Bandt.
“As Australia burns, we’re seeing Ministers grin about fracking the Beetaloo and back drilling for gas off Scott Reef, unleashing climate bombs that will put lives and livelihoods at risk.
“Summer and even Spring are scary seasons now, and the Albanese government must protect Australians by rejecting Woodside’s planned Browse gas project at Scott Reef and the Beetaloo fracking climate bomb in the Northern Territory.
“Woodside’s plan for gas drilling at Scott Reef off WA’s coast would be disastrous for nature and communities, damaging an oasis for endangered whales and turtles to boost big gas export profits.
“If Beetaloo fracking is scaled up to full production, it would unleash around 1.2 billion tonnes of carbon pollution over its lifetime – three times Australia’s annual emissions.
“ACF calls on the Albanese government to choose people and nature over big gas exporters.”
Yesterday, Brisbane’s temperature hit 34.4º and a large bushfire west of the city caused major disruptions on the Warrego Highway.
In NSW, campers at Sandy Creek were forced to flee a fast-moving bushfire that ground crews and water bombers worked hard to contain.
Bushfire pic by Nick Bauer