The Federal Court may have dismissed the Australian Conservation Foundation’s challenge to the approval of Adani’s Carmichael mine, but ACF is not giving up and is determined to stop the massive coal mine proposed for central Queensland.
The Federal Court may have dismissed the Australian Conservation Foundation’s challenge to the approval of Adani’s Carmichael mine, but ACF is not giving up and is determined to stop the massive coal mine proposed for central Queensland.
In the case ACF argued the federal government’s approval of the massive coal mine was inconsistent with Australia’s obligations to protect the Great Barrier Reef, a World Heritage site.
Tonight, ACF will Shine a Light for the reef with a big, colourful action in Federation Square, Melbourne, along with the Australian Marine Conservation Society, the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, Greenpeace, 350 Australia and other community groups.
Together these groups represent the hundreds of thousands of Australians who love the reef and are opposed to this gigantic coal mine.
Expect to see dozens of beautiful lanterns in the colours of the reef and the shape of reef creatures: fish, turtles, sharks, rays, starfish, jellyfish and more. The Climate Guardian Angels will also make an appearance.
Since Adani’s giant Carmichael coal mine was approved, global warming has fuelled the worst coral bleaching on record.
“Today in Melbourne people are gathering at this critical moment to make it clear we will do everything we can to stop this mine and protect the Great Barrier Reef,” said ACF Healthy Ecosystems Program Manager Jono La Nauze.
“People are shocked that the government can legally approve the biggest coal mine in Australia’s history while the Great Barrier Reef is hit by the worst coral bleaching on record – a direct result of global warming.
“The 4.7 billion tonnes of climate pollution from this mine would contribute to more frequent and worse bleaching events on the reef.
“Most Australians would choose our beautiful reef over more polluting coal but the court has made it clear Australia’s broken environment laws leave that decision up to the Federal Environment Minister, Josh Frydenberg.
“Well, we are calling on you, Minister Frydenberg, to reconsider the Adani approval in light of this year’s terrible bleaching event,
As Justice Griffiths said in his judgement, “it is the Minister who must accept responsibility and be accountable for the merits of his decision.”
“Australians want you to choose our beautiful reef, not more polluting coal.
“We’ll light up Federation Square with lanterns in colours of the reef so our love for the reef shines bright,” she said.
When: Wednesday 31 August 2016, 6pm to 7pm
Where: Federation Square, Melbourne
