Albanese Government approves coal mine extension in Qld while State suffers major climate disaster

Environment Minister Murray Watt has given federal approval to an open-cut, thermal coal mine extension in Queensland, Stanwell’s Meandu King 2 East mine. 

The project would funnel thermal coal to the Tarong Power Station until 2039, adding over 200 million tonnes of climate pollution to our atmosphere. It also threatens sites of cultural significance to the Boujiebara people.

Queensland Conservation Council Climate Lead, Jenny Brown, says

This is incredibly disappointing from Queenslander Murray Watt. It’s out of step with science, and it’s out of step with the mandate on which they were granted a second term, to protect our communities from the worst impacts of climate change. 

This decision by the Albanese Government enables the Crisafulli Government’s delay in releasing a plan to close coal clunkers like Tarong and keeps Queensland dependent on expensive, increasingly unreliable and dirty coal.

The International Energy Agency and the UN have made clear there is no room for new coal if we are to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees.

In the last six months alone, Queenslanders were exposed to disastrous flooding in north and western Queensland, and a cyclone in the south east. Thousands of people across the state are living through a climate disaster right now, and instead of protecting us and planning for the green future we need, this government is giving coal corporations a green light to keep pouring fuel on the fire. 

The Albanese Government simply cannot keep communities safe from the escalating impacts of climate change and deliver on their promise to reduce emissions while expanding coal projects.

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