New coal and gas projects overwhelm Safeguard Mechanism

New coal mines and gas facilities in Queensland have increased carbon pollution by 830,000 tonnes, according to 2023-24 Safeguard Mechanism data.

Overall, emissions under the Safeguard Mechanism in Queensland increased by nearly 400,000 tonnes in 2023-24 to reach 37.5 million tonnes of carbon pollution, or at least 30 per cent of the state’s total emissions. The increase from new coal and gas cancelled out a modest reduction from existing facilities and some closures, compared to 2022-23.

The Safeguard Mechanism is designed to reduce emissions from large facilities, which generate more than 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) a year, in line with Australia’s 43% emissions reduction target by 2030. Nearly 70 per cent, or 26.5 million tonnes, of Safeguard Mechanism emissions in Queensland are from coal mines and gas facilities, of which nearly half is fugitive methane emissions.

The Queensland Conservation Council is calling for the State Government to stop approving new coal and gas to keep communities safe.

Queensland Conservation Council Energy Strategist, Clare Silcock, said

Queenslanders have just endured a horror summer of floods. Unnatural weather events like this will become more frequent and extreme under climate change. Queenslanders are taking up renewable energy, electric vehicles and trying to reduce their emissions.

But we’re being let down by our Government and multinational corporations opening new coal and gas in Queensland, pumping 830,000 tonnes of carbon pollution into our atmosphere.

What’s even more insulting is that one of the owners of a new coal mine, Fitzroy (CQ) Coal, which operates the new Ironbark No 1 mine as well as Carborough Downs coal mine, is the only company receiving a court enforcement for not complying with the Safeguard Mechanism.

Companies like this clearly do not have Queensland’s best interests at heart.

Large gas facilities produced 7.89 million tonnes CO2e in 2023-24. Gas is a dirty fossil fuel and incompatible with a safe climate future. This year’s Safeguard Mechanism data includes climate pollution from new gas facilities run by Santos, Arcadia, and Arrow’s Surat Operations, driving up these emissions.

Methane, a super polluting gas which is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term, contributed 44% of Queensland’s Safeguard Mechanism emissions, largely from coal mines.

Queensland needs to stop approving new coal and gas, otherwise our climate future will be derailed by big companies.

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