Stop Vitrinite destroying koala habitat and mining coal without approval

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Stop the destruction - take action today!

Send an email to Tanya Plibersek, Minister for the Environment:

Dear Minister Plibersek,
I'm writing to urge you to investigate and take immediate action against Vitrinite to stop the alleged clearing of koala habitat and coal mining activities at the proposed Vulcan South mine site. There are serious concerns that this clearing and mining is being carried out without Federal environmental approval, and may be in breach of the EPBC Act. I'm very concerned that this shows a worrying disregard for our environmental laws.
Vitrinite has reportedly begun digging a "test" coal mine and has cleared at least 47 hectares of critical koala habitat without Federal approval - before even being granted permission for the full project, which is expected to destroy 800 hectares of habitat (equivalent to 400 MCG-sized football fields). Koalas are already under severe pressure from habitat loss and climate change. Vitrinite's actions further threaten their survival, setting a dangerous precedent where corporations may feel they can proceed without proper oversight.
It is concerning that the federal environment department and the Queensland government did not intervene earlier to prevent this clearing and coal mining activity. It should not fall solely on community groups and environmental lawyers to ensure compliance with the law. This situation highlights the weakness of our current environmental protections, which are failing to adequately prevent habitat destruction and irresponsible mining practices.
I strongly urge you to:
<ul>
<li>Investigate and stop any unauthorised coal mining and habitat-clearing activities by Vitrinite.</li>
<li>Hold Vitrinite accountable under the EPBC Act if breaches are found.</li>
<li>Deny approval for the Vulcan South mine to protect our koalas and prevent further harm from occurring.</li>
<li>Strengthen enforcement of environmental laws to ensure that corporations comply with legal protections.</li>
</ul>
Vitrinite's track record raises concerns. They have previously been linked to incidents of water pollution and land clearing beyond approved boundaries at their existing Vulcan coal mine, without reporting these breaches. This raises doubts about their ability to operate responsibly or within the law.
By taking decisive action to end the clearing and not allow the Vulcan South mine to proceed, you will send a strong message that Australia's environmental laws must be respected and that the protection of our natural heritage, including iconic species like koalas, is a priority.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.

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