10 Oct 2016

WWF-AUSTRALIA CRITICISES QLD GOVERNMENT DECISION TO ‘FAST TRACK’ ADANI MINE

WWF Australia has condemned the Queensland Government’s decision to declare Adani’s combined coal mine and rail project to be "critical infrastructure" in order to fast-track remaining approvals.

“For more than 3 years, Australians have fought to stop ‘fast tracking of approvals’ for industrialisation along the Reef’s coast,” said WWF Australia CEO Dermot O’Gorman.

“At the World Heritage meeting last year, the Queensland government promised Australians and UNESCO that it would take urgent action to protect our Reef."

“Fast-tracking Adani’s new coal mine is out of step with that promise."

“The Queensland Government is ignoring the fact that mining and burning coal drives up ocean temperatures and acidification of the Reef’s waters."

“This summer the Reef experienced the worst coral bleaching in its history. Now is the time for the Government to support renewable energy - not new mega coal mines,” Mr O’Gorman said.

WWF-Australia Media Contact: 

Mark Symons, Senior Media Officer, 0400 985 571, msymons@wwf.org.au