Friends of the Earth take Xstrata to court

1st of Mar, 2011

CHALLENGE TO WANDOAN COAL MINE LAUNCHED IN QUEENSLAND COURT

On Friday 25th February, 2011, Friends of the Earth lodged an objection against a massive open cut coal mine proposed by Xstrata Coal for west of Wandoan in South West Queensland.

Friend of the Earth Brisbane spokesperson Dr John Mackenzie said today:

“The mining and burning of this coal, whether used domestically or overseas, will create absolutely massive greenhouse gas emissions of 1.3 billion carbon dioxide equivalents over its life. This is not up for dispute – it’s clearly stated in the Environmental Impact Assessment statement.”

“The proposed mine will be almost double the size of Queensland’s current largest coal mine. At 30 million tonnes of coal per year, it is among the largest in the southern hemisphere.”

“Approval of this lease and environmental authority will contribute to significant and irreversible damage to Queensland’s iconic natural heritage, like the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics, which will impact negatively on our economy and employment, especially in regions that rely on tourism.”

Dr Mackenzie continued:

“But the more pressing issue concerns the contribution that this mine will make to the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Queensland is still reeling from the recently experienced severe storms, cyclones and floods. We have only just begun to assess the costs of these events in economic terms.”

“Severe storms and freakish weather events such as the 2011 Brisbane Floods and severe tropical cyclone Yasi are expected to become more frequent due to warmer ocean waters and the warmer atmosphere caused by human caused climate change, thereby damaging Queensland’s infrastructure, cities and towns.”

“This mine will destroy some of western Queensland’s prime grazing land, which has been productively farmed for generations. By 2030, production from agriculture and forestry is projected to decline over much of southern and eastern Australia due to increased drought and fire, thereby damaging Queensland’s economy and lowering employment.”

“By taking this up this legal challenge, Friends of the Earth is saying, it’s urgent to say no to this mine considering the serious adverse impacts of climate change on Queensland and the rest of the world.”

Environmental Defenders office solicitor Jo-Anne Bragg said today:

“It’s a David and Goliath battle against major mining interests.”

“Our small team is proud to support Friends of the Earth Brisbane to make this objection helping to point the need to transition to an economy based on renewable energy, rather than approving another massive coal mine.”

The case will be heard before the Queensland Land Court at a date to be fixed.

 

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