Senate rejects Queensland coal concerns

Plans for new coal mines and a coal fired power station in the Galilee basin in central Queensland got some air time in the Senate this week when Greens Senator Bob Brown moved to support the protection of farming and conservation areas from coal mining. The motion was supported by independent Nick Xenophon, but rejected by Government, Liberal and National senators.

Senator Brown moved that the Senate:

1. Supports protection of farming and conservation areas from coal exploration and mining and its effects in the Galilee Basin in Queensland.

2. Does not support the massive increase in coal exports flowing from the Galilee Basin out through Abbot Point and Hay Point because of the climate change ramifications of burning more coal.

3. Expresses its concern about the potential impact of the industrialisation of Abbot Point on the Caley Valley Wetlands and the endangered and vulnerable bird species that depend on it.

The Queensland Government is pursuing a massive increase in coal exports to the detriment of the state's farming, conservation and marine environments, not to mention the impact burning more coal will have on climate change," Senator Brown said.

The wholesale exploration and mining of coal that is slated for the Galilee Basin will severely hamper real action on climate change, water conservation and biodiversity protection."

Media release from The Greens.