Three Fitzroy Coal Mines Receive Token Fines

Today's fines of $2000 and $4000 imposed by Sustainability Minister Kate Jones on three coal mines for pollution of the Fitzroy river are much too light, according to environment group Friends of the Earth.

In the last financial year, both Callide and Moranbah mines each produced over $1 billion dollars of coal at average export prices, while Rolleston's coal production was $980 million. The $2000 fines handed down equate to 1.5% of the revenue made by each of these mines in just one hour.

“This is a token gesture and it will neither silence the critics of this dirty industry, nor deter the mining companies from continuing to illegally pollute the Fitzroy river every time there is a flood,” said Friends of the Earth spokesperson Bradley Smith.

“The planned doubling of the coal industry will inevitably lead to more pollution of our waterways and more accidents on the Great Barrier reef,” said Mr Smith.

“Everyday Queenslanders enjoy fishing in the Fitzroy and visiting the Great Barrier Reef. It is unfortunate that the Government more interested in getting a quick buck from expanding the coal industry than protecting these natural assets for all Queenslanders to enjoy,” said Mr Smith.

Queensland coal exports are expected to double over the next decade, with $1.5 billion of government funding for upgraded infrastructure in this financial year.

See the original government media release here.