[Greens-Media] Newcastle Port coal loading expansion plan condemned

[Susie Gemmell]

26 August 2005
 
Greens MP and mining spokesperson Lee Rhiannon today strongly condemned Government plans to expand Newcastle Port coal loading facilities.
 
"Government plans to expand Newcastle Port will only benefit the coal corporations. The quick turn around in coal ships will bring a huge boost in profits for BHP Billiton, Xstrata, Rio Tinto and other coal companies" Ms Rhiannon said. 
 
"This plan will further entrench coal as a fuel source around the world. This means more greenhouse gas emissions, more climate chaos with all the tragic consequences of droughts, bushfires, floods and storms. 
 
"Newcastle is already the biggest coal export port in the world. Nationwide we export to 35 countries. This coal port expansion plan is bad news for all nations.
 
"The NSW government should undertake a strategic assessment of existing coal reserves, slated coal projects in NSW and their impact locally and globally before agreeing to expand Newcastle Port coal loading facilities.  
 
"Expansion of Newcastle Port is appeasing the coal giants that are hungry to increase coal sales while prices are at a record high.
 
"The government cannot even use the jobs argument to justify coal industry expansion. The future for jobs lies with the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries" said Ms Rhiannon. 
 
More information: Susie Gemmell - 9230 3551, 0427861568
 
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Susie Gemmell
Adviser
Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile:  0431 458 102
Email   susie.gemmell at parliament.nsw.gov.au
Web    www.leerhiannon.org.au