[Greens-Media] Greens MP challenges Costa to debate economic impact of Anvil Hill coal

[Lee Rhiannon]

MEDIA RELEASE - 8 June 2007

Greens MP challenges Costa to debate economic impact of Anvil Hill coal

Greens MP and mining spokesperson Lee Rhiannon today challenged NSW Treasurer and Minister for the Hunter Michael Costa to a debate on the cost to the NSW economy of approving the Anvil Hill coal mine. 

"Approving the Anvil Hill Coal mine is bad news for the economy of NSW. I challenge Treasurer Michael Costa to take his head out of the sand and join me for a public debate on the impact of coal mining on the NSW economy," Ms Rhiannon said. 

"Mr Costa says that approving Anvil Hill will make no difference to climate change because China will source coal from elsewhere. But just this week China increased its renewable energy target to 16% by 2020. The world is moving away from coal. 

"NSW will be left holding the candle for a dying industry at the expense of jobs and our economy. 

"The long term future for jobs the coal industry is bleak. From the mid 1980s to 2004, the coal industry lost 18,000 jobs, mainly due to mechanisation. 

"Generating a unit of energy from wind power creates about four times the number of jobs as coal. The Hunter stands to lose 25,000 jobs over the next decade, if the NSW government does not back a transition to renewable energy industries. 

"Last week Federal Labor slammed the Howard government for failing to undertake economic modelling on the effects of climate change. 

"But this week in parliament, Mr Costa admitted that NSW Treasury had undertaken no economic modelling on climate change in NSW nor did it intend to. 

"The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recommended that modelling for climate change can result in economic gains. 

"Mr Costa has a narrow view of the economic opportunities in the Hunter. This region will lose jobs if it does not get behind clean green manufacturing. Manufacturing renewable technology would provide jobs growth in the Hunter and new export opportunities. 

"I have written to Mr Costa offering 5 dates in the coming fortnight for a public debate. I will also make myself available at any other time that is convenient for him. 

"Mr Costa is one of the last self-confessed climate change sceptics left standing. Hopefully he will have the courage to publicly stand up for his convictions", said Ms Rhiannon. 

Contact: Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568