[Greens-Media] Labor approves Moolarben mega coal mine, ignores climate change dangers

Lee Rhiannon Lee.Rhiannon at parliament.nsw.gov.au
Thu Sep 6 17:06:53 EST 2007


Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - Media Release - 6 September 2007

Labor approves Moolarben mega coal mine, ignores climate change
dangers

Greens MP and mining spokesperson Lee Rhiannon says Minister Sartor’s
approval this afternoon of the massive Moolarben coal mine, the largest
new coal mine proposal on the table in NSW, again shows the Iemma
government is failing to step up to the challenge of climate change.

 “APEC will be struggling to make a dent in climate change while
state governments like NSW Labor continue to bow to the coal
industry’s demands,” Ms Rhiannon said.

“It is no coincidence that the government is sneaking this
announcement in on the eve of APEC, hoping no one will notice because
public attention is elsewhere.
 
“This mine will add up to 30 million tonnes of CO2 to Australia’s
greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 5.3% of Australia’s annual
total emissions.

“Mining will come within 120 metres of the Goulburn River and 450
metres of the Goulburn river gorges.

“Frank Sartor has consistently refused to publicly release the report
of the independent panel set up to advise on whether this new coal mine
should proceed. This panel included water and subsidence experts. 

“This project poses an extreme threat to the long term viability of
the region’s groundwater and river systems, risks massive subsidence
and the destruction of remnant native forests and aboriginal heritage 

“Last month the Managing Director of Felix Resources Limited, the
company behind the mine, said he expected the mine approval to be
granted and provided details of how much Moorlarben coal had already
been sold.  

“It appear someone had given the company the inside nod well before
Frank Sartor made this announcement today,” Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information: Greens MP Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568


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Lee Rhiannon, MLC
The Greens
Parliament of New South Wales
Macquarie St 
Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Email lee.rhiannon at parliament.nsw.gov.au
Web http://www.lee.greens.org.au/

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