Lock the Gate says Adani’s failure to pay $18.5 million owed for water license should trigger the Queensland Government to cancel the licence.
In response to a question on notice in parliament Natural Resource Minister Anthony Lynham confirmed Adani did not pay for its license to take 12.5 billion litres of water from the Suttor River by the 1st July 2018 due date, and has in fact been granted a 12-month extension.
“Despite drought conditions the Queensland Government are continuing to give preferential treatment to Adani, essentially giving them an option on the water even though they haven’t paid for the licence” said Mackay Conservation Group Spokesperson, Maggie McKeown.
“The Queensland Government have always said they would hold Adani to the highest standards and strictest conditions, yet they seem unable to hold Adani to account when it comes to paying its way” said Lock the Gate spokesperson Ellie Smith.
“Adani continues to claim they are on track to start this mine and blame others for their delays and yet they are unwilling to invest $18.5m to sure up the water needed for the mine.
“The Queensland government should never have granted our water to Adani and now it has this chance to cancel the licence, it must act swiftly to do so.” said Ellie Smith.
Question on Notice detailing the Queensland Government giving Adani a 12-month extension to pay here.