Lock the Gate Alliance has dismissed Adani’s announcement that it is ready to start construction as wishful thinking, with several approvals and a court challenge still outstanding.
In particular, the mining giant is yet to receive approval for its Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Management Plan - a vital requirement that it needs before major construction can start, which was only re-submitted to the Queensland Government last week.
The announcement also comes as Queensland experiences extreme weather that is being driven by human-induced climate change: half the state is on fire and we are witnessing terrifying heat waves that have not just broken previous records, but smashed them by more than five degrees in some places.
Lock the Gate Queensland spokesperson Ellie Smith said the battle was far from over.
“This is just another attempt by Adani to put the pressure on politicians to rush through vital groundwater assessments which still require approval,” Ms Smith said.
“The Queensland Government must not be bullied into approving Adani’s flawed management plans and they must require more research into the devastating impacts of this mine on water resources.
“While Central Queensland suffers from drought, heatwaves and bushfires, the last thing Queenslanders want is this colossal, water guzzling mine which will fuel extreme weather further.
“It’s time for the Queensland Government to get off the fence and protect our water.
Adani is also still fighting a legal battle with the W&J Traditional Owners in relation to native title.