The appointment of NSW MPs to new ministerial portfolios is an opportunity to put the needs of mining-affected communities at the forefront of the Berejiklian Government’s agenda, according to Lock the Gate Alliance.

Lock the Gate Alliance has today welcomed the remarkable announcement that the NSW Government will reject all future greenfield coal mines due to climate change concerns.

The latest Resources and Energy Quarterly from the Office of the Chief Economist, released on 29 March, forecasts a 5 million tonne decline in per annum coal imports to South Korea over the next five years, “as energy transition accelerates.” 

An independent review has uncovered severe limitations with Adani’s latest groundwater management plan for its Carmichael Mine, which must still be approved by both the Queensland and Federal Governments.

The review, conducted by Dr Matthew Currell of RMIT, found Adani has still not conducted key research that is required to address uncertainty and ensure that 187 Great Artesian Basin spring wetlands (the Doongmabulla Springs) do not dry up as a result of the coal mine.

Community and legal groups have welcomed moves by the Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DES) to pursue further legal action against the former head of Linc Energy over the environmental damage caused at the company’s underground coal gasification (UCG) site on Queensland’s Western Downs.