Lock the Gate has hit back at the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) over claims made in The Australian this morning that thousands of jobs and investment could be at risk under proposed changes to the Mineral and Energy Resources Bill.

Freedom of Information documents obtained by Lock the Gate Alliance show that the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources said Adani’s North Galilee Water Scheme (NGWS) could have a significant impact on water resources.

A large crowd has marched through the streets of Narrabri to protest Santos’ coal seam gasfield, as the company faces tough questions from the state agency responsible for water resources over its groundwater impact modelling.

A new report released by Lock the Gate today estimates more than 1,200 new jobs could be generated in NSW if the state government was to implement mandatory progressive rehabilitation targets. The Mind the Gap: how fixing mine rehabilitation shortfalls could fuel jobs growth in the Hunter Valley report exposes the major rehabilitation deficit plaguing NSW, which has left gaping holes in prime agricultural land in the Hunter Valley.

70% of Muswellbrook and Singleton residents want plan for a post-coal economy 

A new report showing a terminal future for thermal coal demand globally demonstrates a critical need for the NSW government to introduce an economic transformation plan for the Hunter region, according to Lock the Gate.