Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek’s approval of a Central QLD coal project that cleared endangered koala habitat and began mining before government assessment was complete is the latest decision that exposes the Albanese Government’s total lack of environmental credentials.
Media has reported Minister Plibersek approved Vitrinite’s Vulcan South coal mine yesterday in addition to three other coal projects.
In October, it was revealed Vitrinite had cleared 47 hectares of koala habitat and had commenced mining coal at its Vulcan South site, even though the federal assessment was ongoing.
In November, Environment Department officials confirmed a criminal investigation was underway into whether Vitrinite had acted illegally, however the company’s application continued to progress through the assessment process. Vitrinite has also had compliance issues with its Queensland government approvals.
Lock the Gate Alliance Central Queensland Coordinator Dr Claire Gronow said, “Any last residue of hope that we had in the Albanese Government to do the right thing for the environment and endangered species like the koala has vanished with this outrageous coal mine approval.
“It seems that under the Albanese Government, coal companies can mine and clear endangered species habitat without approval and suffer no consequences.
“You expect coal mining companies to get away with this sort of behaviour in countries with corrupt governments and undemocratic political systems. I’m devastated that Australia is following the same pathway of allowing big corporations to profit at the expense of ordinary Australians. This is a really sad day for Australia’s environmental protections and our much-loved endangered species like the koala.”
ENDS