Reachtel polling conducted on 17th October has revealed more than two thirds of respondents in key Queensland regional electorates support action on the Adani mine in order to protect water resources.
The survey showed that in Herbert, Dawson and Capricornia in north Queensland, 70%, 65% and 73% of respondents agreed that ‘Research recommended by Federal Government scientists should be completed before Adani are allowed to commence work on their mine’.
Results also showed the majority of those surveyed supported a Federal Government review into Adani’s environmental approvals and the cancellation of the mining giant’s water licences by the Queensland Government to safeguard water for Central Queensland farmers.
Support for these measures spanned the political spectrum, with notable support amongst minor party voters including One Nation and Katter Australia Party voters, as well as Labor and the Greens.
Central Queensland grazier Bruce Currie said “It’s clear from these surveys that the production of healthy food and the provision of clean water are still the biggest priority for central and north Queenslanders.
“We don’t accept a mining project that puts our future at risk, and we will not support a government who’s prepared to jeopardise our water for no good reason.
“These poll results send a message to politicians, no matter who they are, that we expect them to protect our water.
“For the Federal Labor party, who have been ambivalent about the Adani project, it’s time to support regional Queenslanders and step up against the project on water grounds” he said.
Carmel Flint, National Coordinator with Lock the Gate Alliance said “Adani have been spruiking that they are nearing financial close for the project, but they are still lacking a very crucial water management plan - the Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Management Plan.
“The community clearly has major concerns about the impact of the Adani project on water resources and they want to see more research conducted.
“In light of this poll, we’re calling on the Queensland Government to refuse the water management plan and ensure additional research that is needed is conducted as a matter of urgency” she said.
The poll results are available here.
A statewide poll conducted in September is also available here.