Australia’s Queensland administration has invoked its special powers to put the Adani firm’s $21.7 billion (around Rs 14,400 crore) Carmichael coal and mine project on the fast track, PTI reported on Monday. Australian authorities have referred to the project in the Galilee Basin as “critical infrastructure” for the state.
The Australian Greens Party, however, has denounced the decision, calling it reckless and short-sighted". Australian Greens Deputy Leader and Spokesperson Senator Larissa Waters said, "Adani's mega-mine and the dredging at Abbot Point coal port will be a climate disaster and Reef destroyer if they go ahead. Queenslanders will be outraged that a Labor government elected to 'Save the Reef' is signing its death warrant." The government's announcement was also criticised by Greenpeace Australia Pacific Reef Campaigner.
Queensland’s State Development Minister Anthony Lynham said the approvals prioritise the protection of the Great Barrier Reef and will comply with the government's environmental impact assessment demands. Lynham said Adani has secured all the primary approvals and that the company was in negotiations with the Department of Natural Resources and Mines for a water licence.
The minister said mine, rail and associated water infrastructure have been categorised as “critical infrastructure” by renewing the government’s "prescribed project" status to include its water infrastructure. He said, "This step bundles together major elements of the project for the first time — the mine, the 389-km rail line, and the water infrastructure, including a pipeline, pumping stations and a dam upgrade," the news agency reported.
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