GetUp has welcomed an overnight decision by the Queensland Labor Party to put an end to taxpayer spending on Indian coal giant Adani’s coal mine and port expansion projects in the Great Barrier Reef area if elected in the Queensland state election.
Adani’s plans will see dredging in the World Heritage Area and dumping in precious Great Barrier Reef wetlands. The current Queensland state government has promised hundreds of millions of dollars to help Adani build rail infrastructure to Abbot Point, despite Adani’s inability to find funding from the largest finance houses in the world.
GetUp Great Barrier Reef campaigner Sam Regester says, “The ALP decision to refuse taxpayer funding for this dirty project is a step in the right direction to protect the Great Barrier Reef.”
“Some of the largest financiers and banks in the world have said they won’t fund it because it’s too risky, and right now it looks like the Queensland LNP Government is the only serious investor. It’s encouraging to see one of our major political parties making sound economic decisions.”
Queensland Labor also oppose dredging at Abbot Point while Adani doesn’t have enough money to actually build and operate the Carmichael mine.
“Dredging for a company who can’t afford to build its own mine would be a calamitous waste. It’s great to see people recognising that.”
“GetUp members have campaigned tirelessly to have their voices heard. From rallies to legal cases and even short film festivals, campaigning to save the Reef has been an issue close to the heart of many Australians.”
Mick Gibb | Media Campaigner | GetUp!
