2022-10-07
The Greens are calling on Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to immediately rule out approving BHP’s proposed Peak Downs coal mine expansion in Queensland.
The expansion is slated cover 4,000 hectares and will involve clearing habitat for the endangered koala, greater glider and other threatened species.
Greens Spokesperson for the Environment Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:
“On Tuesday the Environment Minister launched an action plan for zero extinction. Today she has an application on her desk for a project that will accelerate extinction. The action she must take is to rule it out.
“Our native animals will continue to go extinct under any government that continues to approve new coal and gas mines.
“Land clearing and climate change are the main drivers of extinction and the Peak Downs coal mine expansion fuels both.
“Australia’s iconic koala is an endangered species and on the brink of extinction, it would be crazy to even consider further destruction of its home.
“I urge the Labor Party to back the Greens bills for a moratorium on habitat clearing and a climate trigger to assess projects for the pollution they create, so we can give our threatened species a fighting chance.”