Activists The Sea Shepherd called out over Adani megamine ‘hypocrisy’

ENVIRONMENTAL activists, the Sea Shepherd, have been attacked for using fossil fuels to power their protests against the Adani megamine.

ENVIRONMENTAL activists have been attacked for using fossil fuels to power their protests against the mining industry.

The Sea Shepherd, which was fined $15,000 in 2014 for spilling 500L of diesel into the Trinity Inlet, in Cairns, has taken its flagship vessel, The Steve Irwin, north to protest against the Adani megamine and its potential impact on climate change.

The Sea Shepherd’s flagship vessel the Steve Irwin.

The Queensland Resources Council said it was complete hypocrisy by the activists.

“The fact that it is using 240 tonnes of diesel to power itself means it is completely reliant on fossil fuels,’’ QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said.

“Once again, it’s a case of do as we say, not do as we do for anti-mining activists.

“If it wasn’t for coal, this anti-jobs campaign would have sprung a leak before it started.

“This class of ship weighs around 900 tonnes with the steel component requiring up to 620 tonnes of coking coal and up to 860 tonnes of iron ore to build.

“If these activists truly wanted a coal free future they would have no choice but to end the journey immediately.

“If they continue then their anti-jobs, anti-regional growth claims will have a very hollow ring to them.

“They are not telling the truth.

“This is an exercise in total hypocrisy.

“It’s about time they folded their protests and went home in embarrassment.’’

The Sea Shepherd has been accused of hypocrisy by The Queensland Resources Council. Picture: Infographic supplied

The ship arrived in the Whitsundays on Tuesday and the Sea Shepherd managing director Jeff Hansen said if the Adani mine, situated about 300 km inland, went ahead the world could say goodbye to the Great Barrier Reef.

Adani would add to more than 40 coal mines in Queensland.

Mr Hansen said Mr Macfarlane’s comments show how out of touch and disconnected he is with not only the Australian community but the state of the environment.

“The reality is, Sea Shepherd does not want to even be here at Abbot Point. Our crew and myself would much rather be at home with our families but when we have projects like the Adani coal mine that put at risk an Australian icon, the Great Barrier Reef, and threaten the very existence of all life on our planet, we have to make a stand,’’ he said.

“Sea Shepherd’s work in protecting our oceans, our primary life support system is critical right now at this point in history, however our ultimate goal is that one day Sea Shepherd does not need to even exist.”