Federal minister defends review of Adani groundwater plan

Resources Minister Matthew Canavan said the State Government was acting in a “cavalier and highly risky way” and treating Adani differently to other project proponents

RESOURCES and Northern Australia Minister Matthew Canavan has defended a federal agency’s moves to seek further scientific advice on approvals for Adani’s Carmichael mine while criticising state agencies for similar actions.

Senator Canavan, in Townsville yesterday, said there was a “big difference” between the actions of federal and state authorities because the State Government had not worked with the Federal Government or Adani on its latest move and had commissioned somebody outside “normal processes” without explaining what was being examined.

The State Department of Environment has referred Adani’s black-throated finch management plan for external review to conservation ecologist Professor Brendan Wintle who Adani believe is incapable of leading an independent review because of his stated views on coal.

Senator Canavan said the State Government was acting in a “cavalier and highly risky way” and treating Adani differently to other project proponents.

He said the Federal Department of Environment had asked for assistance from the CSIRO and Geoscience Australia over “relatively complex” groundwater modelling which he understood would be finalised in a matter of weeks.

State environmental authorities say Professor Wintle is a suitably qualified scientist who will be part of a panel of six experts to conduct the review.

Approvals for the groundwater and black-throated finch management plans are crucial for Adani proceeding with its $2 billion Carmichael project.

“We are doing everything we can with the State Government to make sure groundwater is protected,” Senator Canavan said.

“On the finch issue, no one can explain to us ... exactly what they are asking this academic from Melbourne to look at.”

Originally published as Federal minister defends review of Adani groundwater plan