Adani Carmichael mine project could come to standstill over cows

The panel reviewing Adani’s Carmichael mine management plan for an endangered bird also wants cows removed from reserve land, in what could lead to further delays for the project.

THE controversial expert panel reviewing the Carmichael mine’s management plan for an endangered bird wants cows removed from the pastoral lease land to be set aside as a reserve.

The draft report, obtained by The Courier-Mail, argues that the presence of cattle within the 33,000ha biodiversity area around the mine site may hasten the extinction of the black-throated finch.

However, Indian miner Adani only proposed retaining cattle on the land based on a shared agreement with the Department of Environment and Science that grazing could be beneficial towards improving habitat for the finch.

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The draft report says the presence of cattle puts the black-throated finch at risk. Picture: AAP

The differing opinions between the panel and the department that hired them is just one of a number of conflict positions exposed in the draft report. There are growing concerns this could force the department to rescind Adani’s environmental authority, a move that could cause a lengthy delay to the mine and potentially herald legal action.

The draft review, condemned as an “anti-Adani lobbying brochure” by the company, insisted the evidence showed cattle grazing had caused finch numbers to decline.

“By default, zero grazing should be maintained in all areas used by the black-throated finch until it can be demonstrated that some grazing is beneficial,” the report said.

However, the Department and Adani had reached agreement that grazing should be allowed, with cattle numbers to be dictated by the availability of native grass for the finch.

Revelations that the review could delay or even scupper the mine prompted Prime Minister Scott Morrison to yesterday accuse the Palaszczuk Government of playing games with jobs.

“The Queensland people are dealing with enough at the moment without decisions made that take away their jobs,” he said. “We support the mining industry. We want to see mining jobs.”

Adani declared “we are not going anywhere”.

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad Picture: AAP Image/Darren England

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said Adani should raise its concerns with the Department of Environment.

“They are an independent regulator, they have regulated, statutory responsibilities in this state to conduct reviews such as this, so Adani has the opportunity to participate in this process with the independent regulator if they think the report is not right,” she said.

“This is the process that was sent by the independent regulator in Queensland … now that is the process open to them.

“If they don’t like that process then the alternative is for them to essentially do what they’re doing, which is run a political campaign. But at the end of the day, you don’t want politicians telling the regulator what to do.”