Pauline Hanson says CQ’s coal mining future is under a ‘cloud of uncertainty’

The Queensland Government rejected an application to recommence coal mining in historic Central Queensland coalfields. Now a Federal Government decision could make or break the job-creating project.

Senator Pauline Hanson. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Peter Lorimer.

Senator Pauline Hanson says Central Queensland’s coal mining future is “again under a cloud of uncertainty” after the Queensland Government rejected an application to recommence coal mining in the historic coalfields near Ogmore.

The Central Queensland Coal application now rests in the hands of Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley.

“The question now is whether the Morrison Government maintains its support of reliable coal projects in Queensland, or if it’s been spooked by UNESCO’s threat to list the Great Barrier Reef as ‘in danger’,” Ms Hanson said.

“Sadly the approval of any new mine has become a political hot potato, with both sides of politics afraid of media and voter backlash.”

Senator Hanson toured the proposed mine site on Friday, while also inspecting three nearby mines that operate in the same vicinity.

“Truth be told, the mine sits just kilometres from Defence’s Shoalwater Bay Training Area that was established in 1965 - the year after Ogmore’s original coal mines closed,” she said.

“The Queensland Government and green groups argue that the application to re-mine coal in this region would affect the Great Barrier Reef, but conveniently disregard the live-fire training that occurs within a primary conservation zone surrounded by national parks, including the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Waterpark Creek catchment.

“Let’s put this into perspective. It’s ok to drop bombs on the Great Barrier Reef and 453,700 hectares of surrounding land, but not okay to approve a coal mine that commits to reducing more than 2700 tonnes of sediment run-off into the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park?

“Sounds extremely fishy to me - especially given we hear nothing about the project from other local politicians.”

Keppel MP Brittany Lauga said in the case of the Central Queensland Coal project, the Assessment Report of the Environmental Impact Statement found it posed a number of unacceptable risks and was not suitable to proceed.

“The risks are primarily due to proximity to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Area, and other environmentally sensitive areas,” Ms Lauga said.

“The final decision for approval for Commonwealth matters such as the Great Barrier Reef now rests with Commonwealth Minister for the Environment.”

Keppel MP Brittany Lauga.

Ms Lauga also defended the Queensland Government’s support of the resources industry and the jobs it created.

“Under this government, there’s been more than $21 billion worth of new investment in resources projects, creating 8000 jobs,” she said.

“The resources sector continues to support more than 71,000 jobs across our state - it represents $48 billion in exports and generates millions of dollars in royalties for all Queenslanders.

“I fought for projects like the Olive Downs mine to get its approval, but Senator Hanson was nowhere to be seen.

“She only comes out of hiding to support mining when her marketing research is telling her she needs to get on board, so she does.

“Olive Downs Mine has received the necessary final approvals that allow the mine to be built and start operating.”

Ms Hanson said the Central Queensland Coal Project would support 250 jobs during the initial construction phase, followed by 167 direct, full-time roles once operational.

“The mines roster will bolster local jobs, especially in the townships of St Lawrence, Ogmore, Marlborough, The Caves, and Clairview over its 18-year life,” Ms Hanson said.

Coal mining trucks in operation. Generic file photo.

Ms Hanson said Central Queensland Coal would inject $8.2 billion into the local and state economy while contributing $1 billion in Commonwealth taxes and $760 million in state royalties.

It would provide resources and participate in the Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan while joining the Australian Government’s Reef Trust IV Program, Ms Hanson said.

“I make no apologies for my support of our mining industries when mitigation and re-vegetation plans are implemented to offer a net benefit to our environment,” she said.

“I’ve made it very clear to the Minister that she should seriously consider seeing the proposed site for herself before handing down the decision. She owes that to the proponents and locals who support the project.”

A spokesperson for Minister Sussan Ley said the minister was expected to make her decision on the Central Queensland Coal Project “shortly”.

“When the decision is made, the Minister must understand and consider all of the issues, including the environmental impacts of both constructing and operating the project, as well as any broader social and economic considerations,” the spokesperson said.

“The Minister takes her obligations under national environment law seriously and will carefully consider all relevant information put to her before making a decision on whether or not to approve the proposed action.”