Peta Credlin: Adani boss fuelled by giving Indian village children power

As Queensland’s ­government prepares to sign off on the final approval for the Adani Carmichael coal mine, it’s important Australia understands just what this project will do for the Indian population and struggling villages that don’t have what we take for granted — electricity.

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As Queensland’s Palaszczuk ­government today prepares to sign off on the final approval for the Adani Carmichael coal mine, it’s important that Australia understands just what this project will do for the Indian population, and particularly for struggling villages that don’t have what we take for granted — electricity.

For the past few days, I’ve toured a number of small Indian villages, some without power, to understand what clean thermal Australian coal will do for their communities.

It’s astounding how these people live.

Adani chairman Gautam Adani says he is seeking to bring India and Australia together in a strategic relationship. Picture: AFP/Sam Panthaky

To give them the gift of power is something the whingeing left in this country need to understand.

The left often talk about climate change and saving the planet but what about their social justice advocacy when it comes to Indians?

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These are people who never complain, yet the prospect of Australian coal powering electricity units to help them live better is compelling.

Clermont locals (l-r) Peter Pavey, Jenny Pongratz, Kel Appleton, Keely McLean holding Isabella 8 months, Roger Vine, Harrison Maggs, Brodie Perry and Chris McLean are excited for the final decision on the Adani Carmichael mine to be handed down. Picture: Lachie Millard

I sat down with Adani chairman Gautam Adani on Wednesday night to talk about the Carmichael project. It was only his second interview in a decade.

He said India had a population of 1.3 billion people — and more than 250 million of them were still without electricity.

“India is still very, very energy deficit and one of the reasons for our entry into Australia is to make India more energy secure and bring Australia and India together on a strategic energy relationship,” he said.

“One bulb can be the most important for children’s education.’’

Anti-Adani coal mine protesters marching through the streets of Brisbane last week. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England

Mr Adani said he was not frustrated by continuing delays to the Carmichael project.

“We are very committed to Queensland and Australia,’’ he said.

“Our Prime Minister, Mr Modi, talks about the aspirations of the young people increasing day by day, and the most challenging part for any leader is how do we provide the opportunity. Australia and India have much in common. The relationship can only grow.”

Watch Credlin tonight at 6pm, Sky News for The Indian Special.