State Government rejects Adani’s Finch Management Plan

Adani’s Carmichael mine has been dealt a significant blow after the State Government rejected one of two environmental plans crucial to the project’s progress.

ADANI’S Carmichael mine has been dealt a significant blow after the State Government rejected one of two environmental plans crucial to the project’s progress.

But the mining giant has slammed the decision as ­another government approval “merry-go-round” akin to the Ekka, with bureaucrats now specifying the academic qualifications Adani’s researchers need.

The Department of ­Environment and Science ­yesterday confirmed it cannot accept Adani’s black-throated finch management plan in its ­current form because it doesn’t meet environmental requirements.

Adani’s management plan for the endangered bird was controversially sent for external review by the State Government at the 11th hour.

The mining giant has ­repeatedly questioned the ­veracity of the external report because it was headed by a ­professor with “known anti-coal sentiments”.

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In a statement yesterday, the department said after ­considering all information available and “consistent with previous advice”, it was ­seeking a number of commitments from Adani.

Adani can submit a new or revised black-throated finch plan that commits to “getting more accurate population ­information” of the endangered bird in the mine area.

The department has also demanded Adani commit to a “limited grazing regimen” in the project area and make sure they conduct research to show how much seed will be available for the birds throughout the year.

Adani labelled the department’s correspondence as reading more like a “wish list generated from the Wintle ­Report” as opposed to “feedback that is science based”.

“Our conditions require an experienced ecologist and yet the Department of Environment and Science is now trying to specify the academic qualifications required such as insisting on postgraduate qualifications for certain ­activities,” an Adani official said.

“This is clearly beyond the scope of the requirement that we are obligated to meet.

“These sort of rides should only be found at the Ekka and not in a state that says it’s open for business.”

According to the department, time frames associated with the approval of the finch plan now “rests with Adani”.

“Significant disturbance cannot commence at the Carmichael Coal Mine until DES approves both the Black-throated Finch Management Plan and Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Management Plan,” a spokesman said.

Adani accused the State Government of again failing to provide certainty of timing and process but has committed to reviewing the department’s ­requirement and responding quickly so it can begin ­construction of the mine.

Originally published as State Government rejects Adani’s Finch Management Plan