Climate policy ‘to kill mining, agriculture’, says John Barilaro

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro says his government’s ­climate policy could mean the end of agriculture and mining.

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro says his government’s ­climate policy of zero emissions by 2050 could “mean the end of agriculture” and mining in the state.

Mr Barilaro told Sky News on Thursday that he disagreed with how Environment Minister Matt Kean was “selling” climate policy messages.

“Matt’s had a lot to say in this space and I don’t agree with him totally and how he’s selling the message,” he said.

“He talks about net zero emission targets by 2050, yet that would mean the end of agriculture … what does that do to ­regional and rural communities, that is the end of mining.”

Mr Barilaro said even if the country was able to achieve 100 per cent renewables, through his government’s “aspirational target”, it would raise questions about the future of mining in Australia.

“Our resources are important to the economy and jobs; our coal is the best and cleanest coal in the world and that’ll just be ­replaced by dirty coal out of India and Indonesia,” Mr Baril­aro said.

“And actually, that will have a more detrimental effect on the climate globally.”