Adani prosecution: Conservation Groups meet Qld Enviro Minister
Brisbane, Australia. As the deadline fast approaches for the Queensland government to announce whether it will prosecute Adani for illegally drilling into groundwater and clearing land at its mine site, key environment groups will today meet with Queensland Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch and call on her to fully investigate Adani and enforce the law (Adani groundwater bores investigated amid claims they were sunk without approval, ABC, 12 September 2018).
The Department of Environment and Science has advised that its KPI for concluding investigations and briefing its lawyers is 3 months after notification of a breach (12 September 2018).
GetUp, Australian Conservation Foundation, Australian Youth Climate Coalition and the Queensland Environmental Defenders Office will today present the Minister with a combined petition from 97,851 supporters, who don’t want to see Adani get away with illegal clearing and drilling of bores on the Carmichael mine site.
Christian Slattery, Campaigner with the Australian Conservation Foundation said, “In the middle of a severe drought Adani allegedly conducted illegal work on site threatening Queensland’s critical aquifers. The ball is now in the state government’s court to conduct a thorough investigation and demonstrate it is serious about protecting our water.
“Adani is also before the Queensland courts next week for polluting the Great Barrier Reef with coal. This company cannot be trusted with Queensland’s precious water.
“It’s clear that what our politicians call ‘the strictest environmental conditions in history’ mean nothing if our laws aren’t enforced.
“The public expects governments ensure mining companies comply with the law”.
Ellen Roberts, Queensland Director of GetUp said, “Not only does Enoch have this investigation on her desk, she and the Federal government are yet to sign off on key water plans which water scientists say are grossly inadequate to protect precious water.
“The evidence is clear that Adani has broken the law and the public expects the Queensland government to proceed to prosecution.
“This investigation and Adani’s outstanding water approvals should not be given short shrift just because Adani is posturing about its funding progress, nor should the Queensland government bow to Adani and extinguish native title before Traditional Owners have their day in court”.
Jo-Anne Bragg, CEO of EDO Qld said: “Queenslanders expect the law to be applied equally to all – whether it’s a multinational mining company or an everyday citizen.”
“The documents presented to the Queensland Government by EDO Qld and our clients Business Services of Coast and Country Inc show persuasive evidence that illegal work has been undertaken by Adani.”
“With the department’s own self-imposed deadline now approaching, we are calling on the government to take meaningful action to uphold the law.”
Contact: Stop Adani Media 0476 469 649