Indian mining giant Adani's plan to build one of the world's largest coal mines in Australia got a major boost today with Queensland's Parliament declaring that "all state government approvals" be given to the 21.7 billion dollars controversy-hit project.
The Queensland Parliament has supported moves to approve Adani's Carmichael Mine project in the Galilee Basin, Mines Minister Anthony Lynham said.
Lynham said his government has been working with Adani to get the 21.7 billion dollars coalmine project off the ground.
He said the Parliament backed a motion today that "all state government approvals be provided to help create jobs in north and central Queensland".
Government and opposition speakers, including Lynham and Treasurer Curtis Pitt, told the Parliament that the project potentially offered thousands of jobs and much-needed economic development.
"The Government strongly supports the sustainable development of the Galilee Basin for the jobs and economic development it could provide for regional Queensland," Lynham told the House.
"For that reason the Government and the independent Coordinator General have been working closely with Adani to facilitate their approvals in accordance with statutory obligations," he said.
Lynham told Parliament that the projects' mining leases could only be approved when compensation agreements were reached.
"Statutory assessments and decision-making process must be robust and comprehensive to minimise any risk of legal challenge. I can assure the people of Queensland, particularly those who want the jobs and economic development that this project could offer: I will only make decisions armed with all of the relevant facts, and with careful and detailed consideration," he said.
Lynham said the government would continue to hold to its election commitments which promised to protect the nationally- significant Caley Valley Wetlands and prohibit the sea-based disposal of capital dredge spoil within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
The commitments also stated that infrastructure will not be funded by Queensland taxpayers and that dredging for Adani's coal terminal at Abbot Point not proceed until Adani demonstrates it has the necessary finance in place for the full mine, rail and port project.
Last month, Queensland state'sDepartment of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP)issued a final environmental authority (EA) for Adani's Carmichael Mine project but with about 140 conditions. The project is located near the fragile Great Barrier Reef.
Adani's plan to build one of the world's largest coal mines in Australia has been hampered time and again. A federal court in August last year had revoked the original approval due toenvironmental concerns.
In October last year, the project got a new lease of life after the Australian government gave its re-approval.
