Federal Member for Queensland’s Hinkler electorate, Keith Pitt, has called for consistent policies around coal after Labor Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek approved the expansion of three Australian coal mines.
White Haven Coal’s Narrabri mine, the MACH Energy Australia mine at Mount Pleasant, and the Ashton Coal Operations mine at Ravensworth were all granted expansion.
Narrabri is now set to operate until 2044 and Mount Pleasant will operate until 2048.
The approvals relate to Narrabri’s underground stage three expansion project, as well as Ravensworth and Mount Pleasant’s optimisation projects.
Pitt, an electrical engineer by trade, told The Epoch Times that coal was critical to the nation’s economy, employed tens of thousands of Australians, and was the country’s second biggest commodity export—which is why inconsistent policies damaged the industry.
While Labor’s position on Australia’s energy needs is tilted towards renewables, coal remains a vital component in ensuring a reliable supply.
The Nationals MP said flip-flopping policies damaged the nation’s essential industry.
“Australia has some of the most stringent environmental standards in the world. However, our nation’s reputation has been damaged by ongoing interventions and inconsistent policy positions by Labor governments, both state and federal,” he said.
“Employers in this country need consistent policy and decision-making in order to have confidence to invest.
“Coal use around the world is increasing and it will be a critical source of energy for many decades to come.”
Plibersek says the expansions align with climate laws as Australia works towards a net zero target by 2030 and emissions from the extensions are in line with government thresholds.
“The Albanese government has to make decisions in accordance with the facts and the national environmental law, that’s what happened on every project and that’s what’s happened here,” she said in a statement.
For and Against Coal
The move garnered criticism from Greens leader Adam Bandt who took to social media to label Plibersek’s move a “betrayal of our environment.”Australian Conservation Foundation climate program manager Gavan McFadzean called it “grossly irresponsible.”
However, many still see coal as a vital part of the mix, even as Australia moves towards net zero.
Nationals Senator Matt Canavan previously told The Epoch Times that coal was the nation’s breadwinner, and without coal, wind and solar would not be adequate.
“Our factories can’t just turn off when there’s a bit of cloud cover.
“Coal is the only source of power we currently have online that provides reliable, cheap electricity every moment of the day, no matter how many clouds are in the sky.”
