Adani mine too great a burden on so many levels
THERE are several aspects Adani coal mine that worry me.
Our governments are providing financial assistance and water rights to a company that should not be “investing” in Australia if they can’t fund their own project and pay their way.
Governments say this is to support jobs – some jobs will be created in establishing the mine but Adani has a history of automation so we can assume that to maximise profits, especially from a commodity that is being phased out, they will automate this mine, too.
They have been forced in court to admit the 10,000 people they would of the employ will be less than 1500 and it is accepted there will be minimal employees once the mine is established.
We will need coal for years to come for transition and other commodities such as steel, but we need clean coal. This mine will produce dirty coal for fossil fuel burning.
China and India are already moving away from fossil fuel. What possesses governments to get into an association with such a company?
Adani won’t fund their own establishment costs, provides a commodity that has already been condemned by energy experts and conservationists, threatens our Great Barrier Reef ( with all the associated industries that employ more than 60,000 people).
I’m sure these Australian companies could do something worthwhile with the funds the governments seem happy to supply to Adani.
Now to our local council who are so keen to support this project: hasn’t the local experience of providing water rights to Queensland Nickel shown the effects on local industries and development?
Haven’t we learned from the abysmal history of mines and environmental restoration?
The situation of the tailings dam at Queensland Nickel is sitting on our front door.
What would have happened to the Reef ( and Townsville’s future) if Debbie had crossed here?
Being seen to provide jobs is beneficial to a government heading into an election.
Pity it is at the expense of the environment, supporting Australian businesses, the Reef, agricultural land, limited water supplies and long- term employment. MARNEY WALKER, Townsville City.