Adani attacks distort truth, ignore benefit

THERE are more than 30 major coal mining projects in the same pipeline as Adani’s Carmichael coal mine. Can you name just one other? Chances are you can’t. Never before has a proposed coal mine in this state faced such intense scrutiny and opposition from left- wing activists hell bent on stopping the project in its tracks.

Protests, legal action, petitions, billboards – these deep- pocketed green groups are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to halt the project, happy to resort to threats, intimidation and even blatant lies if it means they get their way and are successful in their crusade.

Traditional rules of engagement have been thrown out and it’s regressed to a grubby street brawl.

Protesters have taken to standing outside business meetings in the city waving a banner which reads: “If you support Adani you will be targeted.”

Some of the material posted on social media websites is even more menacing, with campaigners claiming there is nothing they will not do to stop the Adani mine.

Business leaders and politicians supportive of the project have been subjected to disgusting personal attacks around the nation and also in Townsville.

And propaganda is being fed to the masses, with outrageous claims about the impact the mine will have on the environment – many of which are outright lies.

The fact Adani has now embarked on a $ 1.4 million advertising campaign aimed at busting the myths being circulated about its plans for the Carmichael mine is a sad reflection of the current state of play.

The “This is Adani” campaign started yesterday, with the new branding to feature in television, radio, newspaper and website advertising.

Everyone is entitled to have and to express their opinion but the danger comes when scaremongering activists refuse to play by the rules – or stick to the truth.

When complete, the Carmichael coal mine will account for 17 per cent of Queensland’s total annual coal output.

So where is the outrage, opposition and international activist campaign about the other 83 per cent? Why has Adani found itself alone in the crosshairs of green groups?

This project will provide thousands of jobs at a time when unemployment is skyrocketing in regional Queensland and it will inject more than $ 40 billion into the economy.

Bring it on.