Coal giant has a dig while jobs put on hold

ADANI says it is being inundated with requests from jobseekers demanding to know what is required for construction of its coal mine to start.

Adani Mining chief executive Lucas Dow said there was a “growing frustration” throughout regional communities about the slow progress of the proposed Carmichael mine in the Galilee Basin.

“The desperation for these jobs is real,” he said.

“My team receives inquiries on our email, website and social media channels every day.

“Furthermore, over a thousand small businesses, predominantly from regional Queensland, have registered on Adani’s supplier portal looking for business opportunities and contracts.”

Mr Dow said Adani has ramped up its communication through billboards and advertisements to “explain” the company needs “clarity” from the State Government regarding the finalisation of environmental management plans.

“In relation to the approval of these plans and getting started, we have certainty of process, timing and requirements at both the federal and local government levels, however, the Queensland Government has, to date, been unwilling to commit.”

Last week a Queensland Department of Environment and Science spokesman confirmed receipt of draft preliminary advice from an independent panel reviewing Adani’s black-throated finch management plan.

“Adani was offered the opportunity to receive a detailed briefing by the panel on their draft findings, but declined,” the spokesman said.

“Adani will be provided with a copy of the panel’s report, following consideration by the department to ensure the report meets the terms of reference.”

An Adani spokeswoman said the company declined to meet with the review leader, Professor Brendan Wintle, because he had made “anti-coal” and “anti-adani” statements in the past.

Anti-coal mining group Lock the Gate Alliance yesterday dismissed Adani’s campaign, with spokeswoman Carmel Flint calling it an attempt to “bully” the Government.

“Adani must abide by the law like every other company does,” she said.

“So far, the company has not been able to successfully submit a satisfactory groundwater dependent management plan or a black-throated finch management plan.”

Ms Carmel said Adani should be not be able to “cut corners”.

“The only people who aren’t getting a fair go here are our farmers at risk from this mine.”