Palmer’s new mine rejected

A NEW central Queensland coal mine proposed by Clive Palmer ( pictured) has been classed as “not suitable to proceed” by the Palaszczuk government.

But the company still says there’s a “pathway for mine operations”. The Environment Department released its assessment report of the Environmental Impact Statement of the Central Queensland Coal Project, f o r m e r l y known as the Styx Coal Proj ject, finding the g r e e n f i e l d open-cut coal mine northw west of Rockhampton presented “a number of unacceptable risks” and therefore was not suitable to proceed as proposed.

Despite deeming it would significantly contribute to the regional and Queensland economy, provide social and economic benefits and create jobs and that the proponents were willing to make changes, there were still unacceptable risks that could not be adequately managed, it said.

“The project presents a number of significant risks, due to its location, particularly its proximity to important environmental values, including the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Area, the Broad Sound Fish Habitat Area, Tooloombah Creek, Deep Creek, the Styx River Estuary, and associated groundwater resources and groundwater dependent ecosystems,” the document reads.

“As such, I consider that the project is not suitable to proceed.”

The proposal and the department’s recommendation will now go to the federal government for assessment.

Central Queensland Coal managing director Nui Harris described the decision as “a pathway for mine operations”.

But environmental groups welcomed the decision and urged the Commonwealth to accept the recommendation.