The federal government has ignited controversy by approving three significant coal mining projects in New South Wales, prompting widespread protests across Australia.
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek announced the approvals for Whitehaven’s Narrabri thermal coal mine expansion, MACH Energy’s Mount Pleasant thermal coal mine expansion, and Yancoal’s Ashton Ravensworth coal mine expansion.
These Hunter Valley-based projects are expected to contribute an estimated 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon emissions over the next 30 to 40 years, surpassing Australia’s annual emissions threefold.
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from environmental groups and climate activists, with protesters taking to the streets in several major cities.
In Newcastle, nine individuals were arrested for halting a coal train and unloading its contents.
Alexa Stuart, a 20-year-old activist, surrendered herself to police at Minister Plibersek’s office after participating in the train stoppage.
Sydney saw 50 demonstrators gather at Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s office before moving to Minister Plibersek’s Redfern office. In Melbourne, protests occurred at multiple Labor MPs’ offices, including those of Peter Kahil, Kate Thwaites, and Josh Burns.
Brisbane witnessed about 30 people occupying the office of Labor member Graham Perrett until police intervened.
Protesters displayed banners reading “Labor – stop fuelling the climate crisis – No More Coal Approvals” and used inflatable koalas to symbolise the endangered species threatened by the Narrabri mine expansion.
Alexa Stuart, a former Newcastle young citizen of the year, stated: “It is an absolute disgrace that instead of funding a transition for workers, the government is continuing to approve new coal and gas projects when we are in a climate crisis.”
Mick McGrath from Move Beyond Coal criticised the decision as “climate-denying” and inconsistent with the government’s climate action commitments.
The approvals have also drawn condemnation from Indigenous leaders.
Gomeroi Traditional Owner Karra Kinchella expressed dismay at the Narrabri expansion’s impact on sacred land.
Climate and health experts have also voiced their concerns.
Dr Kate Wylie of Doctors for the Environment Australia called the approvals “reckless”, citing the health risks associated with coal mining and burning.
As the controversy unfolds, the federal government faces mounting pressure to reconcile its climate commitments with its support for fossil fuel projects.