Adani gets green light on finch management plan

Adani's Carmichael coal project has taken a step forward as a key deadline for State approvals ticked over today. Chief executive officer Lucas Dow said Adani Mining received advice today from the Department of Environment and Science that the Black-Throated Finch Management Plan for the mine was now finalised. “We are encouraged that the Queensland Government has met the recently-announced timeframe to finalise the plan. This brings our project a step closer to construction and to delivering much-needed jobs for regional Queenslanders," Mr Dow said. “The Black-Throated Finch Management Plan has been the subject of a rigorous approvals process over the past two years that has involved experts from both the Queensland and Australian Governments. “The plan was developed by ecological experts and is backed by the best available science to ensure the finch is protected and that the species can co-exist with mining operations." Plan includes 33,000ha conservation corridor He said 33,000ha of dedicated conservation land would be set aside surrounding the mine site. “Following recent scientific advice from the Queensland Department of Environment and Science we have added more detail to the Black-throated Finch Management Plan on items such as cattle grazing intensity, habitat and population management and also delivered updates to our ongoing research plan,” Mr Dow said. The department last week was given deadlines to finalise its approvals process for Adani’s Carmichael coal mine. It now has until June 13 to reach a determination on the groundwater management plan for the Galilee Basin site. The timeframes were set by the independent Coordinator-General after direct intervention by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who said 'everyone is sick of the delays.' Local MPs say they will advocate for jobs Following news of the Black-Throated Finch Management Plan approval, six North and Central Queensland Labor MPs issued a statement saying they would corral regional jobs if the Adani Carmichael coal project went ahead. Assistant State Development Minister and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert, Disabilities Minister and Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke, Member for Townsville Scott Stewart, Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper, Assistant Education Minister and Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga and Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke dubbed themselves the 'Carmichael crew'. “The company has previously told the Premier that jobs will be for Queenslanders, but that’s not enough for us," Ms Gilbert said. “Our communities have stood up and spoken out for this project and they deserve to be rewarded with the job and business benefits if it goes ahead. “Resources projects happen in regional Queensland and the jobs must be in regional Queensland.” The 'Carmichael crew' is seeking a monthly progress report from Adani Mining on jobs if the project gets all of its approvals.

Adani gets green light on finch management plan

Industry Queensland

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