Coal project approved, but not without its critics

The Australian Government last week approved the development of the Shenhua Watermark coal project — an open-cut mine set to extract up to 10 million tonnes of coal annually for 30 years. But the project has received its share of criticism, with Australian Greens Deputy Leader Larissa Waters saying the mine’s climate impacts were “not even legally considered”.

Waters made note of the mine’s location on the Liverpool Plains, northern NSW, whose “rich black soil, excellent water resources and ideal climactic conditions” make it an important farming region with productivity levels 40% higher than the national average. She said, “With the coal price in structural decline, it’s economically insane to be sacrificing valuable farming land for the dying coal industry.”

Cotton Australia, the peak representative body for Australia’s cotton-growing industry, had previously stated that the coal project should not proceed because of its anticipated impact on water resources. The body’s CEO, Adam Kay, said its policy position on resource projects is that land suitable for agriculture should be protected adequately.

“That an exploration licence was granted for a mine in such a productive agricultural region indicates a failure in the assessment process and state planning policy,” said Kay.

“We have grave concerns the Watermark Coal Project will negatively and permanently impact water resources in the area, which is one of the most valuable agricultural districts in the country.”

Kay said state and federal authorities have given assurances the project would produce no negative impacts, but have also flagged measures to correct damage from mine operations. He noted, “We think it’s counterintuitive to suggest the mine will not impact agricultural land and water, but at the same time put in place triggers and cease-work provisions for when a negative impact occurs.

“With that in mind, we think producers in the area are justifiably worried that any impacts from the mine will severely affect cotton and other agricultural operations surrounding the project.

“Furthermore, we’re concerned that the mechanisms in place to protect the water resources, while strict, will not be able to reverse the damage once it has occurred. These are key groundwater aquifers on highly productive soils and, when they are impacted, that vital resource will be changed forever.”