Greens: Abbot Point Port Could End Up as Stranded Asset (Australia)

Even though a quarter of Queensland coal output is being produced at a loss, as reported today, the Abbott and Newman governments are continuing to prioritise coal over the Great Barrier Reef, climate, water supplies, agriculture and tourism.

“Figures from the Queensland Resources Council show that a quarter of Queensland coal export is being produced at a loss,” Senator Larissa Waters, Australian Greens mining spokesperson, said.

“The Abbot Point coal port expansion will create the world’s largest coal port in the Great Barrier Reef, dumping 3 million cubic metres of dredge spoil into this World Heritage Area.

“After all of that damage has been inflicted on the Reef, the Abbot Point coal port could end up as a stranded asset.

“We have the potential to be a leader in renewable technology, while keeping our Great Barrier Reef tourism industry protected, as well as the water supplies that Queensland farmers and communities rely on.

“Instead the Abbott and Newman governments are putting coal first at the expense of our Great Barrier Reef, our water resources and the sustainable industries and thousands of jobs that they support,” Senator Waters said.

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Press Release, May 26, 2014