Environmental groups have criticized the Albanese government for approving a major coal mine expansion in central Queensland. Among the groups voicing their concerns are the Climate Council and Australian Conservation Foundation, who are calling for Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to cease approving fossil fuel projects. The government’s recent approval for Sojitz’s Gregory Crinum Mine has been defended by Ms. Plibersek, who claims it aligns with national environment law and complies with Australia’s transition to net zero through the safeguard mechanism.
This marks the third coal project approval by the Albanese government this year, following the clearance of the new Isaac River coal mine and the Ensham mine extension. The open cut extension, approved until 2073, will operate for 20 years before entering periods of decommissioning and site remediation. It is estimated that the extension will produce 1.5 million tonnes of metallurgical coal annually. The decision was made under the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, with environmental conditions addressing water quality and protection of threatened species.
The Climate Council criticized the government for approving yet another fossil fuel project immediately after Climate Minister Chris Bowen highlighted Australia’s climate credentials during a Pacific tour. CEO Amanda McKenzie described this as “stunning hypocrisy” and denounced the broken state of Australia’s environment laws, stating that climate change poses the greatest risk to the environment and society as a whole. The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) also condemned the approval, labeling it reckless and inappropriate. CEO Kelly O’Shanassy called on Minister Plibersek to immediately cease approving new fossil fuel projects.
Both the Climate Council and ACF have called for urgent reform of national environmental law, arguing that the existing legislation does not adequately consider the impact of new projects on climate change. The Greens party also criticized the Labor government, claiming that carbon emissions continue to rise and that opening new coal mines exacerbates global heating. Federal Greens leader Adam Bandt emphasized the need to halt all new coal projects to prevent a climate crisis.
Minister Plibersek defended the approval, stating that it was made in accordance with the facts and the national environment law. She highlighted her past decisions to halt coal mines and cancel others, asserting the government’s commitment to supporting a global transition to renewable energy due to its cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits. Plibersek pointed out that renewable energy approvals have doubled in the government’s first year.