Queensland government gives Adani coal mine special privileges

Qld Labor exempts Adani mine from public submission and appeals on groundwater http://www.edoqld.org.au/news/qld-labor-exempts-adani-mine-from-public-submission-and-appeals-on-groundwater/ Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) 9 November 2016:
“The Queensland Labor government last night passed the Environmental Protection (Underground Water Management) and
Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 (EPOLA Bill) and Water Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 (WLA Bill).

““The Queensland Parliament has passed last minute amendments to the Labor Government’s groundwater protection laws.
The effect is that the public, be they conservation groups or local landholders, won’t have any submission or appeal rights
on groundwater licences relating to the Adani Carmichael mine,” said Jo Bragg, CEO of Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) Queensland.

“Adani will still be required to obtain an associated water licence, introduced through the EPOLA Bill.
However, an exemption has been explicitly carved out for Adani
which removes the public and the Court’s power to undertake normal scrutiny of this licence. … ”

Water reforms passed
– exemption from public scrutiny for Adani and retrospective dewatering approval
demonstrate regulatory capture by mining industry

http://www.edoqld.org.au/news/water-reforms-passed-exemption-from-public-scrutiny-for-adani-and-retrospective-dewatering-approval-demonstrate-regulatory-capture-by-mining-industry/ Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) 10 November 2016:

” … two last minute amendments are highly concerning as to their impact on proper management of our water resources
in Queensland from mining impacts, and suggest regulatory capture:

“X Exemption for Adani from public and Court scrutiny of groundwater impacts of Carmichael coal mine …

“X Retrospective approval of dewatering activities for many mines in Qld! … ”

Green groups fume over Adani’s water licence exemption

http://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/green-groups-fume-over-adanis-water-licence-exempt/3110429/

http://m.frasercoastchronicle.com.au/news/green-groups-fume-over-adanis-water-licence-exempt/3110429/

http://www.qt.com.au/news/green-groups-fume-over-adanis-water-licence-exempt/3110429/