How last-minute Adani approval could be the final big call of the Morrison Government
ABC News, By political reporter Jackson Gothe-Snape 8 Apr 19, Adani’s controversial mine awaits its final Federal approval this week, days before the election is called.
Key points:
- Only one significant approval remains for Federal Government to approve Adani mine
- Securing sign-off before the federal election is called would mean Queensland MPs in marginal seats could campaign on the issue
- Queensland State Government still has two outstanding approvals
Approval from the Environment Minister, Melissa Price, is one of the final hurdles before the project can commence.
And pressure is growing from some of her colleagues for her to approve the mine so Queensland MPs can talk up the project during the election campaign.
This is the latest on what exactly is needed before the Adani mine can go ahead.
Federal groundwater hurdle
The last major federal environmental approval required is around how the mine will affect the local water system.
It’s formally called the Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Management Plan (GDEMP).
The Federal Government has asked the CSIRO and Geoscience Australia to assess the plan, but the decision to approve or deny the plan rests with the Environment Minister.
It’s not clear what these organisations have concluded, but a spokesperson for the Department of Environment told the ABC the department “has provided its assessment” to the Minister.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday the Government would be “relying on the scientific evidence”.
The ABC has previously reported the CSIRO had found flaws in the plan……… https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-08/adani-approval-last-decision-morrison-government/10980510
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