Antinuclear

Adani mine stymies battle for Queensland’s marginal seats, SBS News, 24 Apr 19,   Both major parties are battling against opposition to the Adani mining project in Queensland’s marginal seats.   Coal has become a divisive and decisive issue in the federal election campaign, again being highlighted as Bob Brown’s anti-Adani convoy makes its way north through Queensland.

Support for the mine has put key marginal must-win seats in the central and north Queensland coal belt at stake for both parties while they also try on satisfy anti-Adani sentiment south of the border.Campaigning about climate change ahead of coal mining jobs is a tough sell in the Queensland city of Townsville.Jobs are top of mind for many voters in the Labor-held seat of Herbert in Townsville.

“It’s more important we have jobs for our children,” one voter said. Another echoed the sentiment: “It’s a good opportunity for jobs for the people, but I don’t know about climate change.”

The Indian-owned coal mine and rail project in the Galilee Basin has become synonymous with climate change.

Wendy Tubman from the Stop Adani Townsville group said she believes voters will discover that Adani project’s promise of jobs won’t save the city.

“It’s like a cargo cult now. Adani has been saying it since 2011, people will wake up to it. I would like to think people will balance benefit for Adani against the huge cost.”……..

Anti-Adani sentiment stronger in marginal southern urban electorates

The Coalition backs the Adani mine, Labor’s support is qualified but both are also juggling strong anti-Adani sentiment in marginal southern urban electorates.

District president of the CFMEU mining union Steve Smyth is worried about what he calls real jobs.

“We’ve seen what happens under the LNP, what happens in the coal industry, massive casualisation, the highest ever, where they’ll support the mining bosses, not the mining workers.”

Labor is under pressure from within with Steve Smyth calling on local candidates to pledge their support for Adani.

“I think Labor needs to be clear on that, from what I’ve heard the Labor party has said if it meets the regulatory requirements, it stacks up, it goes ahead and that’s where it’s at.”………

The Adani rail line also runs through Birriah country where Ken Dodd is a traditional owner and lawman.

“Our main concerns are the artesian basin, and the water and the land and it doesn’t need to be opened, we have enough mines in our country.”

Adani is the vanguard for opening up the Galilee Basin to a number of other major coal mines.

Past experience makes Ken Dodd doubt the jobs mantra.

“None of these outcomes or targets are being met by the proponents so by using the old business and opportunities and jobs and everything, it’s the same old social licensing talk we hear all the time.” https://www.sbs.com.au/news/adani-mine-stymies-battle-for-queensland-s-marginal-seats