Larissa Waters (Queensland, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

The New Acland Coal Mine has in fact been actively opposed by local farmers, who are rightly terrified about the impacts on their water supply, the productivity of prime farmland and the health of local communities. Some friend of the farmer this government is! The motion accuses these concerned land owners of lawfare, but it ignores the fact that Australia's highest court has agreed there are serious issues to be heard. Of course this government supports extending a coalmine in the climate crisis after the fires that we just had, because they're blinded by the donations from the coal and gas industry—from this coalmine proponent in particular, that's at least $700,000. It's about time they listened to what the community is saying: no new coalmines; protect farmland; and act in the public interest and create real jobs for people in regional areas by investing in renewable energy, tourism and sustainable manufacturing.