Mehreen Faruqi (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

  (i) the Wallarah 2 Coal Project is a proposed longwall underground mining operation northwest of central Wyong on the New South Wales Central Coast,

  (ii) the proposed mine would produce 4 to 5 million tonnes per annum of thermal coal each year for 28 years, leading to more than 264 million tonnes of CO2 being released into the atmosphere, and

  (iii) the Wallarah 2 Coal Project poses a serious risk to the Central Coast's drinking water supply; and

(b) calls on the Federal Government to protect the water of Central Coast communities, and cancel all environmental approvals granted under Federal law.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Wallarah 2 Coal Project will produce up to five million tonnes of high quality thermal coal a year, creating over 1,100 direct and indirect jobs during construction and over 850 direct and indirect jobs during operations. The project has a 10 per cent Indigenous employment target, and its high-quality coal will provide affordable electricity for millions of people. The project was approved under the EPBC Act in January 2019. The approval requires a water management plan to be in place before mining. This project was assessed almost seven years ago.

Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Madam Deputy President, I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Labor will always stand up for safe drinking water for the Central Coast and against any threats to the water security of the region. The member for Robertson, Mrs Lucy Wicks, has done nothing to protect the safety of the drinking water, despite her saying she agreed with the concerns that residents had over its effect on the water supply. Today's motion does not protect water quality, and that is why Labor will not be supporting the motion put forward by Senator Faruqi.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that general business notice of motion No. 211, standing in the name of Senator Faruqi, be agreed to.