Climate activists like Newcastle group Rising Tide have labelled December’s draft Energy White Paper (EWP), which charts the federal government’s plan for Australia’s future energy mix, a “black” paper. The group says the paper “plans to further expand fossil fuel extraction (both domestically and for exports) at the expense of renewable [energy]”.
The future for fossil fuels in the paper includes more than tripling coal exports. Australia is already the world’s largest coal exporter. The EWP refers to the “entirely new coal precinct opening up in Queensland’s Galilee Basin”.
The China First mine, developed by mining magnate Clive Palmer, is the first project in the Galilee Basin. Locals are trying to stop the mine, which will decimate the 8000 hectare Bimblebox Nature Refuge.
Liquid natural gas (LNG) exports are also projected to quadruple, making Australia the world’s second-largest LNG exporter.
Green Left Weekly
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