Kestrel Coal has been granted $37.2 million to reduce ventilation methane emissions at its underground mine 40km north of Emerald.
The ‘Powering the Region Fund’s’ was announced in January 2023 as a part of the Federal Government’s plan for Australia to become a renewable energy superpower and meet our renewable energy targets. The fund was designed to support owners or operators of industries and facilities covered by the safeguard mechanism to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
New or expanded coal or gas production facilities were specifically excluded from accessing the Fund.
Conservation groups are very disappointed that public money is still being used to support the fossil fuel industry rather than supporting the decarbonisation of the industries that we will need into our clean energy future.
Dr Coral Rowston, Director of Environmental Advocacy in Central Queensland, said
“Despite international pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition towards renewable energy, the Australian government continues to invest heavily in fossil fuel projects.
“Subsidising fossil fuels is not only financially irresponsible but also undermines our efforts to combat climate change. These funds should be redirected towards helping industries we will need in the future and not industries we are transitioning away from.”
“Kestrel Coal is an existing coal mine, but it is also an expanding coal mine. The public should not have to foot the bill on a technology upgrade for a mine that is seeking approval to extend its operations which will produce even more emissions.
“The coal mining sector should be forced to use some of their huge profits and get on with the task of reducing their own emissions.
“Likewise, the government should step up to their rhetoric that we are taking climate change seriously and show that they are serious about transitioning away from fossil fuels to a clean, renewable economy.
“There should be no more government subsidies of fossil fuel companies.”
EnvA - CQ 