Environmental Advocacy in Central Queensland is deeply dismayed by the flawed rationale behind the latest fossil fuel project proposed for the Bowen Basin.
Stanmore Resources has applied to the Queensland Government for an expansion of its South Walker Creek Coal Mine, located 40km west of Nebo. The proposal includes further coal exploration and the development of a coal seam gas collection facility.
In its application, Stanmore Pty Ltd stated:
“We intend to extract natural gas to supply a gas-fired power station. The power generated will be enough to meet South Walker Creek’s electricity demand and allow export of the remaining power to the grid. This is one of the key business drivers in anticipation of the need for future emissions reductions under the Safeguard Mechanism.”
Notably, this project was the first to receive funding through the Queensland Government’s Low Emissions Investment Partnerships (LEIP) program.[1].
Environmental Advocacy in Central Queensland Director, Dr Coral Rowston said:
“We are deeply disappointed and frustrated by this proposal for multiple reasons.
“At a time when Queensland, Australia, and the world are striving to reduce emissions to meet legislated and globally agreed targets, the previous Labor State Government used public money to support more coal and gas extraction under the pretence of lowering emissions.
“Stanmore Resources is already making enormous profits from extracting and selling our natural resources. Taxpayer money should not be used to help them meet their Safeguard Mechanism obligations while they continue contributing to the extreme weather events devastating Queensland communities.
“Beyond the funding issue, this project will also destroy significant areas of endangered habitat in a region that has already lost nearly 80% of its vegetation cover.
“We call on the Queensland Government to reject this project based on its projected greenhouse gas emissions, its devastating impact on biodiversity, and the potential harm to local waterways and groundwater.”
[1] Stanmore Resources to LEIP into Queensland-first gas to electricity project
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