Joshua Robertson writes in The Guardian (11.3.15) ‘The Labor government in Queensland will allow mining companies Adani and GVK to dredge in Great Barrier Reef waters to expand a coal port but will make them pay for it themselves.
‘The government’s deal with the miners on Abbot Point comes despite previous concerns from the UN – which will decide whether to list the reef “in danger” this year – about the impact of the project’s dredging and increased shipping.
‘It also follows estimates that the Galilee Basin mines feeding the port would produce enough coal to far outstrip Australia’s annual carbon emissions, indicating a climate change contribution of global significance.’