TJ Ryan Foundation Research Associate, John Quiggin, writes in Inside Story (6.9.19) that native title is the latest casualty of Adani’s coalmining plans, but wonders if the project will really proceed.
‘It’s now nearly four months since the Morrison government’s re-election and nearly three months since Adani received the critical approvals for its Carmichael mine–rail–port project. Adani has been emboldened by both developments, most notably in its willingness to crush opposition from Indigenous traditional owners.
‘Last month the company carried out its threat to bankrupt Adrian Burragubba, the leading Indigenous opponent of the mine, who was unable to meet an order for court costs. At the same time, the company had secretly reached an agreement that the Palaszczuk government, which is running scared after the federal election result in Queensland, would extinguish native title over the mine site.
‘Remaining approvals, such as the lease on Moray Downs land for the workers’ camp and airport, have been finalised, and a royalty deal will reportedly be concluded soon. But Adani has yet to negotiate access to the Queensland rail network. Its owner, Aurizon (formerly the publicly operated QR), is coming under pressure from the public and large shareholders to limit assistance to what is legally required.’
- Is Adani still playing for time? »
- Bankrupted traditional owner vows to keep opposing Adani »
- Adani native title anger prompts police query about ‘sensitivities’ over removing protesters »
- Indigenous people no longer have the legal right to say no to the Adani mine – here’s what it means for equality »
- Adani coalmine: Queensland warned not to sign royalty deal until rail line agreed »
- Coal prices plunging but Adani continues to spend $70m a month »
- Adani CEO quits with mine still a year away and legal battles to come »
- Welcome to Camp Adani: Miner builds ‘temporary towns’ for 1600 workers »
- Queensland’s Adani deal that ignited Labor ‘civil war’ drags on »
- Scorched earth: Adani’s middle-finger salute sums up a battle without winners »
- Adani’s Carmichael mine poised to finally reach ‘first coal’ within days »
- Adani thumbs its nose at activists, says they’re too late to stop ‘first coal’ »
- The end of Adani? Investment giant says coal miner has revealed Carmichael closure plan »
- After 500 coal trains Adani says it can no longer be called a joke »
- Explaining Adani: why would a billionaire persist with a mine that will probably lose money? »
- Adani announces coal mine construction will begin »
- The last line of defence: Indigenous rights and Adani’s land deal »
- There are better things to spend $1 billion on than the Adani coal mine »