Australia faces 'major test' as nation weighs industrial projects over protected wilderness
Koalas were once widespread across the region, but they're now listed as endangered. It's feared new projects could push them closer to extinction.
Koalas or more coal? That’s a 'major' question facing Australia’s government as it's asked to weigh the importance of expanding new industrial projects against protecting endangered koala forests.
Around 42,500 hectares of habitat falls within new or expanding coal mine lease areas in Central Queensland, according to analysis from CQUniversity.
The data is contained within a new report that documents the crossover between koala habitat and 12 proposed coal mine projects in the Bowen Basin. And it highlights three significant expansions and how much koala habitat they could consume:
2108 hectares for BM Alliance’s Peak Downs Coal Mine Continuation.
2026 hectares for BM Alliance's Saraji Coal mine expansions.
909 hectares for Whitehaven’s Winchester South Coal project.
Drone footage supplied to Yahoo reveals the existential tension between the mines and habitat. It shows two of Whitehaven’s massive open cut coal mines bordering large eucalyptus forests which extend as far as the eye can see.. You can watch the video at the end of this article.
Related: Australia 'considering' miner's application to destroy 770 hectares of koala habitat
Yahoo reached out to Whitehaven as well as BHP Billiton which is a 50 per cent stakeholder in BM Alliance, but neither responded.
Environment Minister responds to koala concerns
The report was commissioned by non-profits Lock the Gate Alliance and Environmental Advocacy Central Queensland. The latter's director Dr Coral Rowston noted the “fate” of the coal projects would ultimately rest with Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek.
“This is a major test for Minister Plibersek, who has made strong public statements about protecting koalas and avoiding extinctions — she must take the action needed to protect this endangered species,” she said.
Related: Australia set to be 'embarrassed' overseas as 'confronting' new koala documentary released
For the plans to go ahead, Plibersek will need to assess them against Australia's national environment laws. She will then rule on whether the project has a “significant” impact on koalas as the Queensland population is listed as endangered.
In a statement, Plibersek told Yahoo the government will continue to consider each project on a “case-by-case basis” and under the law.
“I have rejected a Queensland coal project due to potential impacts on the environment and I have ticked off nearly 50 renewable energy projects to reduce carbon emissions,” she said.
Related: Australia's extinction crisis announcement labelled a 'major disappointment'
The Minister also repeated the government’s plan to protect threatened species from being wiped out under its watch saying, “No Government has done more on climate change and the environment than this government, that includes our goal of zero new extinctions”.
Environment Minister's 'simple choice' on koalas
Lock the Gate Alliance’s Ellen Roberts said Plibersek’s choice is simple, “Does she want more climate change-causing coal, or does she want to protect Central Queensland's koalas?”
“The incredible irony is that federal and state governments are putting the koala forward as a mascot for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics - while at the same time going full scale ahead with projects that threaten its survival,” she added.
Coles and Woolworths seafood packaging altered to expose 'dark secret' to shoppers
Anglers in the spotlight as shocking photos reveal baby dolphin’s first year in Aussie river
Rapid disappearance of large sharks causes ‘ripple effect’ in waters off Queensland
Koalas were widespread across the Bowen Basin at the beginning of the twentieth century, but the population was decimated by fur traders.
Senior lecturer Dr Michael Hewson said the cumulative effect of ongoing industrialisation of the region across decades has impacted the environment.
“The careful design of habitat conservation, restoration, and environmental legislation is important so that climate change species refugia is of sufficient ecological value,” he said.
Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the week’s best stories.
