Adani prosecuted over release of sediment water near Great Barrier Reef   

ABC News
September 5 2018


The Queensland Government will take Indian mining giant Adani to court, alleging one of its companies illegally released sediment water near the Great Barrier Reef.

Abbot Point Bulkcoal, owned by Adani, was given a temporary emission licence to release some sediment water at its central Queensland coal terminal during Cyclone Debbie in 2017.

But the Government claims the discharge was more than eight times the approved level.



The company could face fines of up to $2.7 million if found guilty of breaching the temporary emissions licence.   

Environment Minister Leanne Enoch said the decision to prosecute was made after months of legal and scientific advice.

"Queenslanders have an expectation that companies are held to account for their actions and I'm pleased to see the department acting in line with those expectations today," she said.

Ms Enoch said the Government took environmental protection very seriously.

"We're doing the right thing, we've always done the right thing and we'll continue to do the right thing," Ms Enoch said.

"The Department of Environment and Science, as the regulator, have made this decision based on the best available legal advice and scientific advice."

The department said "no known environmental impacts occurred as a result of the discharge".

State Greens MP Michael Berkman said it was a clear vindication of protests at Parliament this week calling for the Government to prosecute the Indian miner. 

"I hope this is one of the last steps towards Adani's downfall, we have seen such a strong people-powered campaign for years now, most Queenslanders don't want to see it [the Adani Carmichael coal mine] go ahead," he said.

"We're long overdue to see some strong action against the company. We know they can't be trusted, their track record overseas is atrocious."   

The matter is due before the Bowen Magistrates Court next month.

Adani has been contacted for comment.

Well said bobby.  As usual right again.