Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Australian state premier calls for time-frame on Adani coal mine approvals

THE premier of Australia’s Queensland state on Wednesday (22) asked India’s energy giant Adani to sit down with the environment regulator to work out a “definitive time-frame” to obtain approvals for its controversial coal mine project in the state.

It comes days after Labor suffered a poor voter turnout across the state in the federal election, which has been widely attributed to the party’s position on Adani’s Carmichael mine project.


The move also comes after Queensland Government ministers spent weeks saying the Department of Environment and Science (DES) would not be rushed on making decisions.

Adani group entered Australia in 2010 with the purchase of the greenfield Carmichael coal mine in the Galilee Basin in central Queensland, and the Abbot Point port near Bowen in the north.

The massive coal mine in Queensland state has been a controversial topic, with the project expected to produce 2.3 billion tonnes of low-quality coal.

In addition to its impact on climate change, environmentalists have argued the mine could do serious damage to Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Another major concern about the environmental impacts of the proposed mine has been that it would wipe out the most important habitat of the threatened black-throated finch.

Speaking at a press conference, Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced she would appoint her coordinator-general to oversee approvals of the mine.

“I think that the community is fed up with the processes, I know I’m fed up with the processes, I know my local members are fed up with the processes.”

“I’m asking for the two parties, Adani and the independent regulator (DES) to sit down with the Coordinator-General and I want them to meet tomorrow actually. I want them to sit down and work out a definitive timeframe on decisions around these reports. We’re up for this challenge, we work every day focusing on jobs,” she added.

“We need some certainty and we need some time frames – enough is enough,” she said.

Adani is currently waiting on approval of two of its environmental management plans – one concerning the black-throated finch, the other related to the management of groundwater at the site.

Last month, the Federal Government granted its final environmental approvals for the project days before the election was called.

Adani mining chief executive Lucas Dow said he was cautiously optimistic about the Queensland Government’s change of tone.

“I’m encouraged to hear that the Premier’s finally said enough is enough, but the reality is what we’ve now got is simply another process,” Dow said.

“If these approvals are not provided within the next two weeks, this new process that the Premier has described is simply nothing more than a further political delaying tactic.”

Dow said the mining company was ready to begin construction as soon as the project was approved.

“We think it’s more than reasonable that this gets wrapped up in the next couple of weeks – the process has been exhaustive, and the scrutiny has been appropriate,” he said.

“It’s now time to finalise these and allow us to get on with the job.”

Dow said that the “ball is entirely in the Queensland Government’s court”.

“We’ve written to them, we’ve provided responses to their requests on the black-throated finch, that’s now sitting with the Queensland Government,” Dow said.

Voicing support for Adani’s Carmichael coal and mine project in central Queensland, Mayor of Rockhampton council in the region has sought a “fair go” for the company.

Rockhampton Mayor Margaret Strelow said Adani should “be given the proper treatment and allowed to proceed, for the Galilee Basin to open, for those jobs to flow so that we as a community can start to build a long-term future”.

State Greens MP Michael Berkman described Palaszczuk’s decision as a “disappointing backflip” that would only hurt regional Queenslanders long-term.

“Queensland Labor intends to fast track Adani’s approvals for the Carmichael Coal project. This says to me that they’ve quite devastatingly really misinterpreted the results of the federal election,” he said.

Australians re-elected prime minister Scott Morrison-led conservative coalition government in the federal polls. The coalition benefited from a stronger-than-expected showing in Queensland where Adani Group is developing large Carmichael coal mine.

“This is really unwelcome interference with the Environment Department.

“More importantly this fast-tracking of approvals for Adani is not going to help the communities she thinks it will. We need good solid planning for jobs that account for the eventual phase-out of thermal coal,” Berkman said.

(PTI)

More For You

Aaradhya Bachchan

Abhishek Bachchan says Aishwarya Rai is fully responsible for Aaradhya’s upbringing

Getty Images

Abhishek Bachchan praises Aishwarya Rai for raising Aaradhya without phone or social media

Quick highlights:

  • Abhishek Bachchan credits Aishwarya Rai for taking the lead in daughter Aaradhya’s upbringing.
  • Says Aaradhya, now 13, has no phone and stays away from social media.
  • Calls Aishwarya “selfless” for prioritising parenting over everything else.
  • Slams online gossip surrounding their marriage as baseless and insensitive.

Actor Abhishek Bachchan has dismissed recent speculation around his marriage with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, instead shining a light on her unwavering dedication as a mother. In a recent chat, he spoke warmly about their 13-year-old daughter Aaradhya, revealing that she neither owns a mobile phone nor uses social media, something he attributes to Aishwarya’s hands-on parenting.

 Aaradhya Bachchan  Aaradhya Bachchan has no access to social media or a personal phoneGetty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Nintendo Switch 2 demand exceeds

To address the ongoing demand, Nintendo is working to increase production

iStock

Nintendo Switch 2 demand exceeds supply globally, says company president

Key points

  • Nintendo Switch 2 demand outstripping supply in several countries
  • Over 2.2 million applications submitted in Japan’s lottery sales
  • Nintendo held four purchase draws, with a fifth scheduled for early July
  • Company aims to strengthen production and supply to meet demand
  • Switch 2 had the biggest launch in Nintendo history

Strong demand leads to shortages

Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has confirmed that demand for the Nintendo Switch 2 has surpassed available supply in many regions. Speaking during the Q&A session of the company’s 85th annual general meeting of shareholders, Furukawa addressed concerns about ongoing stock shortages.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ranveer Singh

Ranveer Singh in a still from Lootera that captured his most restrained performance

Twelve years of 'Lootera': 5 reasons Ranveer Singh’s most understated role still holds up

Quick highlights:

  • Ranveer’s subtle performance in Lootera marked a major shift from his usual high-energy roles.
  • The 1950s-set romantic drama became a career milestone for the actor.
  • His restrained, emotionally complex portrayal earned long-term critical acclaim.
  • The film showcased a successful collaboration with director Vikramaditya Motwane.
  • As Dhurandhar builds buzz, Lootera reminds us of Ranveer’s range.

Twelve years ago, Ranveer Singh surprised audiences with Lootera, a period romance that asked him to do something unfamiliar: stay still. Set in 1950s Bengal and directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the film gave Ranveer the space to deliver one of his most subdued and mature performances. No outbursts. No spectacle. Just quiet heartbreak.

  Lootera released in 2013 and marked a stylistic shift for Ranveer Singh Prime Video  

Keep ReadingShow less
Ping Pong restaurant chain shuts all UK branches

The chain had also gained a following for its themed brunches

iStock

Ping Pong restaurant chain shuts all UK branches after 20 years

Key points

  • Chinese dim sum restaurant Ping Pong has closed all its UK locations
  • The chain made the announcement via social media
  • Founded in 2005, the brand thanked customers and staff for their support
  • Loyal diners shared memories and disappointment in the comments

All branches are permanently closed

Chinese restaurant chain Ping Pong has permanently closed all its branches in the UK, the company confirmed in a social media announcement.

Founded in 2005 by restaurateur Kurt Zdesar, the dim sum chain had become popular for its stylish interiors, creative menus, and Asian-inspired cocktails. The company did not provide prior notice of the closure but said the decision marked the end of an “unforgettable” 20-year journey.

Keep ReadingShow less
Court to review teen's sentence in Bhim Kohli case
Bhim Kohli

Court to review teen's sentence in Bhim Kohli case

THE seven-year prison sentence handed to a 15-year-old boy convicted of the manslaughter of 80-year-old Bhim Sen Kohli is to be reviewed under the UK’s Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme.

The Attorney General’s Office confirmed on Friday (5) that the teenager’s sentence will now be considered by the Court of Appeal.

Keep ReadingShow less