The environmental impact of the proposed rail line linking future coal mines in the Galilee Basin to the port of Abbot Point will be the subject of a Parliamentary Inquiry being held in Brisbane today.
The Inquiry has been called after several anti-mining and environmental groups, as well as local landowner,s made 22 submissions to the government concerning how construction of the rail line will affect water flow on the Belyando flood plains.
According to the Daily Mercury, “The parliament received submissions from Adani Mining and Hancock Coal Infrastructure supporting the proposal; however, this hearing will hear only from those opposing the declaration and the State Development Department.”
Adani said it “strongly supports Queensland Government initiative in opening up the Galilee Basin”, while Hancock said the declaration was “imperative” to its operations in the region.
In his submission to the government, local landowner Stephen Lund, expressed his concern over how compulsory acquisition of his land to build the rail corridor would affect the rest of his property.
“The associated rail lines will negatively impact landholders in the region by bisection properties, interrupting cattle movement, changing surface water flow, affecting flood plains and degrading the natural value of the land,” he wrote.
He requested alternative routes be considered and provision of a sunset clause.
The hearing will take place from 9.20am today at Parliament House in Brisbane
Source: Daily Mercury
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