Battle Brews Over Proposal to Inject Carbon Dioxide into Australia's Great Artesian Basin
Source: The DairyNews
In a high-stakes showdown in Brisbane, agricultural leaders, politicians, farmers, and supporters have united against mining giant Glencore's contentious plan to store waste carbon dioxide in the Great Artesian Basin (GAB), the nation's largest underground freshwater reserve.
AgForce, Queensland’s foremost representative body for farmers, took center stage in the Federal Court today, launching a legal challenge against the federal government's decision to greenlight the project back in 2022. At the heart of their plea lies a demand for Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to overturn the previous administration's ruling, citing concerns over potential environmental impacts.
Speaking passionately after the court session, AgForce CEO Michael Guerin emphasized the gravity of the situation, urging political leaders to safeguard the basin for future generations. With the GAB spanning over 1.7 million square kilometers and contributing significantly to the national economy, the stakes are undeniably high.
Glencore subsidiary CTSCo's ambition to inject liquefied carbon dioxide into the basin has sparked fierce opposition. While proponents tout it as a technological breakthrough in the fight against climate change, critics fear it could jeopardize the basin's integrity, a sentiment echoed by National Farmers’ Federation CEO Tony Mahar, who labels it a "science experiment" of national significance.
Amid growing dissent, federal and state representatives have come under fire for what many perceive as a failure to protect this vital resource. Queensland Farmers’ Federation CEO Jo Sheppard voiced disappointment, stressing the inadequacy of current policies to safeguard the GAB.
Federal Member for Flynn Colin Boyce likened the GAB to the outback's equivalent of the Great Barrier Reef, vehemently opposing Glencore's proposal. Meanwhile, political figures like KAP leader Robbie Katter and Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter underscored the need for decisive action, urging governments to prioritize the protection of Australia's natural heritage.
In a significant development, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson announced a senate inquiry into the carbon capture project, signaling a glimmer of hope for opponents. However, as the battle unfolds both in court and in the political arena, the fate of the GAB hangs in the balance, with the state government expected to deliver a crucial verdict on the project's future in the coming weeks.
Speaking passionately after the court session, AgForce CEO Michael Guerin emphasized the gravity of the situation, urging political leaders to safeguard the basin for future generations. With the GAB spanning over 1.7 million square kilometers and contributing significantly to the national economy, the stakes are undeniably high.
Glencore subsidiary CTSCo's ambition to inject liquefied carbon dioxide into the basin has sparked fierce opposition. While proponents tout it as a technological breakthrough in the fight against climate change, critics fear it could jeopardize the basin's integrity, a sentiment echoed by National Farmers’ Federation CEO Tony Mahar, who labels it a "science experiment" of national significance.
Amid growing dissent, federal and state representatives have come under fire for what many perceive as a failure to protect this vital resource. Queensland Farmers’ Federation CEO Jo Sheppard voiced disappointment, stressing the inadequacy of current policies to safeguard the GAB.
Federal Member for Flynn Colin Boyce likened the GAB to the outback's equivalent of the Great Barrier Reef, vehemently opposing Glencore's proposal. Meanwhile, political figures like KAP leader Robbie Katter and Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter underscored the need for decisive action, urging governments to prioritize the protection of Australia's natural heritage.
In a significant development, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson announced a senate inquiry into the carbon capture project, signaling a glimmer of hope for opponents. However, as the battle unfolds both in court and in the political arena, the fate of the GAB hangs in the balance, with the state government expected to deliver a crucial verdict on the project's future in the coming weeks.
