With the Royal Botanic Gardens having confirmed the identity of one of these species, Greenpeace is calling on Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt to stop Whitehaven’s bulldozers until an investigation is carried out.

“We are revealing new evidence that the approval for Whitehaven to turn the Leard State Forest into a coal mine was and is totally inadequate and that the company’s off-set strategy is a lie,” said Greenpeace Campaigner Nic Clyde. “It’s time for Environment Minister Greg Hunt to step in, do his job and call a halt to the bulldozers before it’s too late.”

On the request of the previous Environment Minister, Whitehaven were required to commission an independent report into the ‘quantity and quality’ of biodiversity on land bought by the company in order to ‘offset’ destruction of the Leard State Forest.  Despite preparing the report and submitting it to Greg Hunt’s department, Whitehaven continue to refuse to release the findings publicly.

“Whitehaven Coal is bulldozing nationally significant biodiversity, in some of Australia’s rarest woodlands, destruction they have failed to ‘offset’,” said ecologist, Phil Spark. “They are determined to hide the evidence and trash this forest before the truth is revealed. We cannot allow this to happen.”

Today’s action comes less than a week after a prominent ecologist released a report providing further evidence the mine’s approval is based on false information. (1) A research briefing summarising the issues and controversy surrounding the Biodiversity Offset Strategy for Whitehaven Coal’s Maules Creek mine is available here. (2)

John Hunter – a leading expert on the vegetation of the Liverpool Plains – has found that 95 per cent of the White Box critically endangered ecological community (CEEC) that Whitehaven has claimed as an offset in order to get their approval past the regulators, does not exist in the area independently surveyed. There is only 0.1 per cent of this vegetation type left in Australia.

“With an independent review the company does not want to release, the world’s slowest departmental investigation, and an expert’s report finding a 95 per cent error rate in the crucial biodiversity offsets that got this mine approved, Greg Hunt must revoke Whitehaven’s approval,” concluded Clyde

Greenpeace calls on Minister Hunt to:

1. Release - as a matter of priority - the Independent Review required under Condition 10 of the Maules Creek Mine approval
2. Indicate what he intends to do in relation to the compelling and building independent expert evidence about the inadequacies of the offsets proposal and the likelihood that the offset conditions of the Maules Creek mine approval are not being met
3. Require Whitehaven Coal to immediately stop any works that would destroy the specimens of Tylophora linearis until an impacts assessment has been submitted to him and appropriate protections have been put in place
4. Require Whitehaven Coal to undertake a thorough assessment of Tylophora linearis and the Large-eared Pied Bat over the Maules Creek mine site and report to him so that he can satisfy his obligations under the EPBC Act and the approval as stipulated in conditions 32 and 37 of the approval.

Photos and video will be made available later in the day.

NOTES:
1.  http://www.scribd.com/doc/207517928/John-Hunter-Offset-Assessment-Report-13-Feb-2014-Final
2. www.greenpeace.org/australia/Global/australia/Media/Maules_Creek_Offsets_Brief_040220.pdf

This follows BHP Billiton’s decision in November last year to withdraw their proposal to build the Terminal 2 project at Abbot Point and surrender their development rights, ruling out greenfield coal infrastructure developments in a slumping coal market.

In 2012 Rio Tinto cited ‘economic uncertainty’ for shelving plans for its port development at Fitzroy Delta in Central Queensland.
 
This means the only companies still pursuing coal terminal developments at Abbot Point are Indian giants Adani (Terminal-Zero) and GVK (Terminal 3) in partnership with Hancock Coal Infrastructure. The health of their financial projects has been assessed as poor.
 
Greenpeace Australia Pacific Senior Campaigner Louise Matthiesson said, “Proponents of coal terminal expansion at Abbot Point are increasingly recognising the environmental, reputational, material and financial risks of developing these damaging projects, acknowledging there is no business case to proceed, and pulling out.
 
A 2013 report by the US Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) found that Adani’s Carmichael coalmine, rail and terminal project in Queensland is “uncommercial”. Similarly, another IEEFA report in 2013 examined GVK’s $10bn Alpha coalmine, rail and terminal project, finding it was “uneconomic” and a “quagmire not an investment”, and warning that “no investor should take part”.
 
When questioned during today’s half yearly investor briefing, Lend Lease CEO Mr Steve McCann confirmed that following an internal review Lend Lease has allowed their partnership with Aurizon on the project to lapse, and were “therefore no longer involved in the AP-X project at Abbot Point.”

Greenpeace has calculated that the AP-X development would require up to 13 million cubic metres of dredging in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, on top of the 3 million cubic metres of dredging already approved for the GVK and Adani projects.  The Lend Lease-Aurizon partnership ‘North-Hub’ was shortlisted to develop the huge new coal terminal in April 2013 by the Queensland Government.

The development of AP-X would require several million tonnes of seabed dredging and dumping in Reef waters. It would lead to thousands of additional ship movements each year, risking damage to the Reef, its coral and wildlife. The expansion of Abbot Point would enable the escalation of coal mining in the Galilee and Bowen Basins in central Queensland.

Greenpeace congratulates the Australian Youth Climate Coalition for their work in pressuring Lend Lease to withdraw from the AP-X development due to its potential impacts on the world’s climate and the Great Barrier Reef.

Further information: Louise Matthiesson Greenpeace Australia Pacific 0406 041 428

The Boomerang Alliance is also encouraging people to take a #trashyselfie as part of the campaign to pressure State governments to get on board.

Mr Ian Kiernan AO, Chairman of Clean Up Australia said, “For the first time ever beverage containers have outstripped cigarette butts as the top rubbish item nationally, making up 36 per cent of all rubbish.[1]

“Polling shows 84 per cent of Australians are thirsty for a national Cash for Containers scheme but only South Australia and the Northern Territory have them.”

Mr Jeff Angel, Convenor of the Boomerang Alliance said, “There’s significant momentum in support of a 10c Cash for Container recycling scheme in Australia.

“Victorian Premier Denis Napthine has been vocal in support of a Cash for Containers scheme, some NSW Government backbenchers are backing it and Tasmania is investigating its cost-benefits.

“What’s clear is that Cash for Containers works - South Australia recycles its beverage containers at double the national average at 80 per cent.

“Our environment and our economy will reap the benefits. Recycling companies have vowed to invest $500 million and create 3,500 new jobs if a national Cash for Containers was introduced.”[2]

The Boomerang Alliance is asking Australians to take a #trashyselfie of themselves holding used bottles and cans as part of Clean Up Australia Day, for a social media campaign aimed at State Premiers. The most compelling #trashyselfies will be used in a targeted advertising campaign. 

Ms Laura Wells, Australia’s leading plus-sized model who has a degree in environmental science and law said, “The number one item tossed away as rubbish is beverage containers which can be recycled.

“Australians litter and throw into landfill the equivalent of around 15,000 bottles and cans every minute – totalling more than 8 billion per year.

“Beverage container recycling schemes, which already exist in South Australia and the Northern Territory, show how simple but effective they are in reducing litter in our parks, oceans and rivers.

“Clean Up Australia Day provides people with a great opportunity to use their #trashyselfie to call on State Premiers to make Cash for Containers a reality across the nation.”

For more information and interviews: Alison Orme Greenpeace Australia Pacific 0432 332 104

Photos: High res photos of environmental scientist and top model Laura Wells holding 10c lying amidst cans and plastic bottles OR her own #trashyselfie available for download here: http://tiny.cc/tzbrbx.

[1] Clean Up Australia 2013 National Rubbish Report: http://www.cleanup.org.au/files/2013-national.pdf
[2] http://www.revive-recycling.com.au/Revive%20Media%20Release%209-4-13.pdf

For the last few months, hundreds of farmers, Traditional Owners, locals and activists from all over Australia have been blockading the site and slowing down Whitehaven’s efforts to build the mine. Now, a day before Federal Parliament resumes and legislation is tabled to abolish Australia’s modest carbon price, the CEOs of these groups are at the Maules Creek site to demonstrate the support of their organisations.

“By approving this mine and abolishing climate legislation, the Federal Government has confirmed they have no intention of dealing with climate change – our greatest threat,” said David Ritter, CEO of Greenpeace Australia Pacific. “So we are going to tackle the problem at the source by directly challenging Maules Creek – the largest coal mine currently under construction in Australia."

A helicopter has been made available today to journalists to fly over and verify claims that environmentalists say could bring down this mining project.

“Whitehaven Coal is out of time, out of luck and out of suitable offsets to mitigate destruction of an iconic, sensitive natural area of NSW under significant threat from coal mining,” said Pepe Clarke, CEO of the Nature Conservation Council.

"The approval of the controversial Maules Creek coal mine is in tatters and urgent intervention is required by the Federal Environment Minister," said Phil Laird, Lock the Gate campaigner and fifth generation local farmer.

“Today’s findings will be a shot in the arm for ordinary Australians pledging to take non-violent direct action against the expansion of the coal industry on 350.org’s Summer Heat website,” said 350.org CEO Blair Palese.

“Whitehaven plans to mine a new coal deposit that will be responsible for emitting more than twice the carbon pollution that Greg Hunt’s entire Direct Action Plan might save between 2014 and 2020,” said Greenpeace CEO, David Ritter. “This is why we’re collaborating with this growing movement to deliver our own brand of direct action to oppose this mine.”

A chartered helicopter is also being used to gather evidence required in order to force the federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt, to make an urgent decision under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act. An urgent protection order requested by Gomeroi Traditional Custodians, has so far been in limbo for 90 days.

For further information, call Julie Macken on 0400 925 217

Speaking alongside his wife Chrissie and daughter Maddie, Colin thanked Australians for their support.

"I'd really like to thank Australia for backing me, looking after my family, mowing my lawns, walking my dog," he explained.

But while the Australian Government "could have done more," Consular Officials were "gems."

"They kept me well informed and kept me supplied with raisins, dried fruits and books," he said.

Chrissie Russell also reserved special mention for the 'amazing' community of Woodbridge in Tasmania which has rallied around her family during the past three months.

Discussing conditions in Russian prison, Colin explained that he had "lost a few kilos," but it had given him ample time "thinking about friends, thinking about the campaign, thinking about the Arctic, thinking about the world."

Reflecting on future prospects Colin stated:

"I've been doing it for 14 years, so I'm not going to stop what I know best. No regrets... I'm trying to give a future to our kids and our grandkids. We all need to stand together for that."

"It's going to be an oil rush in the Arctic, I think it's crazy, the known reserves we have now are enough to throw us over two degrees."

Colin has also expressed concern over the fate of the Greenpeace vessel, the Arctic Sunrise.

"I'm still worried about our ship, the Arctic Sunrise, which remains under Russian control in defiance of international law," he said. "I feel it is not over till the Arctic Sunrise is also released.”

The Arctic 30 were seized by armed commandos in international waters on September 19 after attempting to attach a banner to an Arctic oil platform operated by Gazprom. They were granted amnesty by the Duma (Russian parliament) following a global campaign to free them. They were unable to leave Russia until the authorities gave them the correct exit visas in their passports.

PLEASE NOTE: Colin Russell, his wife Chrissie and daughter Madeliene would like to thank the Australian media for their support during his time of illegal imprisonment in Russia and is looking forward to resuming his private life in Tasmania. He requests that media do not seek to contact him or his family directly and instead contact Greenpeace. He will not be immediately available for interview.

Contact:

James Lorenz Greenpeace Communications Manager: +61 (0) 400 376 021.

Greenpeace Press Desk: +61 (0) 418 408 683

Greenpeace International picture desk: +31 20 718 24 71

Greenpeace International video desk: +31 20 718 24 72

For the last few months, hundreds of farmers, Traditional Owners, locals and activists from all over Australia have been blockading the site and slowing down Whitehaven’s efforts to build the mine. Now, a day before Federal Parliament resumes and legislation is tabled to abolish Australia’s modest carbon price, the CEOs of these groups are at the Maules Creek site to demonstrate the support of their organisations.

“By approving this mine and abolishing climate legislation, the Federal Government has confirmed they have no intention of dealing with climate change – our greatest threat,” said David Ritter, CEO of Greenpeace Australia Pacific. “So we are going to tackle the problem at the source by directly challenging Maules Creek – the largest coal mine currently under construction in Australia."

A helicopter has been made available today to journalists to fly over and verify claims that environmentalists say could bring down this mining project.

“Whitehaven Coal is out of time, out of luck and out of suitable offsets to mitigate destruction of an iconic, sensitive natural area of NSW under significant threat from coal mining,” said Pepe Clarke, CEO of the Nature Conservation Council.

"The approval of the controversial Maules Creek coal mine is in tatters and urgent intervention is required by the Federal Environment Minister," said Phil Laird, Lock the Gate campaigner and fifth generation local farmer.

“Today’s findings will be a shot in the arm for ordinary Australians pledging to take non-violent direct action against the expansion of the coal industry on 350.org’s Summer Heat website,” said 350.org CEO Blair Palese.

“Whitehaven plans to mine a new coal deposit that will be responsible for emitting more than twice the carbon pollution that Greg Hunt’s entire Direct Action Plan might save between 2014 and 2020,” said Greenpeace CEO, David Ritter. “This is why we’re collaborating with this growing movement to deliver our own brand of direct action to oppose this mine.”

A chartered helicopter is also being used to gather evidence required in order to force the federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt, to make an urgent decision under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act. An urgent protection order requested by Gomeroi Traditional Custodians, has so far been in limbo for 90 days.

For further information, call Julie Macken on 0400 925 217

WHERE: Bella Fonte Events Centre, Comfort Inn Hunts Liverpool, 8 York Street Casula.

WHEN: Monday 7 April. Protest at 6pm outside Events Centre, then from 6.30pm inside the public meeting locals concerned about plastic litter will question the NSW Premier.

PHOTO OP: Locals and campaigners will gather outside the event, some dressed in It Makes Cents! T-shirts and others in bottle suits with signs, gathering support from MPs and the public. There will be a giant oversized Coke Bottle and big mock 10c pieces.

• Within the month it will become clear if Victoria and NSW are committed to implementing a 10 cents cash for containers beverage recycling scheme, joining SA and the NT. The Victorian Premier Denis Napthine has publicly backed the move, calling on the NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell to join him. A commitment from both VIC and NSW will make a national scheme likely.

• While the Victorian Premier clearly supports the scheme, he says it will work best if NSW signs on. The NSW Premier’s views are less apparent, although his Environment Minister Robyn Parker has not ruled it out. Various NSW government backbenchers publicly back the scheme (eg Coogee Liberal MP Bruce Notley-Smith).

• While 84 per cent of the public supports the scheme, the beverage industry and the Australian Food and Grocery Council continues to lobby against it.

Convenor of the Boomerang Alliance Mr Jeff Angel said, “It would make no sense if NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell said no to this opportunity to deliver an efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly 10c container deposit scheme to the 84 per cent of Australians who say they want it.

“The top items littered in Australia are drink cans and bottles but they are also the most easily recyclable. South Australian residents, where this scheme has run for 35 years, recycle 80 per cent of their containers - double the national average. A 10cent deposit/refund scheme is more effective and financially sustainable than any industry alternative.”

“The program will save local councils money, create an estimated 3000 jobs in the recycling industry and importantly reduce litter clogging our parks, rivers and oceans,” Mr Angel said.

Local Liverpool Councillor Peter Harle said, "As a long term resident and representative of the community of Liverpool I've seen firsthand the tons of toxic rubbish from drink containers fill up our local catchments that flow into the Georges River. The Liverpool Council has overwhelmingly voted in favour of a container deposit scheme and I'll be urging the State Government to do the right thing by the community and get on with bringing in this policy that is proven to work.”

For further information and to arrange interviews today and at the event:
Alison Orme Media Greenpeace Australia Pacific 0432 332 104
Liverpool Councillor Peter Harle 04 1273 6956

Convenor of the Boomerang Alliance and CEO of the Total Environment Centre Mr Jeff Angel said, “Incoming Premier Mike Baird and new Environment Minister Rob Stokes will start on the right foot with environment protection and voters if they move quickly on this incredibly popular and effective scheme.

“The program will save local councils money, create an estimated 3000 jobs in the recycling industry and importantly reduce litter clogging our beaches, rivers and oceans.

“Shelly Beach, in the Premier’s electorate, was this month named by the CSIRO as the dirtiest beach in NSW, with the highest rate of marine debris. The CSIRO has identified a container deposit scheme as a key solution.

“The new Environment Minister Rob Stokes is an active member of Mona Vale Surf Club and a former environmental lawyer who would understand the virtues of this scheme which has been so successful in South Australia and the Northern Territory in cleaning up our beaches and protecting the marine environment.

Greenpeace’s Senior Campaigner Mr Reece Turner said, “Former Premier Barry O’Farrell faced intensive lobbying by the Australian Food and Grocery Council and beverage giants like Coca-Cola Amatil and avoided committing to this recycling scheme.

“There could be no stronger evidence of Premier Baird’s commitment to clean up the culture of lobbying in NSW than to back this incredibly popular bottle and can recycling scheme which 84 percent of NSW voters support.

“For the Australian Food and Grocery Council to tag this scheme as a ‘tax’ is just nonsense. It involves a 10 cent refundable deposit you can choose to redeem or give to a charity or your kids as pocket money.

Chairman of Clean Up Australia Mr Ian Kiernan AO said, “NSW volunteers from last year’s Clean Up Australia reported an increase of three per cent in the beverage containers they removed from NSW parks, beaches, roadways, bushland and waterways. At 41 per cent of all rubbish collected, NSW holds the record for the highest level of beverage rubbish in Australia. This is not a record we should be proud to hold.

“South Australian residents, where this scheme has run for 35 years, recycle up to 85 per cent of their containers - double the national average.

“There has never been a better time for us to tackle this states’ number one rubbish type, considering an incentive scheme under which beverage containers can so easily be captured and recycled.”

For further information and to arrange interviews:
Alison Orme Media Greenpeace Australia Pacific 0432 332 104

The Boomerang Alliance, a coalition of 28 environment groups, says the continued lack of action at a national or state level on cash for containers after a meeting of Environment Ministers on Tuesday, is setting the scene for a ‘Fail’ come election time in Victoria, NSW and Queensland.

Mr Reece Turner Senior Campaigner at Greenpeace Australia Pacific said:

“State governments, including the new NSW Premier, have missed a golden opportunity to satisfy the 84 per cent of voters who support a 10 cent bottle and can recycling scheme.

“There will be no votes in making Coca-Cola Amatil happy. Their arguments against a scheme which has been successful in over 40 jurisdictions around the world are unfounded and fabricated.”

Chairman of Clean Up Australia and former Australian of the Year Mr Ian Kiernan AO said:

“This is not the time for Ministers to turn their backs on more than 3,000 new jobs, $281 million of private capital investment, or $95 million a year growth in the resource recovery sector. Their communities expect more.

“What is needed is a broad spectrum approach and ignoring the benefits of an incentive based refund scheme is negligent.

“By introducing this simple but effective scheme we could double recycling rates across the country.

“The people of the Eastern states are telling us they support a refund scheme. 90% of Queenslanders are in favour – and yet their Premier is ignoring their strong message. His preferred option of public place recycling will not rid our parks, beaches, bushland, waterways and roadsides of bottles and cans."

Convenor of the Boomerang Alliance and CEO of the Total Environment Centre Mr Jeff Angel said:

“People around Australia are sick of waiting for this proven cure for the plastic bottles and cans they see littering their streets, parks, rivers and beaches. This issue affects all people of all ages and political persuasion.

“The recent Northern Territory cash for containers scheme, which Coke and Lion fought in court, is becoming a great success. The latest figures show a 45 per cent return rate of bottles and cans, thirteen times higher from the 3.5% return rate prior to the scheme’s establishment.

“The Northern Territory scheme has stimulated the opening of a major bulk reverse vending machine depot, particularly aimed at the poorly performing commercial and hotel sector. This facility is receiving approximately 200,000 beverage containers a day. New sustainable jobs have also been created.”

For further information and to arrange interviews:
Alison Orme Media Greenpeace Australia Pacific 0432 332 104

“The Federal Environment Minister is next in line to grant necessary approvals. Minister Hunt is now in the goalie’s position: he can either stop this wrecking ball or fail in his responsibilities to protect the environment by letting the development proceed,” said Mr Ben Pearson Head of Program Greenpeace Australia Pacific.

“The approval is a kick in the teeth for the environment and furthers Australia’s contribution to climate change.

“With a single stroke of a pen, Greg Hunt could render his Direct Action policy an expensive irrelevance.

“The mine, in the remote Galilee Basin, requires port development in the Great Barrier Reef and will result in millions of cubic metres of dredging and dumping in the World Heritage Area.

“On purely economic terms this approval does not add up if you consider falling coal prices and a project which financial analysts have critiqued as ‘uneconomic’.

“The Newman Government has again shown itself to be joined at the hip with the coal industry, with a decision which shows the environmental assessment process is broken.

“It is clear that the Queensland Coordinator General has ignored the mine’s climate change impacts.

“The mine itself will clear 20,000 hectares of bushland, including areas which are home to threatened species like the Black-Throated Finch (Southern). Scientists estimate the mine’s water use will cause water tables drop significantly outside the
mine boundaries, reducing underground water supplies to surrounding farms and rivers.

“Carmichael mine will extract billions of litres of water every year from local rivers and aquifers – water that is precious to the arid area.

“The proponent, struggling Indian coal conglomerate Adani, has a disturbing record of breaking environmental laws in its home country, illegal activity and destruction of natural places.

“In Australia it has been reported that Adani breached environmental approval guidelines under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act when building a stormwater return dam at Abbot Point.

“This mine is set to operate for 60 years. Sadly, the damage done to water resources, biodiversity and the Great Barrier Reef will far outlast the mine itself,” Mr Pearson said.

Video footage and photographs of the Carmichael mine site and Abbot Point terminal are available.

For images or more information, contact:
Elsa Evers Greenpeace Media Advisor
Tel: 0438 204 041
Email: eevers@greenpeace.org.au

WHERE: Bella Fonte Events Centre, Comfort Inn Hunts Liverpool, 8 York Street Casula.

WHEN: Monday 7 April. Protest at 6pm outside Events Centre, then from 6.30pm inside the public meeting locals concerned about plastic litter will question the NSW Premier.

PHOTO OP: Locals and campaigners will gather outside the event, some dressed in It Makes Cents! T-shirts and others in bottle suits with signs, gathering support from MPs and the public. There will be a giant oversized Coke Bottle and big mock 10c pieces.

• Within the month it will become clear if Victoria and NSW are committed to implementing a 10 cents cash for containers beverage recycling scheme, joining SA and the NT. The Victorian Premier Denis Napthine has publicly backed the move, calling on the NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell to join him. A commitment from both VIC and NSW will make a national scheme likely.

• While the Victorian Premier clearly supports the scheme, he says it will work best if NSW signs on. The NSW Premier’s views are less apparent, although his Environment Minister Robyn Parker has not ruled it out. Various NSW government backbenchers publicly back the scheme (eg Coogee Liberal MP Bruce Notley-Smith).

• While 84 per cent of the public supports the scheme, the beverage industry and the Australian Food and Grocery Council continues to lobby against it.

Convenor of the Boomerang Alliance Mr Jeff Angel said, “It would make no sense if NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell said no to this opportunity to deliver an efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly 10c container deposit scheme to the 84 per cent of Australians who say they want it.

“The top items littered in Australia are drink cans and bottles but they are also the most easily recyclable. South Australian residents, where this scheme has run for 35 years, recycle 80 per cent of their containers - double the national average. A 10cent deposit/refund scheme is more effective and financially sustainable than any industry alternative.”

“The program will save local councils money, create an estimated 3000 jobs in the recycling industry and importantly reduce litter clogging our parks, rivers and oceans,” Mr Angel said.

Local Liverpool Councillor Peter Harle said, "As a long term resident and representative of the community of Liverpool I've seen firsthand the tons of toxic rubbish from drink containers fill up our local catchments that flow into the Georges River. The Liverpool Council has overwhelmingly voted in favour of a container deposit scheme and I'll be urging the State Government to do the right thing by the community and get on with bringing in this policy that is proven to work.”

For further information and to arrange interviews today and at the event:
Alison Orme Media Greenpeace Australia Pacific 0432 332 104
Liverpool Councillor Peter Harle 04 1273 6956

The new Ministers for Environment and Planning in NSW – Rob Stokes and Pru Goward - are continuing the pattern of preferential treatment for the coal industry by weakening environmental protections associated with the Maules Creek coal mine to facilitate its development.

State Government agencies have been engaged in negotiations to weaken wildlife protections in the approval for the controversial Maules Creek coal mine by allowing clearing to take place in Leard State Forest over winter, when hibernating threatened species are particularly vulnerable.

The Leard State Forest is a place where – according to the previous Planning Minister Brad Hazzard – it’s “not logical” to build an open cut mine.  

“Despite a new Premier, Environment Minister and Planning Minister, it is business as usual for the coal industry,” said Nic Clyde, senior Climate and Energy campaigner for Greenpeace Australia Pacific. “If environmental protections get in the way of the coal industry, the environmental protections are removed. Thanks to this decision, threatened animals will be bulldozed while they hibernate through winter,” concluded Clyde.

The NSW Environmental Defenders Office has written to both Ministers on behalf of the Maules Creek Community Council in a bid to prevent an amendment to Whitehaven Coal’s Biodiversity Management Plan which will allow one of Australia’s most controversial coal mine companies to continue clearing through winter.

If this amendment is allowed, it is likely to cause even more significant impacts upon protected fauna.

Of particular concern to Greenpeace is the impact any clearing during the winter months will have on the four hollow-dependent threatened bats which are listed in Whitehaven’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), namely the Yellow-bellied Sheath-tail Bat, Greater Long-eared Bat, Eastern Falsistrelle and Little Pied Bat.[1]

Maules Creek Community Council spokesperson, Phil Laird said, “The Maules Creek Community Council wrote to the Environment Minister and Planning Minister through our lawyers this week asking them to intervene to protect the animals of Leard State Forest, but we have received word that these changes will be made to accommodate Whitehaven Coal.

“We are frankly shocked that arrangements put in place to protect wildlife would be traded away so easily by the Department of Environment and Planning. There’s a new Premier, a new Environment Minister and a new Minister for Planning, but it seems we’ve got the same old dirty system that gives coal companies whatever they want, whenever they want it”.

Contact:
Nic Clyde, Climate and Energy campaigner, Greenpeace: 0438 282 409
Jessa Latona, media officer Greenpeace: 0488 208 465

[1] Cumberland Ecology for Hansen Bailey, Maules Creek Coal Project Ecological Assessment, Final Report July 2011 page I.7 of Appendix I

This comes on the same day as the Queensland Tourism Industry Council reveals it has also asked GBRMPA to reject the permit application: http://tiny.cc/amdr9w

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is currently considering NQBP’s application to dump dredge spoil from the expansion of the Abbot Point coal port in north Queensland, and has until January 31 to make a decision.

The dumping could send plumes of muddy water over the wreck of the Catalina sea-plane which crashed in 1943 and also threatens nearby coral reefs at Holbourne Island.

“Yesterday NQBP issued a statement saying ‘the Minister, NQBP and proponents are sensitive to the community concerns about proximity of the WWII Catalina Wreck site to the proposed disposal ground’,” said Greenpeace campaigner Louise Matthiesson.

“If NQBP is genuine about these concerns, there is a simple solution - it should withdraw the application to dump close to the wreck.

“Otherwise they’re trying to have a bob each way, securing a permit to dump at the Catalina site, while assuring the community it won’t happen.

“NQBP should unequivocally rule out the option of dumping close to this historic site.

“Relatives of those who died in the Catalina wreck, Bowen RSL and the National Party MP for Dawson Mr George Christensen have all expressed concern about the site being used as a dumping ground.

“When the Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt approved dredging at Abbot Point late last year he required that the NQBP investigate alternate sites, compare those with the Catalina site and seek approval for the alternate site if a better location is identified.

“What’s clear is that both the NQBP and Minister Hunt are belligerently moving forward, intent on dredging and dumping somewhere within the Reef World Heritage Area.

“At the end of the day, dredging and dumping on the Reef is vandalism and Minister Hunt should do the right thing and put the health of the Reef and Australia’s tourism industry first,” Ms Matthiesson said.

Contact: Alison Orme Greenpeace Media and Communications 0432 332 104

IMAGES: Greenpeace has high quality images available of the Reef, including underwater shots of the nearest coral reef from the proposed ‘Catalina’ dump site.

“This change of policy for Deutsche Bank gives pause for thought for Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt. The approval of Carmichael mega-mine, which is the driving force behind the expansion of the Abbot Point coal terminal, is currently sitting in his in-tray.”

“Hunt should follow suit, reject the Carmichael mega-mine and do the right thing by the Reef and the climate.”  

Last night, Deutsche Bank Co-Chair Juergen Fitschen clarified the bank’s position: “As there is clearly no consensus between the Australian Government and the UNESCO, regarding the impacts of the Abbot Point expansion on the Reef, we will not consider financial applications for an expansion of Abbot Point.”

The head of Deutsche Bank’s Supervisory Board, Mr. Paul Achleitner said: “We are currently not involved with this project [Abbot Point coal port expansion] and will also not be involved with it in the future.”

“This decision is a clear signal to Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Westpac and NAB that investing in the Abbot Point coal port carries serious reputational risk,” said Greenpeace Campaigns Director Ben Pearson.

“How is it that a German bank recognizes the unacceptable impacts of coal expansion in a World Heritage Area before our own Australian banks do? The Big 4 banks need to immediately freeze all investments in coal infrastructure along the Great Barrier Reef,” Pearson said.

Video footage and photographs of Abbot Point terminal available here:www.greenpeacemedia.org Username: photos Password: green

For images or more information, contact:
Elsa Evers Ph: 0438 204 041

“Just two weeks ago, the Baird State Government allowed Whitehaven Coal to change its plans and destroy this precious forest while the animals are totally vulnerable during hibernation,” said Greenpeace Campaigner Nic Clyde. “Minister Stokes has already expressed his frustration at Whitehaven and it’s clear that company’s new management plan is an extraordinary work of fiction, suggesting among other things, that bulldozers should ‘gently’ push trees over in order to protect wildlife. In reality, the government has issued Whitehaven a license to kill animals in their sleep.”
 
Greenpeace is joining calls from NSW Labor and the Greens on newly installed NSW Environment and Planning Ministers – Rob Stokes and Pru Goward – to immediately stop the winter slaughter in the Leard State Forest.

Whitehaven’s now defunct first Biodiversity Management Plan stated that “clearing of areas for mining will be undertaken predominantly late summer and early autumn periods in order to avoid key breeding/hibernation seasons for threatened bat and bird species known to reside in the Leard State Forest.”

Whitehaven’s new Biodiversity Plan has been described by ecologist Phil Spark as a fairy tale that “will end as a nightmare for the forest community.”

“There is a huge question about how this mine came to be approved in the first place given that in 2011, the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet described the Leard State Forest as “irreplaceable”, with “ecologically unique values” ,” said Clyde. “Unless the Government acts now, within days, the forest will be gone forever.

NSW Minister for Planning, Pru Goward, has authority delegated to her to revise Whitehaven’s Biodiversity Management Plan for the Maules Creek coal mining development. This allows her to prohibit the winter clearing of habitat for threatened species in the Leard State Forest.

Greenpeace demands that the same conditions that apply to neighbouring coal mines, apply to the Maules Creek Project – i.e., no clearing of native vegetation outside of late summer and early autumn, in order to avoid key breeding/hibernation seasons for threatened species in the Leard State Forest.
Contact:

Elsa Evers 0438 204 041 or Jessa Latona 0488 208 465

Images and video:
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Additional images from the Leard Alliance can be found at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/leardstateforest/

“Just this morning, a new group of tree-climbers entered a different part of the endangered forest to set up a sky-high camp,” said Greenpeace spokesperson Julie Macken.  

The new forest rescue team continues the stand-off with Whitehaven Coal after five Greenpeace activists were arrested yesterday and removed from a giant rope web.  

“This brings the total number of arrests in ongoing community protests against Whitehaven Coal’s mine to over 160,” said Julie Macken.  

A rally outside the ministerial offices of Pru Goward and Rob Stokes – Government Macquarie Tower in Sydney - is planned for Wednesday at midday, as community outrage over winter clearing at a time when native animals are hibernating to make way for a coal mine, boils over.

Greenpeace Senior Campaigner Nic Clyde spoke from his tree-sit, 10 metres off the ground in the Leard State Forest:

“Whitehaven Coal’s bulldozers are destroying the homes of animals while they sleep. Their coal mine at Maules Creek – the largest coal mine currently under construction in Australia – has been given permission to break the most basic of mining rules - stop clearing during the winter months - when many threatened species are hibernating.”

“The state government - Environment Minister, Rob Stokes and Planning Minister Pru Goward - must intervene.”

Some of the hibernating species in the Leard State Forest include:

• The feathertail glider, sugar glider and squirrel glider (all hibernating most of winter)
• Barking Owl (nesting and listed as ‘vulnerable’ under state law) and Barn Owl (nesting)
• Corben's long-eared bat (‘vulnerable’ under federal and state law), the yellow-bellied sheath-tale bat (‘vulnerable’ under state law) and white-striped free-tailed bat and little pied bat (‘vulnerable’ under state law). All the bats are hibernating for most of winter.
• Coral snake and spiny tailed gecko (both hibernating)

For interviews with Greenpeace Senior Campaigner from the forest tree-tops:

Contact, Elsa Evers 0438 204 041 or Julie Macken 0400 925 217

Images and video:

http://www.greenpeacemedia.org

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Additional images from the Leard Alliance can be found at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/leardstateforest/

SPEAKERS: NSW MPs Penny Sharpe (Labor) and Mehreen Faruqui (Greens), local farmers, Greenpeace, GetUp!, Lock the Gate, Nature Conservation Council and Australian Religious Response to Climate Change. The Wilderness Society are supporting the rally.

WHEN: Speakers from Noon, Wednesday 4 June 2014.

WHERE: Governor Macquarie Tower, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney.

DEMAND: NSW Environment Minister Rob Stokes and Planning Minister Pru Goward should halt clearing and launch an investigation into the impact of Whitehaven Coal’s winter clearance on endangered species.

PHOTO OP: Many 100s of protesters, big banners, placards, speakers, petition handover.

Greenpeace Head of Program Ben Pearson said, “A broad alliance of farmers, religious leaders, politicians and environment groups are calling for a halt to clearing of this forest, with its precious cargo of hibernating threatened species.

“Greenpeace is committed to staying put, in the forest, to frustrate this mega mine and its disastrous legacy for climate change, water and biodiversity.”

Background
• Whitehaven Coal’s mine at Maules Creek is the largest coal mine under construction in Australia. The company has been given permission by the NSW government to break a basic mining rule: no tree clearing during the winter months when many threatened species are hibernating.
• Bulldozing of the threatened forest is underway and Greenpeace activists have been suspended in forest tree tops for over 100 hours.
• Meanwhile, mining company Idemitsu Australia Resources has admitted it contracted two companies to employ spies to infiltrate the Maules Creek camp.

Contact: Greenpeace Media Alison Orme 0432 332 104/ Jessa Latona 0488 208 465. Greenpeace photos of Leard Forest and tree top action available on request.

The action occurred on the day of a mass snap rally in Sydney organised by a coalition of national environment groups, Labor and Greens MPs, concerned citizens and farmers. 

The rally's central demand was that NSW Environment Minister Rob Stokes and Planning Minister Pru Goward halt clearing and launch an investigation into the impact of Whitehaven Coal’s winter clearance on hibernating species. 

Footage taken from the para-gliders and rally will be available on request.

“The footage coming from our para-gliders is just heartbreaking,” said Greenpeace Climate and Energy Campaigner, Nic Clyde who was, until last night, one of the activists sitting in the tree-tops on a giant rope web for over 100 hours. 

“In just a few short days this controversial company has managed to destroy almost all of the critically endangered White Box forest.

“Animals living in the forest don’t stand a chance. The NSW Government has allowed Whitehaven to bulldoze through winter and we know those trees have animals like the sugar glider hibernating deep inside.

“These tragic images arrive on the eve of World Environment Day and suggest this new Baird government is not serious about looking after our natural environment.

“The only bright side of this sad story is that we know it is not too late for Ministers Rob Stokes and Pru Goward to act and protect the sleeping animals from danger by stopping further clearing. And we call on them to do just that,” said Mr Clyde. 

Over 30 threatened native species, such as the koala and sugar glider, will be affected by the mine's construction. 

Contact for Greenpeace Media Team: 

Maules Creek - Julie Macken 0400 925 217, Sydney - Alison Orme 0432 332 104 / Jessa Latona 0488 208 465.

Images and video:

http://www.greenpeacemedia.org

Username: photos / Password: green

Via FTP (you will need an FTP client such as Filezilla): 

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See ‘Fresh controversy over factory ships in Australian waters’, Age and SMH Online.

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) has received two applications to fish for blue grenadier (often known as hoki) using overseas-flagged fishing vessels. One of those vessels is believed to be the Meridian-1, a 104.5m Ukrainian factory freezer trawler chartered by New Zealand fishing giant Sealord that sails under the flag of the Dominican Republic and is registered to an owner in Vanuatu.

The practice of registering vessels in countries unrelated to ownership often occurs to avoid regulations (e.g. governing labour costs) is known as operating under a flag of convenience. Flags of convenience are considered a major global contributor to the prevalence of illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing.

Greenpeace Australia Pacific Oceans Campaigner Nathaniel Pelle said, “Flags of convenience are used to dodge regulations, mistreat workers, avoid taxes and hide fishing capacity. Greenpeace has called for a ban on flags of convenience as one of the first steps to ending pirate fishing. The 'convenience' in this case refers to the fact that the ’flag’ state is usually one that doesn't care what they catch, how they catch it, how they treat their crew, or the safety standards of the ships."

"There is nothing convenient about ignoring basic rights, environmental regulations or good governance. Australia should apply a strict zero-tolerance policy to these operations,” Mr Pelle said.

In 2012 the Australian Government temporarily banned large factory freezer vessels from operating in an Australian fishery for two years and ordered a review of fishery legislation. One of the key outcomes of the review process was recommending increasing transparency in fisheries management.

Australian Marine Conservation Society campaigner Tooni Mahto said, “Has AFMA not learned the lessons of the super trawler Margiris? The public made it abundantly clear they care about the way Australian fisheries are managed, so trying to slip another big boat through a net of secrecy does no favours to the Australian Government, the Australian fishing industry or the Australian public.”

AFMA are not releasing full details on the applications to introduce overseas flagged vessels into this fishery, such as how much of the blue grenadier quota would be fished by these vessels and where the catch would be landed because of antiquated commercial in confidence issues.

“These commercial in confidence rules unnecessarily restrict access to important information that should be made public. It’s time that AFMA started taking a wide-open door approach to fisheries that the public deserves, rather than the closed-door policy that only serves those with vested financial interests,” said Miss Mahto.

Marine Coordinator of Environment Tasmania Rebecca Hubbard said, “The current temporary ban on super trawlers only applies to freezer-factory vessels over 130m in length, yet there is an international fleet of these industrial trawlers which might be slightly shorter but are equally concerning.”

“The fact that the Australian Government is considering these current applications is sending a message that Australia is open for big-boat business, but without asking the public how they want their fisheries managed. It seems that we not only need a permanent ban on all super trawlers to protect our fisheries and marine life, but we also need a fundamental shift in the Australian Government’s attitudes towards public consultation,” concluded Ms Hubbard.

For interviews:
Alison Orme Greenpeace Australia Pacific 0432 332 104
Tooni Mahto, AMCS – 0467 081 258
Rebecca Hubbard, Environment Tasmania – 0401 854 912