The Hazelwood mine fire [in 2014] and Port Augusta’s recent fly ash crisis both highlight the serious threat coal poses to human health.
“The closure of the Hazelwood coal-fired power station in the Latrobe Valley this week is a further indication that Australia’s transition away from polluting coal is well underway,” Greenpeace Assistant Campaigner Andrew Kelly said.
“As one of the dirtiest coal-fired power stations, the closure is an important step forward in reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
“There are 23 other coal-fired power stations currently operating in Australia - all of which will eventually close. However, the lack of planning and direction on a federal level to ensure safe and just transitions away from coal is creating uncertain futures for Australian communities.
“Recent closures of coal-fired power stations and coal mines emphasise the need for comprehensive planning to ensure that communities are supported through the transition. This requires the support of all levels of government, and a genuine community consultation process.
“With each new closure we see a continued failure to put the wellbeing of communities first, along with a lack of comprehensive planning and environmental monitoring. As Australia moves inexorably towards a coal free future we need more planning to support the people most impacted by these changes.”
Recent reports have shown the coal industry is both declining in support from the Australian public [1] and seeing less infrastructure growth on new coal projects internationally [2].
“The Australian Government must turn its attention away from planning new coal projects and instead focus on planning for safe and just transitions for Australian communities towards a clean renewable energy future,” Mr Kelly said.
[1] http://www.afr.com/news/poll-finds-coalfired-power-not-popular-with-voters-20170326-gv6zem
[2] http://www.greenpeace.org/india/Global/india/docs/BoomAndBust_2017_EMBARGO.pdf
Media contacts:
Simon Black, Greenpeace Senior Media, Campaigner, Greenpeace Australia Pacific, mob: 0418 219 086, email: simon.black@greenpeace.org