Australian communities sent a clear message at the last election – we want real climate action.

Environment Minister Plibersek has just approved three thermal coal mine expansions that will turbocharge the climate crisis by locking in 1.4 billion tonnes of carbon pollution - this is more than three times Australia’s total annual emissions. 

The Albanese Government published its decision on Tuesday, 24 Sep 2024 to approve three new large coal mining projects in NSW: Whitehaven Coal’s Narrabri thermal coal project to 2066, MACH Energy’s Mount Pleasant thermal coal project to 2058, and Yancoal’s Ashton coal project to 2064. 

This will create 1.4 billion tonnes of emissions, triple Australia’s annual emissions from all sources. The Albanese Government refused to consider the climate impacts of these massive coal projects. 

The Narrabri coal project will destroy 491 hectares of endangered koala habitat, and hundreds more for other threatened wildlife and plants.

There are a further 36 coal projects currently awaiting decision under Australia’s environment laws on Minister Plibersek’s desk and more gas projects. How we respond today will shape future decisions from governments and companies.

Recent polling shows that more than two thirds (68%) of voters think Australia should stop approving new coal and gas mines, and more than eight out of ten voters (81%) agree that Australia’s environmental law should have to take climate change impacts into account.

Every new coal and gas project puts Australians at increased risk of deadly fires and floods, contributes to devastating climate disasters beyond out shores, and accelerates the loss of our precious wildlife and natural environments such as the Great Barrier Reef.

Will you contact your Federal MP and ask them to stop Labor approving more climate-wrecking coal and gas projects?