Controversial Abbot Point expansion approved

But the controversial project is not popular with everyone because the expansion will involve dredging one million cubic metres of spoil near the Great Barrier Reef which will then be dumped on land nearby.

Critics argue that the expansion project could cause long-term harm by leading to increased shipping, pollution and waste, which they say would harm coral, turtles, dugongs and other wildlife.

It’s argued though that the expansion is critical to the success of the Carmichael Project – a new coal mine which India’s Adani Mining wants to build.

Dredged material was originally due to be dumped at sea but this was not approved, although the quantity of dredged material was also apparently reduced by 75% from the original proposal.

Further approvals are still required for the project to progress from the Queensland Government. But this is awaiting assurances from Adani regarding development. Adani has apparently blamed opposition to its mine for delays in moving the project forward to the construction phase.

Advocates for coal mining in Australia warn that foreign buyers will turn to Indonesia and South Africa if the nation’s coal reserves are unable to be exploited.