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Greens launch Coal Policy: Create jobs and save the environment
Monday 11 December 2006
2 October 2006
Greens MP Lee Rhiannon will today launch her party's coal policy in
Newcastle in the lead up to the 2007 NSW state election.
Ms Rhiannon said: "This is going to be the climate change election and the
Greens will be saying very loudly that NSW has to find alternatives to opening
new coal mines. The way to tackle climate change in this state is to put more
Greens MPs in the NSW Upper House.
"Greens MPs have opposed the planned massive expansion of the coal industry
that will double Australia's contribution to global warming.
"The Greens coal policy contains a clear plan to deliver the good news that
the Hunter needs. Clean energy solutions like wind, solar and energy efficiency
not only provide a reliable and affordable energy supply but also create lots of
high quality jobs.
"There is no future for the Hunter in opening new coal mines. The industry
is increasingly mechanised and little of the economic benefits stays in the
region. The Hunter has a strong tradition of quality engineering. A
world-leading clean energy technology industry can be built using the skills and
innovative spirit of the Hunter workforce.
"Reducing greenhouse gas emissions will not only save the climate but it
will provide a secure economic future for the next generation. It is the best
cure for the scourge of youth unemployment.
"The health and environmental impacts of mining are no longer an acceptable
price to pay to support the huge profits being made by the coal corporations.
Coal communities should not have to tolerate dust, subsidence, loss of
biodiversity and damaged and polluted creeks, rivers and lakes.
"It's going to take leadership and support to make the transition from coal
to clean energy but if we get it right NSW and the Hunter will be much better
off.
"The coal corporations exercise enormous political power. The Greens are
determined to break their stranglehold on Macquarie St. More Greens in the Upper
House is the key to turning the heat back onto the coal industry," Ms Rhiannon
said.
For more information: 0427 861 568
