7 Oz independent candidates unite against Adani coal mine

Melbourne: A group of independent candidates for this month's federal elections in Australia have vowed that, if elected, they would use their influence to stop the Indian energy giant Adani's billion-dollar controversial coal mine in Queensland as part of their climate change action.

Businessman Gautam Adani-led Adani Group entered Australia in 2010 with the purchase of the greenfield Carmichael coal mine in the Galilee Basin in central Queensland, and the Abbot Point port near Bowen in the north.

The massive coal mine in Queensland state has been a controversial topic, with the project expected to produce 2.3 billion tonnes of low-quality coal. Seven high profile candidates, including independent Members of Parliament--Kerryn Phelps and Denison Andrew Wilkie, issued a combined statement, brokered by the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), vowing to work together to achieve meaningful action on climate change, with blocking the Carmichael mine topping their list of demands.

ACF Chief Executive Officer Kelly O'Shanassy said: "This election has

been marked by the large number of individuals willing to stand-up and have a go at breaking-up the climate

dysfunction and denial impeding action to cut Australian climate pollution. "Through this agreement the ACF hopes to help end the climate wars that have plagued recent governments" he said. pti