Drought crisis shows expanding NSW coal mining is reckless

Dr Kaye said: "The Iemma government knows that a failure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions risks prolonged and devastating droughts with appalling consequences for food production.

"Yet two weeks ago they approved a massive expansion of the coal export capacity of Newcastle. The new loading facilities will be responsible for exporting coal that will produce more than 160 million tonnes of CO2 each year.

"This is more than all of NSW's greenhouse gas emissions.

"In the next few weeks, the government will have to decide on the future of the Anvil Hill coal mine proposal.

"The state is rapidly approaching a coal crisis point.

"Continued expansion will lock in high levels of emissions and reduce our ability to respond to global warming.

"Having put off decisions about the future of both the Newcastle coal loader and Anvil Hill until after last month's election, the Iemma government hopes that they can sneak through a massive expansion of the industry without anyone noticing.

"With the Murray-Darling running dry and rising food prices an inevitability, it is time to get serious about taming the coal industry and reducing emissions.

"NSW is squandering the opportunity to develop a renewable energy industry that would provide many more jobs than the coal industry. We are placing at risk the future of the Murray-Darling. And we are allowing the coal corporations to call the shots.

"If Premier Iemma and Minister Koperberg want to be taken seriously on climate change, they must reject Anvil Hill and reverse the Newcastle coal loader approval," Dr Kaye said.

For more information:       John Kaye 0407 195 455