Govt hides independent report on new coal loader

"The Greens understand that the government-commissioned report was handed to the Department of Planning over a month ago. An FOI application to release this report has been refused on the grounds that releasing the information is against the public interest", said Ms Rhiannon.

"NSW planning laws require that the Director-General place such reports on the Department of Planning website for the public to access. Planning Minister Sartor is blatantly ignoring this requirement.

"The Greens today called on the government to come clean and release this report before the election.

"I can only guess that this report is being hidden because it contains many reasons why the new coal loader should be rejected. Many concerned community groups and people made submissions to the independent panel and expect to see the final report.

"Approving the third Newcastle coal loader will drive the expansion of coal mining in the Hunter, Gloucester and Gunnedah regions.

"Newcastle is already that world's biggest coal port, shipping out about 80 million tonnes per year. A new coal loader will mean an extra 66 million tonnes every year are mined and shipped out of Newcastle.

"The Government are trying to sweep the proposed coal loader and Anvil Hill mine under the carpet until after the election.

"Yet again, secrecy reigns behind the closed doors of the Iemma government. "Deferring these decisions is a deceptive move that shows the Iemma government's lack of sincerity on climate change.

"The Greens are calling on the Iemma government to come clean about whether a Labor government will approve the proposed Newcastle coal loader and Anvil Hill coal mine", said Ms Rhiannon.

For more information: Lee Rhiannon   0427 861 568