Newcastle residents speak out against coal project

Protesters have condemned plans for a new coal loader on Kooragang Island, Newcastle. Around 100 people rallied outside a Planning Assessment Commission meeting considering Port Waratah Coal Services’ proposal for the area’s fourth coal loader.

The Coal Terminal Action Group organised the 26 August protest to support residents and activists speaking against the proposal at the commission. There is scepticism about the impartiality of the hearing process and anger over ICAC revelations of corrupt dealings related to the coal loader proposal. Plans for the coal loader are supported by both major parties.

A majority of those addressing the hearing spoke against the project. Residents say a new loader is unnecessary because demand for coal has fallen sharply in recent years.

Associate professor of medicine and public health at Newcastle University, Nick Higginbotham, said adding 53 annual coal train movements to the 160 already approved will worsen air quality around Newcastle. He pointed out that measured pollutants in Newcastle’s air already exceed safe levels, according to the World Health Organisation and proposed national guidelines.

“The diesel-powered coal trains are a major source of toxic pollution, entraining uncontrolled carcinogenic diesel exhaust combined with harmful particulate matter”, said Higginbotham. More than 32,000 adult residents and 23,000 school-aged children living within 500 metres of the coal corridor will be directly exposed to more coal rail pollution under the plans.

The new coal loader will also affect the Hunter estuary wetlands, destroying the habitats of endangered species, including migratory shorebirds and the green and golden bell frog. The construction of the coal terminal will also involve the removal of the only large wind turbine on Kooragang Island.