The proposed Adani Carmichael Coal Mine will deliver in both of these important areas, creating around 10,000 direct and indirect jobs and contributing potentially billions in taxes and royalties that the Australian Government will reinvest into the community. 

The project also throws a critical lifeline to Arrium’s struggling steelworks in Whyalla, South Australia, from which Adani has indicated they will source 56,000 tonnes of steel worth around $70 million to build rail to the mine. 

This project will provide income to run our nation, balancing the books and paying for pensions and health care into the future. It will deliver real outcomes for Australian people. 

Australia is the largest producer of thermal coal in the world, producing 250 million tonnes of high quality product annually compared to the 6 billion tonnes produced globally. We cannot ignore the fact that without coal, the GDP will take a substantial hit and thousands will be left without a job. 

We will find ourselves in the situation that we won’t be able to fund essential services like health and the age pension. 

While coal remains a significant component of Australia’s immediate energy future, the Coalition Government’s strong suite of climate change policies is working to reduce Australia’s emissions. 

We are meeting our emission reduction targets, improving the environment and playing our part in the international effort to respond to the challenge of climate change. 

We are on track to meet and beat Australia’s 2020 emissions reduction target of five per cent below 2000 levels by 224 million tonnes. 

As part of the Paris Agreement, the Government committed to reduce emissions by 26 to 28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. This is a strong, ambitious and responsible target. 

We are supporting Australian businesses, communities and landholders to take practical actions that reduce emissions through the $2.55 billion Emissions Reduction Fund. 

This has so far secured 178 million tonnes in emissions reduction commitments at a price of only $11.83 per tonne. 

The Coalition Government is supporting renewable energy by providing $800 million in grant funding over the next five years through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), which will work side-by-side with the $10 billion Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC). 

Our renewable energy target will see 23.5 per cent of Australia’s electricity generated from renewable sources by 2020.

We are transitioning to a lower emissions future while maintaining affordable and reliable energy for Australian consumers. 

The Coalition is working with business and the community to support this transition and secure economic growth and jobs. 

If Ms Terry would like to contact my office, which I understand she hasn’t done to date on this issue, I would be pleased to provide her with additional information. 

The Hon. Barnaby Joyce MP 

Federal Member for New England Deputy Prime Minister Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources

Leader of The Nationals