The Labor Party does not support new coal mines on productive agricultural land in Tasmania.
Shadow Minister for Resources Shane Broad said Labor’s unsuccessful amendments to the Greens motion today aimed to protect existing businesses and jobs in Tasmania.
“Labor has made it clear that we don’t support new coal mines on productive farming land, particularly given the investment in irrigation that was driven by Labor which supports our agricultural sector in Tasmania,” Dr Broad said.
“The current commentary fails to recognise that there are existing coal mines operating in Tasmania which support hundreds of jobs by suppling coal to Goliath Cement at Railton and Norske Skog at Boyer.
“Any blanket ban on coal mining in Tasmania would hurt these businesses and Tasmanian jobs.
“Will Hodgman has offered up $50,000 for a coal mine in southern Tasmania but no money to create a hydrogen facility in the north of the State which could potentially create 500 new jobs.
“The Liberal Government should be focusing its investment in renewable energy technologies such as wind, solar and hydrogen.
“Labor is firmly committed to maximising Tasmania’s renewable energy advantage and we encourage the Government to follow our lead.”
Shane Broad MP
Shadow Resources Minister
