How is government serious about climate goals if backing a $1.5 billion fossil fuel project?

ESG: The government has pledged to establish an expert panel to address the under-reporting of methane pollution. Yet, this commitment starkly contrasts with the “dodgy deals” driving political support for the Middle Arm Industrial Precinct, which has raised serious concerns about the health and environmental impacts.

The Greens, along with crossbench senators Lidia Thorpe and David Pocock, voiced strong opposition to the Middle Arm Industrial Precinct, echoing the concerns of a long list of Traditional Owners, environmental groups, and healthcare professionals.

Last week, the Middle Arm Senate Inquiry released a report that clearly outlines the health risks posed by the Precinct to all residents of the Northern Territory. Despite this, the Federal Government has maintained its $1.5 billion tax payer funding for the development, with backing from the Opposition.

“The proposed development at Middle Arm is a plan to build a fossil gas and petrochemical precinct,” Senator Pocock stated.

He called for an investigation into the circumstances in which the $1.5 billion Federal funding commitment was obtained, pointing to “significant questions around integrity and transparency” and evidence that the commitment was made without “clear value for money and without a proper evaluation of the significant risks.”

Similarly, the Greens have asserted that the Federal decision to subsidise the project is “based purely on pork-barrelling and dodgy deals and not the best interests of the local community or the planet.”

Michelle Isles, CEO of the Climate and Health Alliance, warned, “The health impacts associated with the Middle Arm Industrial Precinct are clear and concerning. To proceed with this development, given the evidence revealed in this report, would be to knowingly put the health of all people living in the Northern Territory at risk.”

“If redirected into green energy projects and health systems, the $1.5 billion dollars committed to support the development of the Middle Arm Precinct would rapidly accelerate Australia on its path to net zero and bolster climate preparedness. Ending fossil fuel subsidies and harnessing the resources already available to us to generate green energy is essential in demonstrating global leadership on climate change,” added Isles.

Kirsty Howey, executive director of the Environment Centre NT, criticised efforts to “greenwash” the precinct as “gilding the lily and putting lipstick on a pig.”

“The penny has dropped that what is being planned is the destruction of Darwin Harbour, the place we call home. This will be one of the big environmental campaigns in the country if it proceeds,” Howey warned.

In related news on methane pollution, Bronwyn McDonald, Campaign Manager at Healthy Futures, described the government’s action as “a crucial first step” but urged further measures.

“We urge the government to go further and implement a national methane target and methane action plan focusing on abatement as soon as possible. We also have serious concerns about the ongoing approvals for new coal and gas projects, especially when considering the likely extent of under-reporting of methane pollution from mining,” she said.

Health professionals across Australia are increasingly alarmed by the health impacts of climate change, particularly the role of methane in accelerating the crisis.

“Methane from coal and gas extraction contributes significantly to climate change, which is the greatest global health threat of our time,” said Dr Harry Jennens, GP and Climate and Health Advocate. “We need abatement of methane pollution to protect public health.”

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