Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people whose lands are under threat have called on the government to introduce a climate trigger and prevent corporations destroying Australia’s natural assets.
Under the proposal, coal and gas projects would have to undergo a thorough assessment to examine their impacts on the climate.
Adani’s Carmichael coal mine in central Queensland.Credit: Cameron Laird
And today, a delegation of traditional custodians and those affected by climate disasters urged politicians to act.
Gurridyula Gaba Wunggu, who comes from the Wangan and Jagalingou nation, says the Carmichael coal mine in Queensland has hastened climate change and damage sacred sites.
The Bravus-owned mine was only approved on the basis that the Doongmabulla Springs would not be contaminated, he said, but now hydrocarbons have been found in its waters.
“We’re all going to be poisoned, they’re poisoning the water,” he told reporters in Canberra.
“We have always been there and we will always continue to be there, even if I have to take care of a broken spring.
“That is my obligation to my country: I’m born to that country, I’m part of that DNA, I’m the roots to those old-growth trees.”
The Waddananggu man has urged the government to take away the Indian miner’s leases and hold the corporation accountable.
“They’re not allowed to have these if they’re going to continue to destroy Australia’s natural assets,” he said.
“Our governments are failing me, they’re failing my people.”
The Narrabri gas project, run by resources giant Santos, is also expected to unleash large amounts of greenhouse gases and the Gomeroi people have taken the issue to the Native Title Tribunal.
Gomeroi traditional custodian Karra Kinchela has urged the federal government to support their fight by enacting a climate trigger.
“Increasingly severe weather events like droughts, fires, and floods are having a devastating impact on our land and waters – we can’t let Santos’ gas make it any worse,” she said.
AAP
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