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The development of coal projects in Australia may face further delays as Unesco has recommended halting projects along the Great Barrier Reef.
Coal-mine projects of the Adani and GVK groups are among the projects coming up in the reef area.
The Unesco’s World Heritage Committee has put Australia on notice that the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area was in danger and that the Reef has outstanding universal values.
Project Delays
The 36th annual World Heritage Committee meeting, held in St. Petersburg, Russia, may further delay developmental work along the Great Barrier Reef. GVK and Adani are both planning major port developments in this World Heritage Area.
The GVK Group and mining magnate Ms Gina Rinehart have partnered to develop the Alpha coal mine along with a 500-km rail line connecting the mines to a proposed export terminal at Abbot Point port.
The Adani group has plans to develop the Carmichael mine, which will also connect to a new coal export terminal at Abbot Point port and Hay Point port via a rail link.
Danger list
“Unesco has flagged concerns about development on the reef. If Australia fails to show progress on those recommendations, the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area could be listed in the danger list,” Ms Arundhati Muthu of Greenpeace said.
The Unesco meet has called for an updated report by February next year on the state of conservation of the Reef. It has requested the Australian Government not to permit any new port development or associated infrastructure outside of the existing and long-established major port areas within or adjoining the region.
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