Two mining projects in the Parkes electorate are at risk following the Labor Government’s decision to reassess major coal and gas project proposals.

Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek made the decision to accept public submissions on the climate change impacts of 18 coal and gas projects, including the Boggabri Coal Mine and Whitehaven Narrabri Underground Mine Extension, under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

The move was prompted by a legal application submitted by the Environment Council of Central Queensland, formally requesting that Minister Plibersek reconsider how these 18 projects had been assessed, taking into account the broader effects of climate change and how emissions from these projects could damage environments.

Until now, the Federal Government only considered a project’s impact on native wildlife and vegetation.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said this change signals the start of a worrying trend towards green lawfare, which will ultimately cost jobs and make it even more difficult for local families to pay the bills.

“Energy prices are already going up by 56 per cent but making it even harder for coal and gas projects to pass more environmental assessments inevitably means supply goes down and cost goes up,” Mr Coulton said.

“This will do nothing to ease those cost of living pressures at a time when families in the Parkes electorate are already struggling to keep the lights on.

“Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised voters before the election he would lower electricity bills by $275. Instead, Labor is now making it harder for projects in the Parkes electorate to pass assessments.”

Mr Coulton said the Boggabri Coal Mine and Whitehaven Narrabri Underground Mine were both major employers in the Narrabri and Gunnedah regions, contributing significantly to the local economy.

“The proposed Whitehaven Narrabri Underground Mine Extension would extend the life of the mine from 2031 to 2044, providing continued employment for hundreds of locals, injecting millions of dollars into the Narrabri community,” Mr Coulton said.

“Likewise, the Boggabri Coal Mine extension would extend the mine life from 2033 to the end of 2039, providing an additional 80 full time jobs.

“These jobs will be lost if these projects do not go ahead, which would be devastating for the Narrabri and Gunnedah shires.

“The Labor Government needs to provide certainty around energy projects.”