The environment minister, Tanya Plibersek, has given a company co-owned by Gina Rinehart approval to develop and operate up to 151 new coal seam gas wells in inland Queensland.
Plibersek’s approval is valid until 2080 and, in addition to the new wells, will allow for construction of supporting infrastructure such as access roads.
“While Australia is distracted talking about the LNP nuclear charade, the federal government is approving new fossil fuel projects,” the Australia Institute’s research director, Rod Campbell, said.
The Greens’ leader, Adam Bandt, said the announcement showed the government were “climate frauds”.
“There is now next to no difference between Labor and the Liberals when it comes to coal and gas,” he said.