Didn't know whether to shake my head or laugh when I read this over at abc news, seems someone should tell Joe Tripodi that coal IS a non renewable resource and digging it out of the ground tends to more or less fuck up the area:
Anger at Rudd's adviser over coal comments
The New South Wales Government has questioned the impartiality of a top-level Commonwealth adviser after he raised concerns about a planned expansion of Newcastle's coal facilities.
Infrastructure Australia Advisory Board member Professor Peter Newman says the damage caused by coal will increase dramatically if Newcastle's port facilities are doubled.
Professor Newman has also questioned the credentials of "clean coal" technology.
"Coal is not a renewable resource, it's the major source of climate change emissions," he said. "A long-term future around increases in coal would be a mistake."
NSW Ports Minister Joe Tripodi says he now has serious reservations about Professor Newman's ability to be impartial.
"Mr Newman needs to decide whether he can comfortably meet his obligations," he said. "We need to remind him to not allow his personal views to affect his obligations."
The NSW Minerals Council is also concerned but NSW Greens MP Lee Rhiannon has welcomed the comments, saying they could mark a turning point in the way governments treat the coal industry.
"They now have the experts giving them clear advice," she said. "They need to come forward with a planned transition program, particularly for areas like the Hunter with a long reliance on the coal industry. The writing is on the wall. It is going to change."
Professor Newman has refused to say if he would consider stepping down from the Infrastructure Australia board.
More than $1 billion is being spent expanding Newcastle's Coal loading facilities.
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