The Greens are welcoming a decision by Port Waratah Coal Services to not proceed with the planned fourth coal loader at Kooragang.
The $5 billion T4 project was approved in 2015, five years after the original plans were released.
The approval was met with strong opposition from environmental groups who argued the coal loader would add significantly to air and noise pollution.
Chief Executive Officer for Port Waratah Coal Services, Hennie du Plooy has announced the company will be allowing it's lease agreement for portside land set aside for the terminal to lapse when it expires in 2019.
"With significant growth capacity available for the existing terminals, we do not expect that the conditions to support an investment of the large and long-term nature of Terminal 4 will be in place before the development approval lapses in September 2020," he said.
Greens Resources and Energy spokesperson, Jeremy Buckingham has welcomed the decision and renewed calls for the government to develop a strategy to transition away from coal.
"This is wonderful news. Reality is catching up with the great lie that we can continue to export coal in an age of climate change," he said.
Meanwhile, Newcastle Greens Councillor, John Mackenzie believes the decision clears the way for other opportunities for the portside land.
"Cancellation of T4 means that we can bow open up Newcastle's port capacity to more diversity rather than having it quarantined for a coal industry that is on its last legs," he said.
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| Approval Of The T4 Project Was Met With Widespread Community Opposition Picture: theherald.com.au |
