After eight years of drought and another searing heatwave, I’m forever thankful for our reliable access to groundwater. If I didn’t have access to groundwater at this time, I would not be able to continue farming and my cattle would have to go.

Yet, in the sweltering heat Adani is right now asking the Queensland and Federal Environment Ministers (Enoch and Price) to approve their “Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Management Plan”. This would set a devastating precedent for farmers across Queensland hoping to keep their water safe from coal and gas mines.

We need to make sure farmers and graziers are heard as they battle to protect water.

That’s why I’m joining with other farmers and graziers from across Queensland to place a full-page open letter in the Queensland Country Life. The ad costs $6500: if we raise more, we’ll increase our reach. Will you chip in?

As climate change and extreme droughts worsen, it’s just crazy to be approving water licences and plans for new thermal coal mines.

Recent Government research shows that the cumulative water impacts of just seven out of the 17 mines proposed for this region -- including Adani -- would have a larger impact on water reserves than initially predicted - including a 95% likelihood that these mines would change water flows in the Belyando river basin.

Add to this that the CSIRO said that Adani’s submission included ‘unverified data’.

We need to take a stand. I believe this decision could have serious ramifications for agriculture across Queensland for generations to come.

Best wishes

Angus Emmott

Noonbah Station, Longreach

P.s. If you’re a farmer or grazier in QLD, will you sign on to the open letter calling for governments to reject Adani’s plan?