Newcastle City Council is urging the NSW govt. to limit coal exports from city's port to fight climatic changes.

Newcastle City Council is urging NSW (New South Wales) govt. to cap exports of coal, at present levels, from largest coal port in the world to fight climatic changes.

Labor & Green Councilors have voted in opposition to any rise in city's coal exports, in a bid to fight against climatic changes that might take place due to rising greenhouse gases & to curb Newcastle's involvement in the rise.

The council has also called on govt. to setup inquiry in coal export taxes, coal mining, obligatory targets of renewable energy, cycling infrastructure & enhanced public transport.

Michael Osborne, Green councilor, hailed the courage & foresight of the council. He said that the decision should work as a major wake up call for both state & federal govt. to become serious regarding climatic changes.

The decision was taken at an important time, when NSW govt. was considering significant expansion of the coal industry.

In 2005 (financial year), Newcastle exported 80 Million Ton of coal accounting to US$ 21 Billion in climate change damage.

Mr. Osborne said that the govt. of Newcastle city has agreed to support the demand of Newcastle City Council, which will send a message to federal & state governments that Australians are very serious about fighting climate change.

Social & environmental cost per Ton of exported coal from Newcastle was US$ 264, highly above the market cost, he said.

"There is obviously an increase in public awareness. However, such decisions can't be taken on emotional or political basis. Govt. should address the issue such that it doesn't have much affect on Australian Energy Sector," said an analyst at RNCOS, author of the report "Regulations And Policies Securing The Future For Australian Energy Market (2005-2020).

The Australian coal industry has witnessed rising criticism from residents, horse breeders & farmers in Hunter Valley. These people are concerned that new mines can damage the water supply & worsen climate change. Carbon dioxide from coal upon heating is a key contributor to greenhouse pollution in the world. Also, coal mining and coal power plants make use of considerable amount of water.

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