Issues - Greenvale Nickel Mine and Yabulu Treatment Plant
In 1972 work began on the Greenvale nickel mine near Charters Towers139. Mining was to commence in 1973, and was expected to be in full operation by 1974, with ore to be carried by rail to a new nickel refinery at Yabulu north of Townsville140. Industrial action at the Yabulu site led to the sacking of over 200 workers in October141. After a stoppage of one month, work recommenced in November142.
On 15th February, Cabinet gave approval for the Yabulu nickel refinery to exceed sulfur content emission regulations until 1979 and noted that the company had expressed 'deep concern' about the requirements 143. Cabinet confirmed this decision on 4th July, when it discussed Queensland Nickel's request for an exemption: the company claimed that low-sulfur fuel would increase their costs144 . Sulphur dioxide, a byproduct of nickel smelters, was already known to have caused massive environmental problems at Mt Isa and in Tasmania145.
In August there were calls for the government to explain why it overruled a decision by the Air Pollution Council and allowed the refinery to exceed newly introduced sulfur content requirements146. The Treasurer announced that Cabinet had 'considered all factors' and claimed the decision was 'reasonable'147 . The decision, and Chalk's explanation, was attacked by the Courier-Mail, which said the government had failed to insist on effective liaison with the mining company in its haste to attract new industry148. Wastes from the refinery, and its impact on local marine organisms were discussed on 18th September; the submission noted that the only similar plant was in Cuba, and Cabinet agreed to have the wastes studied by the Water Quality Council149. An advisory committee, appointed by the Federal Government to consider the effect of processing-plant effluents on the new Australian Institute of Marine Science, was announced in November150.
Cabinet approved an oral submission by Treasurer Chalk granting land title
to Queensland Nickel for treatment works at Saunders Beach on 6th June151. Harbour
and channel works at Townsville worth $2.7 million were approved on 25th July
after Queensland Nickel requested an upgrade of port facilities152. Seven million
gallons of water per day had already been approved for Greenvale mining companies
Metals Exploration and Freeport (with another five million gallons per day
at the refinery site) when Cabinet considered the companies' request for more
water on 18th September153. Cabinet decided to seek advice from the Crown Law
Office as to whether a Cabinet decision was sufficient authority. On 2nd October
Cabinet agreed to issue licences for Queensland Nickel to draw seven million
gallons per day from Black River, and authorised investigation of further
supplies from Bluewater Creek154.