BTFMP review will ensure best science for Black-throated finch conservation

Issued: 15 Feb 2019

The review of Adani’s Black-throated finch management plan (BTFMP) by independent experts will ensure the plan is based on the best available science.

The BTFMP deals with Australia’s largest known population of the threatened Black-Throated Finch.

The review, by an independent panel of scientific experts, was not to adjudicate on whether or not the Carmichael mine should proceed, nor was this question in the review’s terms of reference.

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) remains committed to working with Adani to assist in finalising the BTFMP.

Adani has been afforded the opportunity to both meet with the panel, which they declined, and review the draft report.

DES can confirm that the draft report was provided to Adani on Tuesday 12 February 2019.

The draft report details a number of recommendations to ensure that BTFMP provides a sound basis with which to manage and ensure the long-term viability of the Black-throated Finch populations in the mine’s project area.

The department has advised Adani that it is prepared to provide the company with extra time to review the draft and provide feedback should they make such a request.

To date, Adani has not advised the department if it requires any additional time.

In the absence of a request from Adani for additional time to make a submission, DES will work with the independent Panel to finalise the report.

It is not uncommon for DES, as with other governments, to seek independent expert advice when assessing projects with significant environmental impacts.

The Federal Government has sent Adani’s Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Management Plan (GDEMP) to CSIRO and Geoscience Australia for specialist advice.