Mining nod for Adani’s Australia project stirs debate

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By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 18.04.2016 (India Climate Dialogue): As coal prices slump and demand dips — and notwithstanding the continuing legal challenges by environmental and indigenous groups — the Queensland government has approved three mining leases for Adani Mining Pty Ltd’s (AMPL) Carmichael coal mine, rail and port project. Touted as Australia’s largest coal mine, the AUD 16.5 billion (USD 12.5 billion) project has been labelled “commercially unviable”. There are fears that it could also impact local communities as well as the Great Barrier Reef.

The three mines for which leases were granted on April 3, 2016 contain an estimated 11 billion tonnes of coal that can be used for power plants. AMPL, a subsidiary of India-based Adani Enterprises Ltd, has announced that it hopes to begin construction next year and focus “on the conclusion of second tier approvals and resolution of legal challenges”.

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Ngeringa (Ukaria) Cultural Centre – a symphony in nature

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By Neena Bhandari

Waking up on a clear October day in the Adelaide Hills draped in green gums, Ulrike Klein thought if this is her new home it would be wonderful.

It was 1983 and she has never felt any different. A philanthropist and connoisseur of music, Klein says, “Lifestyle is about culture, good local food and wine and to have that combination with four distinct seasons, clean beaches, blue skies, no traffic jams and festivals galore is what makes South Australia so special for me”.

She confesses that despite being very German at heart, she has never felt homesick. But she did find Australia to be very sports focused unlike Europe, where art and culture are an integral part of the society. As a parent of four young kids, she wanted to create a balance.

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Of Sylvan and epicurean delights

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By Neena Bhandari

Growers, producers, chefs and winemakers across South Australia are warming up for, what will henceforth be, the annual Tasting Australia [May 1-8] festival. Here are the top three not-to-be-missed events.

Dinner in the company of Mark Kurlansky: At home in New York, author Mark Kurlansky and his daughter, Talia, would spin the globe and design a recipe from the country where it would stop. Mark would research the food history and culture and weave the story around the recipes. The intimate five course dinner menu has been crafted from his book, International Night, which will bring the flavours of the world to the spread and provide diners the opportunity to hear Mark’s insights and stories behind his travels and tryst with food.

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