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China i slowing its growth in coal use and reducing its carbon emissions which is welcome news regarding halting global warming.
It should also nudge the Abbott and Napthine governments into reassessing the licensing of coal mines here.
In Victoria, it is ludicrous that the state is supporting the re-licensing of Anglesea's ageing, dirty coal-fired power plant to provide power to an already saturated market or to possibly export the coal. Last year the mine produced about 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Figures released by the National Pollution Inventory for 2012-13 show the Anglesea facility spews out three times as much sulphur dioxide as the notorious Hazelwood power plant.
That is a staggering 39 million kilograms of a recognised respiratory irritant.
This redundant and dangerous plant must be closed now.
The coal mine and winds swirl pollutants along the Surf and Bellarine coasts. Voters are rightly asking what this government is doing to protect their health. The Napthine government could have a fighting chance of retaining this marginal seat if it shut down the mine.