Malcolm Turnbull backs moratorium on new coalmines in NSW

Former PM says Upper Hunter Valley mines are devastating the landscape and shortening life expectancy, and jobs focus should be on clean energy, tourism and wine

Malcolm Turnbull has backed calls for a moratorium on new coalmine approvals in New South Wales, warning they are devastating the landscape, shortening lives by reducing air quality and - given declining global coal demand - potentially leaving taxpayers with a huge remediation bill.

The former prime minister, who owns a farm in New South Wales' Upper Hunter Valley, supported the findings of a new report by the Australia Institute that found new coal developments proposed in that area had the capacity to produce 10 times more coal than Adani's controversial Carmichael mine in Queensland.