Opinion: State's coal mine proposals are under the microscope

Originally published in Gladstone Today, 17 July 2025, on behalf of Queensland Conservation Council and the Australian Conservation Foundation

On Tuesday this week, news broke that the State Government has rejected Fox Resources' bid for a coal mine in the Bundaberg Region. This mining project was met with strong community opposition due to its disruption of agricultural land. Anyone who's enjoyed a Bundaberg strawberry knows those farms are something special!

The decision was in the hands of Attorney-General Deb Frecklington, who said it was not in the public interest for this project to proceed. "Many significant community concerns were raised about the potential impacts of a future coal mine on the region's agricultural industry, water resources, environmental values, livability and tourism industry," a statement said.

Image: Lee-Ann Wilson, Coal Free Bundaberg Action Group

This decision is a big victory for the community of Bundaberg who have long campaigned for the land to remain untouched by coal projects due to concerns about agriculture, water and proximity to residents.

Coming up in the Land Court of Queensland, ACF and Mackay Conservation Council have taken coal giant Whitehaven to court over its Winchester South coal mine proposal. This coal mine will extract millions of tonnes of coal, creating 583 million tonnes of greenhouse gas pollution, more than Australia’s entire annual emissions from all sources. It will also destroy koala habitat in an area covering 242 MCG fields. This case begins in the Queensland Land Court on Monday, and will argue the court should recommend no mining lease or environmental authority be granted for the Winchester South project due to its significant environmental and human rights impacts.

These cases, and the recent Australian Climate Case brought by Torres Strait Islanders Uncle Paul and Uncle Pabai underscore the importance of communities coming together to raise their voices in advocacy. Whether it be through the courts or through the chains of government and parliament, decisions are constantly being made that will impact generations of Australians. Join us at ACF Gladstone to contribute to advocacy work in Gladstone.

Emma Smith
Regional Environmental Advocate: Gladstone
Queensland Conservation Council

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