Queenslanders’ rights to oppose mining projects ‘gutted’ by new laws, activists say
Summary
Queensland’s government has introduced new laws that limit who can legally object to mining projects, including coal mines. Under these laws, only people or groups living within 125km of a project and approved by the minister can take their objections to court, reducing the ability of distant activists and communities to oppose mining.Key Facts
- New Queensland laws restrict mining project objections in court to people living within 125km of the project and with ministerial approval.
- Previously, objections to mining projects were automatically referred to an independent land court for consideration.
- The decision to refer objections to court will now be at the discretion of the resources minister or the environment department’s director-general.
- The government says the law change will speed up mining approvals and reduce legal delays.
- Critics say the law limits democratic rights and environmental protections by blocking many objections.
- Queensland is Australia’s leading coal producer and one of the most polluting states.
- A long legal battle over the New Acland coal mine expansion lasted 11 years and reached the high court.
- Groups opposing mining say the new law is designed to prevent climate crisis concerns from stopping coal mining projects.
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