Queenslanders’ rights to oppose mining projects ‘gutted’ by new laws, activists say
Queensland's resources minister has introduced legislation that restricts the right to object to mining projects to residents within a 125km radius, requiring ministerial approval for court referrals. Environmental groups and activists have condemned the move as corrupt, arguing it strips communities of democratic protections and prioritizes mining efficiency over environmental scrutiny. The government defends the bill as a necessary measure to streamline approvals and reduce the delays associated with long-running legal battles, such as the New Acland coal mine expansion.
- ▪New legislation in Queensland limits objections to mining projects to individuals or groups located within a 125km radius of the site.
- ▪The bill removes the automatic referral of mining objections to the state land court, granting the resources minister discretion over which cases proceed.
- ▪Activists and the Greens describe the changes as corrupt, stating they tear up environmental protections to benefit mining companies.
- ▪Minister Dale Last cited the 11-year legal battle over the New Acland coal mine expansion as a primary reason for streamlining the approval process.
- ▪Queensland is Australia's largest coal producer and the most polluting state, with a mining industry second only to Western Australia.
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| Original publisher | The Guardian — World |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/sep/16/queenslanders-rights-to-oppose-mining-projects-gutted-by-new-laws-activists-say |
| Publication time | Tue, 15 Sep 2026 23:39:48 GMT |
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Delays to the expansion of the New Acland coal mine was cited by the resources minister to show the need for new laws. Photograph: Fairfax Media/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenDelays to the expansion of the New Acland coal mine was cited by the resources minister to show the need for new laws. Photograph: Fairfax Media/Getty ImagesQueenslandQueenslanders’ rights to oppose mining projects ‘gutted’ by new laws, activists sayAs minister says process needs to be ‘streamlined’, Greens and Lock the Gate say the legislation is ‘corrupt’ and tears up environmental protections Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Andrew MessengerTue 15 Sep 2026 19.39 EDTLast modified on Tue 15 Sep 2026 19.40 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleQueenslanders’ right to object to mining…
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