Environmental Advocacy in Central Queensland (EnvA) is urging the Federal Government to refuse approval for Anglo Coal’s proposed Moranbah North and Grosvenor Mines Rail and Pipeline Realignment Project, warning it would cause further destruction of threatened species habitat in an already heavily degraded region.
The proposal seeks to relocate sections of rail and pipeline infrastructure to enable further coal extraction at Anglo’s Moranbah North and Grosvenor underground mines, located just north of Moranbah.
EnvA says the project would have direct and cumulative impacts on critical habitat for several endangered and vulnerable species, including the koala, greater glider, squatter pigeon, and the brigalow threatened ecological community.
Dr Coral Rowston, Director at EnvA, said:
“This proposal would clear nearly 200 hectares of land – including endangered brigalow and koala habitat – within a landscape where almost 80 percent of native vegetation has already been lost.
“Every hectare of remaining habitat now matters. Small-scale clearings, like this one, add up to major declines in species that are already on the brink.”
EnvA’s submission also highlights that the proposed biodiversity offset – a 60 hectare parcel of existing brigalow forest near the Dawson River – is inadequate and fails key EPBC policy tests of additionality and enduring protection. The offset area already supports the threatened brigalow community and does nothing to address the proposed clearing of threatened species habitat.
“Offsets are being used as a licence to destroy,” said Dr Rowston.
“Protecting existing habitat should always come before relying on offsets.”
EnvA further questions the economic justification for the project, noting that both the Moranbah North and Grosvenor mines have been closed since 2024–25 due to underground fires, and Anglo American has announced plans to sell its Bowen Basin coal assets.
“It makes no sense to destroy identified State biodiversity corridors for infrastructure that may soon become stranded assets.
“With coal prices falling and demand declining, there is no credible justification for further environmental harm.”
EnvA argues that approving the realignment would contradict the EPBC Act’s principles of ecologically sustainable development, which require environmental protection to be balanced with demonstrable economic and social benefits.
“This project would cause real and irreversible harm, with no clear community or economic gain,” Dr Rowston said.
“It should be refused.”
EnvA - CQ 