Environmental Advocacy in Central Queensland (EnvA) says the Queensland Land Court’s decision on Glencore’s proposed Spring Creek North extension of the Rolleston Open Cut Coal Mine underscores the serious and unresolved environmental risks posed by the project — even as the Court recommends approval subject to new conditions.
EnvA launched its challenge to the coal mine extension in September 2024, taking on one of the world’s biggest mining companies in what the group described as a “David versus Goliath” fight to protect local ecosystems and push for an end to thermal coal.
EnvA Director Dr Coral Rowston said:
“Taking on this legal challenge was driven by deep community concern about the destruction of more than 600 hectares of land — including over 400 hectares of endangered koala habitat.
“Going up against the largest mining company in the world was not something we took on lightly, but we were frustrated that Glencore was extending the Rolleston Coal Mine to cover up its failure to rehabilitate as required in the original approval.”
Despite recommending approval, the Land Court acknowledged the significance of the issues raised and imposed additional conditions, including requirements for:
- A comprehensive Greenhouse Gas Abatement Plan, covering annual emissions inventories, mitigation measures, alignment with the Commonwealth Safeguard Mechanism, and annual public reporting.
- Continuous air quality monitoring at a new location near Inderi Homestead, combined with implementation of an Air Emissions Management Plan.
- Stronger surface and groundwater monitoring and conditions, to protect water resources in the catchment.
The Land Court noted that some of Glencore’s evidence — including expert reports — was only produced after community submissions, highlighting the importance of objections in strengthening environmental conditions.
Dr Rowston said that while the decision was not the outcome EnvA had hoped for, it confirmed the value of community groups scrutinising coal projects.
“Despite being a small group, we are passionate and determined to see justice for our land and wildlife.
“Our fight is for future generations who deserve a healthy environment — not one permanently scarred by mine voids and lost habitat.”
EnvA says the decision reinforces the urgent need for governments to shift away from approving new thermal coal expansions and instead prioritise biodiversity protection, climate action and the rehabilitation of Queensland’s mining-scarred landscapes.
EnvA - CQ 