The Queensland Government has claimed it has “secured” more than 700 jobs by approving the Ensham Coal Mine extension near Emerald, despite a recent Land Court recommendation that the project should not proceed unless the proponent makes “real and significant progress” in cutting its greenhouse gas emissions.
In a media release this week, the Crisafulli Government announced it had given the $314.9 million expansion the green light, portraying the decision as a win for regional workers and investor confidence. But community groups who challenged the project in court say the government’s claims overlook the central finding of the Land Court — that the mine’s climate impact poses serious risks to Queenslanders.
The Land Court found that extending Ensham’s operations would result in more than 65 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change and potentially breaching human rights. The court recommended the mining lease “not be approved unless and until the applicants show real and significant progress towards mitigating their GHG emissions.”
The decision also questioned whether the mine’s proponent could realistically deliver on the 19 measures in its greenhouse gas mitigation strategy, casting doubt on claims the project can proceed responsibly.
Environmental Advocacy in Central Queensland (EnvA), one of three community groups involved in the case, says the government is now presenting a political victory where the court delivered a clear climate warning.
“We were pleased with the Land Court’s recommendation to refuse the mining lease until Sungela and Bowen Investments reconsider and implement their emissions strategy,” said EnvA Director Dr Coral Rowston.
“This proposed project is for thermal coal, which is being phased out domestically as coal-fired power stations reach the end of their life. There are already sufficient approved mines to meet existing demand in Australia and for export. Expanding thermal coal production will only accelerate climate change impacts.”
Despite this, the Queensland Government’s statement focused on jobs and global coal demand, arguing the approval “delivers certainty” and supports mining communities.
Dr Rowston said the government’s narrative failed to acknowledge the growing costs of climate change already being felt across the state.
“In recent months, large parts of Queensland have suffered unprecedented flooding, while other areas have endured extreme heatwaves,” she said.
“The government must acknowledge that we cannot afford the escalating costs of climate change. Communities are being devastated, and the rising cost of living — including soaring insurance premiums and food prices — reflects the growing financial burden.”
Under Queensland law, the Land Court independently assesses the environmental, social and climate impacts of major mining projects and makes recommendations to the State Government. While the court does not make the final decision, its findings are intended to guide ministers on whether projects meet the public interest.
EnvA argues that by framing the Ensham extension as a political achievement, the government is sidelining the court’s core message: that approving new or expanded thermal coal mines is increasingly at odds with climate science and the rights of Queenslanders.
“The scientific consensus is clear that expansion of fossil fuel production must stop if we are to reduce global emissions and avoid catastrophic climate impacts,” Dr Rowston said.
EnvA - CQ 