Threatened wildlife deserves better than piecemeal coal mine approvals

Environmental Advocacy in Central Queensland (EnvA) has called on the Federal Environment Minister to refuse the proposed Gemini Coal Mine Extension Project, warning it would place threatened wildlife – including the endangered bridled nail-tail wallaby – at greater risk while assessing only one part of what is effectively a much larger coal mining development.

In EnvA’s submission the group argues the referral fails to demonstrate that significant impacts on nationally protected species can be avoided or adequately mitigated.

The proposed extension would clear about 755 ha of habitat and operate for at least another 12 years. The mine lease is located immediately adjacent to Taunton National Park – home to Australia’s last naturally occurring population of the endangered bridled nail-tail wallaby.

EnvA Director Dr Coral Rowston said the location alone should raise serious concerns.

“The bridled nailtail wallaby was once believed extinct, and Taunton National Park remains its last natural refuge. Approving another large coal mine beside this nationally significant habitat is an unacceptable risk.”

The submission also identifies likely impacts on numerous nationally threatened species and ecological communities, including the Fitzroy River turtle, koala, greater glider, squatter pigeon, red goshawk and brigalow ecological communities.

EnvA says the referral relies on outdated wildlife surveys, provides little detail on rehabilitation or biodiversity offsets, and leaves major uncertainties about groundwater, surface water and cumulative environmental impacts.

The group is also concerned the proposal is being assessed in isolation despite forming part of a broader mining development.

“This extension cannot be viewed as a stand-alone project,” Dr Rowston said.

“It relies on infrastructure built for the existing Gemini Coal Mine and sits alongside a separate referral for a new rail loop. Assessing these proposals separately risks understating the true environmental impacts of the overall development.”

EnvA says cumulative impacts across the Bowen Basin are becoming increasingly significant, with decades of habitat clearing and expanding coal mining placing growing pressure on threatened species and ecosystems.

The submission argues that climate impacts from the project’s estimated 28.75 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions should also be considered alongside direct habitat loss.

“Every new coal mine approved in the Bowen Basin adds another piece to an already fragmented landscape,” Dr Rowston said.

“The Minister must consider the combined impacts on threatened species, water resources, the Great Barrier Reef catchment and our climate – not simply assess each component in isolation.”

EnvA has urged the Minister to refuse the proposal. If it proceeds, the group says it should be declared a controlled action and assessed through a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement with full public consultation.