Environmental Advocacy in Central Queensland (EnvA) has warned that proposed changes to Queensland’s mining objection laws threaten fundamental democratic principles by restricting the ability of communities and environmental organisations to challenge decisions about major resource projects.
Following the tabling of the Parliamentary Primary Industries and Resources Committee’s Report No. 29 on the Mineral Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026, EnvA says Queenslanders should be deeply concerned about the potential erosion of community participation and independent scrutiny of mining approvals.
“Democracy is dying when governments can make decisions across their broad geographical jurisdiction, but the communities they represent are prevented from challenging those decisions simply because they don’t live close enough to a proposed development,” said EnvA Director Dr Coral Rowston.
“The environmental consequences of mining don’t stop at an arbitrary 125-kilometre boundary. Greenhouse gas emissions contribute to global climate change, waterways connect entire catchments, and habitat destruction can have consequences far beyond a mining lease.
“Community organisations represent people who care about the environment and the future of their regions. Our ability to scrutinise proposals, bring expert evidence forward and challenge decisions should not depend on where our office happens to be located.
“If the community cannot have meaningful input into a decision, why should a politician have the power to decide whose concerns are heard and which issues an independent court is allowed to consider?”
EnvA’s experience in six mining and resource approval matters demonstrates the importance of independent scrutiny. Land Court proceedings have resulted in stronger environmental conditions, improved greenhouse gas reporting, better rehabilitation requirements and, in one gas project, an almost 80 per cent reduction in the proposed well program.
“These processes are not simply about stopping mines. They are about making sure decisions are properly informed, environmental risks are examined and communities have a genuine opportunity to be heard.
“An independent court provides an important check on executive government. Removing access to that independent scrutiny shifts the balance of power towards government and mining proponents and away from the people who have a legitimate interest in protecting our environment.”
Dr Rowston said Queensland needed stronger democratic safeguards, not fewer.
“We need to keep independent judicial scrutiny alive in Queensland. Our democracy depends on having courts that can independently examine government decisions, test evidence and protect the rights of the community.
“Queenslanders should not be reduced to spectators while decisions affecting their environment, water resources, climate and future generations are made without meaningful accountability.
“This is about much more than mining legislation. It is about the kind of democracy we want Queensland to be.”
Well, I think democracy in Queensland is more like Demoncrazy. But in the end they will go the way of the dinosaurs, just like Trump .
The Anti-renewable LNP Government of Queensland will like the Government of Jo of old (they feed the chooks) whilst Queensland becomes the laughing stock of Australia.
Thank you though, Dr, Rowston for a great bit of writing.
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