Australia’s environmental laws are failing to prevent harm, with coal projects routinely approved, breaching conditions, and facing limited enforcement. EnvA is calling for urgent reforms to address cumulative impacts, strengthen compliance, and ensure meaningful protection for climate, water and threatened species.
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Land Court puts climate impacts front and centre in Sonoma coal decision
A landmark Land Court decision on the Sonoma East coal mine expansion has reinforced that climate change impacts human rights, while calling out the proponent’s lack of concrete emissions reduction commitments.
Multiple coal mine water releases spark concerns about waterway and Reef health
EnvA warns that outdated regulations and limited transparency are putting Central Queensland waterways and the Great Barrier Reef at risk. Following more than 110 coal mine water releases this wet season, concerns are growing about cumulative impacts, increasing reliance on emergency licences, and the public’s limited access to critical data.
Olympic rowing venue under scrutiny as environmental and climate concerns mount
Central Queensland conservation groups have raised serious concerns about plans to host Olympic rowing on the Fitzroy River, warning that dredging and ongoing pollution risks could harm the Great Barrier Reef. They say the proposal contradicts Queensland’s climate commitments and risks undermining the environmental credibility of the 2032 Games.
World on Track for Dangerous Warming as New Climate Report Sounds Alarm
A new report from the World Meteorological Organization confirms the world has experienced its 11 hottest years on record, with emissions continuing to rise. The findings highlight an urgent need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, with Australia identified as having disproportionately high emissions and a critical role to play in meeting Paris Agreement targets.
Between what’s allowed and what’s right
Tom and Maggie – two EnvA committee members – put together a tale about the cumulative impacts of coal mine water releases and the lackings in our environmental legislation in Queensland.
New coal mine proposal fails environmental and climate test
EnvA opposes the proposed Saraji East coal mine due to the unacceptable environmental risks.
The project fails to assess cumulative impacts and would result in significant habitat loss in an already heavily cleared region.
It also depends on unproven water management systems that have recently failed during extreme weather events.
Federal Government approves massive new Queensland gas project despite climate and biodiversity commitments
The Federal Government has approved a major new gas project in Queensland, allowing the development of up to 1,695 wells and 1,545 km of pipelines. The project will clear significant koala and greater glider habitat and generate more than 110 million tonnes of emissions, drawing strong criticism over the project’s climate and biodiversity impacts.
Federal Minister faces test as Hail Creek coal Expansion awaits EPBC decision
The Queensland Government has approved an extension to Glencore’s Hail Creek open cut coal mine, allowing the clearing of hundreds of hectares of koala habitat.
The project now requires federal approval under the EPBC Act.
EnvA is urging the Commonwealth to reject the expansion.
Central Queensland group calls for refusal of Centurion North mine amendment
EnvA has called for the refusal of a major amendment to the Centurion North Mine Environmental Authority, warning that the proposal represents a staged development that should be assessed as part of the full project through a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement.
EnvA’s submission highlights significant impacts on the environment and incomplete assessments of water and greenhouse gas emissions.
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