Minister Cripps and Premier Newman: We demand that you immediately reinstate ALL rights that you have stripped from Queensland citizens to object to the approval of mining leases and environmental authorities for mining activities.

On the 9th of September the Newman government showed its contempt for the well-being of the citizens and environment of Queensland by removing the vast majority of objection rights to the approval of mining projects with the passage of the Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Bill 2014.

Up until this date, Queensland citizens were able to object to a mining project in an independent court on the grounds that the project had the potential to negatively impact upon matters such as the public interest, land use, water resources, air quality, noise and biodiversity.

Despite being out-resourced by mining companies and intimidated by the costly objection process, concerned citizens nevertheless made use of these objection rights, defending their businesses, communities and environment from the destructive impacts of the mining industry.

Only late last year, cattle graziers and community groups made use of these rights to object to the massive Alpha Coal Project in Central Queensland.  The mine’s approval was subsequently rejected by the Land Court due to uncertainty around groundwater impacts, despite having received environmental approval from the state and federal governments.

Under the new laws introduced by the Newman Government, there cannot be any objection or Land Court review of large mining projects, such as the Alpha Coal Project, where the Coordinator General is satisfied that the environmental impacts of the mine have been adequately addressed. Who is the Coordinator General? A government-appointed official charged with promoting the development of large-scale resource projects in Queensland.  Worryingly, no one can challenge his decision.

In fact, under the new laws, the average Queensland citizen and broader community are barred from objecting to all but a scant minority of mining projects that the government, unacceptably, has yet to categorise.  Refer to this article by barristers Stephen Keim and Alex McKean for an excellent overview of the situation.  For a more detailed analysis, refer to this article by law lecturer and barrister Chris McGrath.

This erosion of long-standing community rights is unjustifiable and undemocratic.

Please sign and demand that Minister Cripps and Premier Newman reinstate the rights of Queenslanders to object to the approval of mining leases and environmental authorities and to have their objections heard in a fair and just manner in the Queensland Land Court.

The Basin Sustainability Alliance (BSA) is a not-for-profit organisation representing landholders, community groups and individuals with serious concerns about the unrestrained development of the resources industry across Queensland and the associated environmental, health and social impacts.

Support the BSA by becoming a member or donating to the BSA fighting fund.  All donations can be forwarded to: Basin Sustainability Alliance, PO Box 180, Dalby, 4405.