WCC Standing Against Queensland Mining Bill

The Whitsunday Conservation Council have gathered outside the Whitsunday electorate office in Proserpine once again, in an effort to protest a proposed mining legislation the group warns would restrict communities’ rights to challenge projects in court.

At the Tuesday 20th October protest, the group called on Parliament to reject the Mineral Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026, arguing it would leave affected residents with fewer avenues to raise objections.

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The Mineral Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 seeks to streamline mining lease and related environmental approvals by reducing delays, duplication and costs. However, the Whitsunday Conservation Council argues its proposed limits on who can object and which objections reach the Land Court would weaken communities’ ability to challenge projects that could affect them.

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“This is yet another disgraceful power grab by the government, which will make it easier for billion-dollar companies to fast-track risky projects that could have far-reaching environmental consequences,” said Whitsundays Conservation Council President Tony Fontes.  

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“This bill dramatically restricts which members of the community can object to mining projects, including by limiting objection rights to people who own or occupy land within a 125km radius of the mine site, as well as Native Title holders covered by Federal law.  

“These measures severely limit the ability of Queenslanders to protect their local communities and ecosystems from potentially devastating mining projects.”

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At the centre of the council’s concerns is the proposed 125-kilometre boundary on who can object, claiming it fails to account for mining impacts that can reach further afield, particularly through downstream waterways and greenhouse gas emissions.

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“So basically, it strips us of our right to object to a mine that can and will impact us,” Tony said.

“Take the Great Barrier Reef because a mine in New South Wales creating carbon pollution impacts the Great Barrier Reef, which is in my backyard.

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“And yet I can't say anything about that.”

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Lodging an objection would also no longer automatically trigger a Land Court hearing. The relevant decision-maker could determine the application without referring it to the court, a change WCC President Tony Fontes argues would weaken independent scrutiny.

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In a letter delivered to Amanda Camm’s office during the protest, WCC urged rejection of the bill, retention of broad objection rights and independent Land Court hearings, and removal of the proposed 125-kilometre restriction.

“We appreciate that Amanda can have a look at that and we would encourage her to reject the bill,” said Tony as he handed the letter to Amanda’s office.  

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Responding to the concerns, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm said she would await the parliamentary committee’s recommendations before coming to any decisions.  

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“The Committee is currently reviewing this legislation and stakeholders have had an opportunity to provide submissions,” she said.

“We will wait for the committee’s recommendations, and I will take into consideration the concerns raised by the Whitsunday Conservation Group and stakeholders who have provided feedback.”

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