What’s happening?
The Queensland Land Court will begin hearing on 21 July into the challenge by the Australian Conservation Foundation and Mackay Conservation Group against Whitehaven Coal’s Winchester South mine proposal in the Bowen Basin. The environmental groups are asking the court to recommend that no mining lease or environmental authority be granted. The Winchester South project is described as Australia’s largest proposed new coal project.
Why it matters?
The groups argue the mine would cause serious environmental and human rights impacts. Adam Beeson, ACF’s legal counsel, said, “If it goes ahead as planned, over its lifetime, Whitehaven’s Winchester South mine would produce more climate pollution than every source in Australia does in a year. Although the Winchester coal would be burnt overseas, it would supercharge bushfires, heatwaves, coral bleaching and other extreme weather events here at home. Approving a mine to produce coal that will be burnt beyond 2050 is completely reckless when the world needs to cut emissions quickly.”
Local impact
The mine is planned for the Bowen Basin and would affect local land and water resources. Large amounts of water would be taken from the Isaac floodplain and groundwater aquifers. Wildlife habitat, including areas home to koalas, greater gliders, the Australian painted snipe, the ornamental snake and squatter pigeon, would be destroyed. Imogen Lindenberg, climate campaigner from Mackay Conservation Group, said, “The science is crystal clear: Australia – and the world – needs to cut climate pollution as fast as possible to avoid the worst-case climate scenarios. It’s time for a serious plan to help the Central Queensland region transition away from coal. We deserve good jobs, strong communities and a safe climate.”
By the numbers
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Six mine pits are planned to extract up to 17 million tonnes of thermal and metallurgical coal each year for 28 years.
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The mine would generate at least 583 million tonnes of climate pollution, more than the entire annual emissions of Australia.
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At least 2,000 hectares of wildlife habitat would be destroyed.
Zoom in
ACF and MCG are represented in court by the Environmental Defenders Office. Their case focuses on methane emissions from the Bowen Basin and the impacts on endangered species. The groups say methane releases from projects like this are already underreported, and more mining will only worsen the problem.
Zoom out
The hearing takes place amid global pressure to cut emissions. Burning coal beyond 2050, according to the groups, clashes with international climate goals. Australia is facing increasing scrutiny over how quickly it can transition from coal, and cases like this highlight the tension between economic interests and environmental commitments.
What to look for next?
The Land Court will consider arguments over the coming weeks. Its recommendation will shape whether Whitehaven Coal can move forward with its Winchester South project or not. The outcome will be closely watched by communities across Queensland and beyond.
