Full Breakdown
Queensland Government Moves to Restrict Mining Objections with New 125-km Rule
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On Tuesday the Queensland Resources Minister Dale Last introduced the *Mineral Resources Objections Reform and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026*. The bill would limit formal objections to mining lease applications to landholders or occupiers within 125 kilometres of a proposed mine and replace automatic referrals to the Land Court with a ministerial referral process. It also removes environmental impacts as a standalone ground for objection, directing those concerns to a separate environmental-authority process.
Background and Context
Queensland’s mining approval system has been criticised for lengthy delays. The expansion of the New Acland Coal Mine near Oakey remained uncertain for roughly 15 years, a case the government cites as evidence of a need for faster decisions. Earlier in 2026 the state passed critical-minerals laws that give the government authority to fast-track projects declared “state strategic.” The new objection bill follows a June review of mining-rehabilitation financial safeguards and an August parliamentary vote on those fast-track powers.
Data and Statistics
- 125 km radius: limit for who may lodge a formal objection.
- 15 years: duration of uncertainty surrounding the New Acland expansion.
Official Statements & Responses
- Minister Last said the existing system left projects such as New Acland without certainty for almost 15 years and linked the reforms to efforts to attract data-centre and mining investment.
- Chris McGrath, barrister and adjunct professor at the University of Queensland, warned that the changes could “undermine the approvals system” and reduce protection for landholders, especially community groups that have previously helped mitigate legal costs in long-running disputes.
Criticism and Opposition
- David Vonhoff, president of the Oakey Coal Action Alliance and a Brymaroo dairy farmer, described the bill as “very disturbing,” arguing it silences people who produce food while allowing mining interests to dictate terms.
- Lock the Gate Alliance, which opposed the New Acland expansion, called the legislation a “death sentence for our climate” and said it strips farmers’ rights to challenge large mining corporations.
- Maiwar Greens MP Michael Berkman accused the Liberal-National Party government of delivering a “fossil-fuel free-for-all” that favors industry over community and environmental safeguards.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is another step of this current government in really hacking at the safety net of laws that protect Queenslanders from bad development,” — Dr McGrath.
- “I will always stand up for opportunities for anyone who wants to invest in Queensland, even if they are our political opponents,” — Premier David Crisafulli.
What’s Next
The bill will be debated in Queensland Parliament and opened to public consultation. If passed, the new objection framework will take effect before the next mining-lease cycle, reshaping how communities and environmental groups can engage with mining approvals in the state.