The Doongmabulla Springs in central Queensland is shaping as the next obstacle in the way of Indian energy company Adani gaining approval for its controversial $2 billion Carmichael mine.

As the miner claims an independent review of its management plan for the black-throated finch had an "anti-coal basis", Adani now fears the Queensland government will commission an external review on the groundwater plans that should delay the issue past the federal election in May.