Bundaberg’s $4bn industry at centre of major government decision

The proposed Fox ‘coal mine’ has been officially rejected by the LNP state government, bringing certainty for locals who feared it would threaten Bundaberg’s $4 billion ag industry.

The proposed coal mine would have been located in the Bundaberg region, sparking concerns over impacts to agriculture, water, and the environment.

The proposed Fox Coal mine in the Bundaberg region has been officially rejected by the LNP state government, in what’s been hailed as a major victory for the community.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Integrity Deb Frecklington confirmed the decision on Monday, saying she believed the application was not in the public interest.

She said the rejection followed a thorough Public Interest Evaluation Report prepared by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development.

“During the assessment process, many significant community concerns were raised about the potential impacts of a future coal mine on
the region’s agricultural industry, water resources, environmental values, liveability, and tourism industry.”

Executive director, Fox Resources, Bruce Garlick.

 
Fox Resources on Tuesday slammed the decision, arguing the project would have delivered hundreds of local jobs, boosted Indigenous employment and injected millions into the regional economy.

Executive Chairman Bruce Garlick said they were disappointed.

“We have actively engaged with the Bundaberg and Wide Bay community, including through the Bundaberg Regional Reference Group, and “provided evidence there will be no impacts on local agriculture or water users from our activities, Mr Garlick said.

He reminded people of Bundaberg’s low unemployment rate, saying residents currently working in the mining industry needed to travel to work on other sites, whereas they could simply be driving to work as normal.

“New projects such as Fox Resources’ are urgently needed to create new jobs and investment and we are disappointed that Bundaberg will be denied this opportunity.

“The unprecedented decision to not allow the metallurgical coal resource to be further explored through an MDL will only bolster those who are opposed to any resource development in any part of Queensland.
“An MDL is not a mine and any proposal for a mine would require a separate, comprehensive environmental impact statement process with assessment by both the Queensland and Australian Governments.”
The Fox Resources’ project had the potential to generate 200 high-paying local jobs, employ 20 apprentices every year and boost Indigenous employment with an Indigenous employment target of 20 per cent, injecting an estimated $45 million a year into the local economy, another Fox Resources spokesman said.
“With local government rates increasing and the need for new infrastructure in the region, an underground, steel-making coal mine would have created more jobs, increased rate revenue and generated more coal royalties to fund new schools and hospitals.

“The Company reserves its right to consider all available options, including potential legal action, to protect its rights.”

Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said the decision was made in the public interest after significant community concerns were raised.

 
LNP Burnett MP Stephen Bennett, who has long campaigned against the project, praised the outcome as “people power at its finest”.

“This is a major win for our community and our region,” he said.

“This is the right decision for the region’s agricultural industry, water resources, environmental values, liveability, and tourism industry.

“I stood with our community from the very beginning and advocated at the highest levels of government on both sides of politics. The former Labor government had four years to resolve this and failed.”

Mr Bennett thanked those who fought the project, “to all those who have been vocal, passionate, and deeply committed to protecting what matters most”.

“Thank you to each and every person who took the time to speak up, write submissions, and raise your voices.”

He said the decision showed “when we stand together and speak up, we can help shape outcomes that put people, land, and the public interest first”.

LNP Burnett MP Stephen Bennett sponsored a parliamentary petition posted by the Moore Park Beach Action Group calling for the state government to prevent Fox Resources from commencing operations in MDL 3040.

The mine proposal was mired in controversy from the start, with concerns raised about its potential impacts on Bundaberg’s $4 billion agriculture industry and pristine water catchments.

The application process spanned multiple years, with environmental groups, farmers, and tourism operators united in their opposition.

Fox Coal’s proposal had included exploratory drilling and the potential for a full-scale mining operation.
It faced intense scrutiny under Queensland’s Mineral Development Licence framework, which required public interest considerations to be factored into any final approval.

The rejection now brings certainty for locals who feared the mine could threaten the region’s reputation as a clean, green food bowl and sought-after tourism destination.