Controversial mine casts shadow over future of QLD ‘fruit bowl’
A controversial mine casts a long shadow over the future of Bundaberg’s fruit bowl.
Bundaberg
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A controversial mining project on Bundaberg’s doorstep has hit another snag.
More than a year after the first anti-coal protests on the streets of Bundaberg, the state government has revealed its view on a DA for a coking mine near “the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef”.
Fox Resources is behind the controversial mineral development licence application (MDL 3040) which has received fierce backlash from locals.
The proposed site spans about 7,800 hectares of residential and agricultural land, nestled between the Burnett and Kolan Rivers, and is regarded as one of Queensland’s largest fruit bowls.
In February of this year, a spokesman from Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity, Deb Frecklington’s office, said Fox Resources provided written submissions to the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development on November 14, 2024, and January 31, 2025, which were ‘being considered.’
A statement from Ms Frecklington released on Tuesday said the Government’s preliminary view was the application was not in the public interest.
Member for Bundaberg, Tom Smith said he, and Liberal MP Stephen Bennett, had both thrown their weight behind opponents of the mine, and voiced concerns over the amount of preliminary assessments the proposal had passed through.
He said the latest assessment was the third preliminary decision since October 2019 when the application was first submitted by Fox Resources.
“It’s a kick in the guts,” he said.
“We were expecting a final decision.”
While acting as Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Labour MP Grace Grace also said the application was not in the interest of the community.
Ms Grace replaced Scott Stewart, then Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, over possible conflicts of interest.
The former minister, Mr Stewart, first rejected the application in 2022, which was overturned by the Supreme Court in 2023.
The latest preliminary assessment made by Ms Frecklington comes after Dale Last, the Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development, was replaced to address a potential conflict of interest.
Bruce Garlick, executive director at Fox Resources said they had received the latest review from the Attorney-General and are seeking advice.
“Fox Resources continues to consult closely with the Bundaberg and Wide Bay community regarding its MDL 3040 application, to drill five bore holes for exploration purposes and conduct some technical studies” he said.
Mr Smith said he was worried the latest decision would allow Fox Resources to make a second appeal to the Supreme Court.
“How many preliminary views do we need?” he said.
Cristel Simmonds, a spokesperson for Coal Free Bundaberg, said while the process had been frustratingly slow and drawn out, she was pleased with the Attorney General’s latest ruling, though she said it was not the first time they had received the same response.
“It’s the third time a ‘not in the public interest’ preliminary view has been announced.
“What the public needs most is a definite decision; we are seeking certainty and finality.
“This coal project must be rejected once and for all so we can get on with our lives and continue enjoying this beautiful, coal free part of Queensland,” she said.
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