Fox Resources expands planned mine’s Bundaberg Regional Reference Group

Farmers have aired concerns about groundwater as the company behind a proposed mine near Bundaberg promises strict environmental standards and a $45m annual injection into the economy.

Mark Mason, centre (holding poster), with other concerned landholders and locals at therecent emergency meeting at Moorlands.

Concerned residents have met over fears of what a planned mine near Bundaberg might mean for groundwater resources precious to farmers.

The company behind the proposed mine, however, has moved to quell the fears as a reference group meets again tomorrow.

About 30 residents from Moorlands in North Bundaberg convened to voice concerns over Fox Resources’ proposed infrastructure for the coal mine.

The emergency meeting was prompted by a flyer detailing plans for wastewater ponds, coal washing facilities and other structures on a 120ha site near Bundaberg’s CBD.

Resident Lee-Ann Wilson, who lives near the proposed site, expressed fears about the impact on underground water resources vital to the community.

“Everyone who attended our emergency meeting recently was very worried about the threat this coal mine poses to our underground water supplies from the aquifer,” she said.

A neighbouring cattle and macadamia producer Mark Mason echoed Ms Wilson’s concerns.

The regional reference group is part of Fox Resources' community engagement strategy for MDL3040, a mining development lease covering a swath of agricultural land in north Bundaberg.

“This is a highly productive agricultural area with mature macadamia orchards, sugarcane farms and small crops directly within and immediately surrounding the Fox Resources’ proposed site,” he said.

Mr Mason criticised the project for potentially jeopardising local jobs and the region’s agricultural productivity.

“Research has shown that mining activities in farming regions destroy 18 farming jobs for every 10 mining jobs created,” Mr Mason said.

The group urged the Member for Bundaberg, Tom Smith, to advocate against the mining application to protect the region’s agricultural future.

Bundaberg MP Tom Smith gave a letter to Resources Minister Scott Stewart opposing Fox Resources' MDL3040 application.

Mr Smith has rejected the idea of the proposed mine, saying he had already spoken extensively on the topic.

“I recognise the importance of mining, especially the mining of metallurgical coal, but the proposals need to stack up environmentally, socially and economically,” he said.

“My stance has not and will not change.”

Fox Resources maintains that the project will bring significant economic benefits, including 200 jobs, 20 apprenticeships and an estimated $45 million annually for local businesses.

Fox Resources has met with mining workers in Bundaberg to drive messaging about the potential benefits of its coal mine to the local economy.

Fox Resources executive director Bruce Garlick said any mine project could guarantee it was subject to the most stringent environmental controls because the conditions of any approved project would be made by the Queensland and Australian government regulators.

“Fox Resources will be no different,” he said.

“Fox Resources is not at the stage of submitting a proposal for environmental impact statement process, but if the project is to proceed it will have to prepare a full EIS prepared in accordance with terms of reference finalised with community input and that would have to be approved by regulators in Brisbane and Canberra.”

Fox Resources is also shaking up the Bundaberg Regional Reference Group by bringing on board a heavyweight in the water industry — Sunwater’s general manager for Burnett and Lower Mary Darren Large.

SunWater, a government-owned corporation, manages bulk water infrastructure across parts of regional Queensland, serving agricultural, industrial, and urban users.

Another addition has also been made to the group with the appointment of Port Curtis Coral Coast Trust director Shayne Blackman.

The PCCC Trust manages Native Title, future act and cultural heritage matters across Bundaberg, Gladstone and the North Burnett, and represents the Traditional Owners of the First Nations’ Bailai, Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang and Taribelang People Native Title Claim Group.

“We welcome this extra engagement, which will help to ensure we have the best project possible for the benefit of the community, delivering valuable new jobs and other economic benefits while protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable development,” Mr Garlick said.

Following its inaugural meeting on March 21, the group plans to convene again tomorrow, May 22, and subsequently on a quarterly basis or more frequently as needed.

The company also addressed recent concerns, clarifying that no final decision has been made regarding the mine’s location, which is intended to be an underground operation with minimal surface impact.

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Originally published as Fox Resources expands planned mine’s Bundaberg Regional Reference Group