Deb Frecklington dodges questions as Bundaberg coal mine decision delayed

The state government remains tight-lipped on a controversial plan to explore the possibility of a new coal mine in the Wide Bay region.

Tom Smith and Cristel Simmonds discuss an upcoming protest against the Fox Resources coal mine.

Fox Resources is pushing ahead with its application for an exploration licence under the new state government, despite Labor’s previous rejection of the proposal.
The mining company is now seeking approval from the current administration for MDL 3040, even as the community remains steadfast in its opposition, fearing the project could lead to a coal mine in the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Bundaberg MP Tom Smith has reiterated calls for the state government to make a final decision following a shift in ministerial responsibility for the matter.

Mr Smith said correspondence from former Resources Minister Dale Last confirmed the matter had been referred to Attorney-General Deb Frecklington following advice from the Integrity Commission.

The bounds of MDL 3040.

 While he welcomed the move as the correct procedural step, he said the community needed a decision without further delay.

“Twice it was the Palaszczuk government and then the Miles government that said MDL 3040 was not in the best interests of this community socially, economically, and environmentally,” Mr Smith said.

“We know that Fox Resources continue to challenge not only the government but the overwhelming sentiment of the community.

“Local stakeholders have made it very clear we do not want MDL 3040 here because we know that the next step is a coal mine in the middle of what is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.”
Cristel Simmonds, an advocate for the Coal Free Bundaberg campaign, echoed concerns the process had been drawn out for too long and called on the government to act.

“This has been ongoing for more than four years now,” she said.
“I feel like Fox is dragging us along and we do deserve a decision.

“It’s not just about me and my family and the land that I reside on. This is a whole-of-community issue. There are so many people that will be affected by this outcome.

“Coal Free Bundaberg is calling a peaceful protest on March 1 at Buss Park.
“Please come along, learn a little bit more, and know what you can do to help your community.”

Tom Smith and Cristel Simmonds

Mr Smith said he and Burnett MP Stephen Bennett had worked together on the issue, submitting joint petitions and attending community hearings.
However, he warned that Fox Resources had indicated support for the LNP’s broader approach to coal in Queensland, and urged the government to ensure the application was rejected.

LNP Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett sponsored a parliamentary petition posted by the Moore Park Beach Action Group calling for the Qld government to prevent Fox Resources from commencing operations in MDL 3040 in 2023.

“We all know that whether it’s council or local state MPs here in Bundaberg, Fox Resources does not have support from those local elected officials,” he said.

“Now, of course, we know an MDL does not mean a mining license is then guaranteed. But why else are Fox Resources here?
“They want to start a coal mine in Bundaberg.

“Let’s end it now. Let’s kill the conversation.”

A spokeswoman for the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity 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.’
Bruce Garlick, executive director at Fox Resources said they had worked through a Bundaberg Regional Reference Group (RRG) for more than a year.

The RRG was formed after a public expression of interest process.
Local elected representatives were invited to participate in the RRG and provide comment on its terms of reference.

The RRG is filled with representatives from local agriculture, small business, water users, traditional owners and labour, including representatives of Bundaberg Canegrowers, Sunwater, Bundaberg & District Chamber of Commerce, Mining and Energy Union – Queensland District, Port Curtis Coral Coast Trust and the Coastal Burnett Groundwater Management Area Advisory Committee.

“Prior to the formation of the RRG, Fox Resources commissioned a survey of more than 500 Bundaberg residents,” he said.
“The survey found more than half would support a political candidate that ensured the decision on the project was free of political interference.”

Mr Garlick said Fox Resources intended to drill five bore holes for exploration purposes and conduct technical studies in accordance with government regulations.

“These activities have minimal impact and will be conducted in accordance with the highest environmental and regulatory standards,” he said.

“As stated by former Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham: “An MDL (Mineral Development Licence) is not a mine and does not provide any right to mine.
“What an MDL does is allow activities relating to mineral exploration and development such as drilling, seismic surveys, mining feasibility studies, metallurgical exploration, and environmental engineering and design studies.”

Originally published as Deb Frecklington dodges questions as Bundaberg coal mine decision delayed