Fox Resources Bundaberg coal mine rejected by Qld Government

After months of back and forth with a leading Australian mining company, the State Government has finally announced its decision on the proposed Bundaberg coal mine.

Environmental impacts on agriculture, water supply and marine life are the reasons behind the State Government’s rejection of an application for a coal mine near Bundaberg.

Fox Resources submitted the application for an MDL in 2019, prompting some residents to speak out against the mine.

Speaking in Bundaberg on Tuesday, Resources Minister Scott Stewart said he took the public’s concerns into consideration when making his decision.

“It doesn’t stack up environmentally, agriculturally and particularly, socially,” Mr Stewart said.

“We know the impacts of this are huge for this particular region.”

Labor says no to a Bundaberg coal mine. (From left) Bundaberg Labor MP Tom Smith, macadamia grower Geoff Chivers and Resources Minister Scott Stewart at Welcome Creek.

In November 2021, Mr Stewart wrote to Fox Resources to give them the opportunity to demonstrate how they could resolve or offset the public’s concerns.

“We heard a lot of community sentiment about this,” Mr Stewart said.

“They could not convince me that they were able to address community sentiment, and because of those processes, I’ve arrived at this particular decision.

“You just need to look around where we’re standing. It’s just such a rich culture agriculturally, we were concerned about those impacts.”

Mr Stewart also touched on the importance of Bundaberg’s turtles and the proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.

“Mon Repos is known, not just around Australia, but around the world for its significance as a turtle hatchery, so these things figure in to our determination as well.”

Labor MP Tom Smith said he welcomed the decision, after hearing of the many community concerns around the possible introduction of a coal mine so close to a tourist destination.

“We know tourists want to come to a pristine environment that is the Bundaberg region,” Mr Smith said.

“They want to enjoy to coastline, they want to enjoy the agribusiness and agritourism space that is now on offer in this region.

“We know that a coal mine would turn people away from that.

“It’s about what’s the right thing for our community, what’s the right thing in the public interest.”

Macadamia grower Geoff Chivers shows Resources Minister Scott Stewart and Bundaberg MP Tom Smith how to open a macadamia.

Burnett MP Stephen Bennett said he was deeply opposed to the coal mine and welcomed the decision to protect the region's thriving agricultural community.

“This is a huge win for people power, our agriculture industry, and the environment,” Mr Bennett said in a statement.

“From the very beginning I joined forces with the community to send a clear message to the State Government.

“The message being: over my dead body will I stand by and watch while precious agricultural land is targeted for mining. I made it clear that in no uncertain terms would I allow any decision in favour of the MDL 3040.

“It would have not only threatened one of Australia’s largest food producing areas, but the large underground aquifers and the pristine local environment.”

While pleased with the outcome, Mr Bennett slammed the government for the amount of time it took to reject the proposal.

“While I am pleased the Resources Minister finally listened to our calls for a common-sense decision, there is no doubt this lengthy wait has cost our local agricultural industry,” Mr Bennett said.

“I find it absolutely appalling that the State Government gave this MDL breathing space for over two years. The Bundaberg region deserves better. While a huge thanks must go to all those who fought this MDL. I am extremely proud of our region and community, thank you for your determination, passion and courage.”

The area near Bundaberg that Fox Resources Ltd wanted to explore for coal.

One grower who fought the MDL, Welcome Creek macadamia farmer Geoff Chivers, said the announcement was a relief for growers.

“It’s a great step forward for us and a great confidence booster that this coal mine licence has not been approved,” Mr Chivers said.

“Our major concerns with a coal mine in this district were the supply of irrigation water here, the coal mine could have affected the aquifers under us, while we have surface water here from Paradise Dam.

“A lot of our growers are still reliant on the water aquifer and it’s very encouraging now that this mine has been knocked back.

“The macadamia industry now in Bundaberg is the largest in Australia.

“It gives us more confidence to go forward and do what we do best and that is grow the region with job security and export dollars coming into Australia.”

Originally published as Fox Resources Bundaberg coal mine rejected by Qld Government