Environmental Impact Sparks Legal Challenge
The Mackay Conservation Group (MCG) has lodged an objection in the Queensland Land Court to stop Glencore’s planned expansion of the Hail Creek coal mine. MCG cites environmental concerns, particularly climate change impacts and habitat destruction, as key reasons for their objection.
Hail Creek is identified as Australia’s most methane-polluting open-cut coal mine. Peer-reviewed studies label it a methane “super emitter,” with emissions estimated to be three to eight times higher than reported to the federal government.
The expansion threatens over 600 hectares of high-quality koala habitat and could release about 70 million tonnes of greenhouse gases. These emissions equate to 15% of Australia’s total annual emissions in 2023.
Emma Barrett, MCG Coordinator, remarked, “The Hail Creek expansion will stoke the climate-change furnace that is heating our planet and will needlessly destroy critical habitat for threatened koalas and squatter pigeons, driving them closer to extinction.”
Legal Representation and Grounds
The Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) represents MCG, challenging the expansion on several grounds. EDO Managing Lawyer Andrew Kwan emphasised, “Our client will argue the project is inconsistent with national and international climate commitments.”
There is no additional monitoring or mitigation proposed for the mine’s substantial methane emissions, which constitute approximately 75% of its Scope 1 emissions.
MCG argues that clearing 680 hectares of bushland, which is home to threatened species like koalas and squatter pigeons, is unacceptable.
Although the Queensland Government initially recommended approval for the expansion, the federal assessment remains pending. The project aims to extend the mine’s operation by three years.
Barrett emphasised, “The International Energy Agency has clearly stated that all coal expansion must stop to avoid catastrophic global heating.” Barrett also noted that existing met-coal production is sufficient to meet demand until 2050, negating the need for new coal mines.
MCG is urging the court to reject this project due to its inconsistency with climate goals and its potential to exacerbate the climate crisis.
Last updated: 20 May 2026, 9:20 am
