Queensland residents protest proposed mining legislation

Residents in Queensland have gathered to protest the Mineral Resources and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026, expressing concerns that the proposed laws will diminish community rights to challenge mining developments. Protesters presented a petition with over 6,000 signatures to MP Andrew Powell, arguing the legislation allows for government overreach and reduces public participation in environmental and community decisions.

The bill proposes restricting formal objection rights to specific landowners and occupiers within 125 kilometres of a proposed mining lease. While MP Andrew Powell defended the reforms as a means to protect jobs and investment from "environmental lawfare," the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has lobbied for even stricter limits. The QRC suggested that the eligibility radius should be reduced from 125 kilometres to 50 kilometres, arguing the current distance is too broad for mining operations.