The Wangan and Jagalingou community in Queensland is embroiled in a conflict with the Carmichael coal mine, as they seek to protect the culturally significant Doongmabulla Springs from potential ecological harm. Scientific studies suggest that mining activities may be compromising the springs' water quality, raising concerns among the community and environmentalists alike, as legal battles continue over land rights and mining operations.
Indigenous Struggle to Safeguard Sacred Springs from Coal Mining Threat
Indigenous Struggle to Safeguard Sacred Springs from Coal Mining Threat
An Indigenous Australian community defends its sacred land against the encroachment of a controversial coal mining operation.
A small ceremonial fire has been alight for over 1,300 days on a stretch of land known as Wangan and Jagalingou Country in central Queensland, symbolizing ongoing resistance against one of Australia's most contentious coal mining projects—the Carmichael mine. The mine, operated by Indian energy corporation Adani, now known locally as Bravus, threatens the sacred Doongmabulla Springs, a water source deeply significant to the Indigenous Wangan and Jagalingou (W&J) people.
Adrian Burragubba and his son Coedie McAvoy lead an unwavering fight to protect their ancestral land, asserting that the mine threatens not just the environment, but their cultural heritage. "That country is the roadmap to my history and knowledge about who I am & my ancestors," Burragubba reflects, highlighting the vital connection between land and identity for Indigenous Australians.
The Doongmabulla Springs are essential to the region's ecosystem, sustaining life in the otherwise dry landscape. This water source is part of a larger underground water system above the Galilee Basin, which harbors vast reserves of coal—over 30 billion tonnes. Concerns have been raised by scientists, such as Griffith University's Professor Matthew Currell, about the ecological impact of mining, particularly after hydrocarbon traces were detected within the spring waters. Currell warns that evidence increasingly suggests greater adverse effects on groundwater than previously anticipated, signaling urgent need for reevaluation of the mine's approvals.
In 2023, independent reviews by Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, found that Bravus's groundwater impact assessments were flawed, leading to a government-mandated halt on intended underground operations. Bravus has since challenged these restrictions legally, insisting that it has adhered to all environmental regulations and that the springs remain safe from their current and future mining activities. However, ongoing concerns persist within the community, as the impact of mining on their sacred water remains uncertain.
This conflict has polarized public opinion in Australia for nearly a decade. The Carmichael mine presents economic benefits, touted for generating jobs and boosting local exports, but it faces significant opposition from Indigenous groups and environmental activists alike. As Australia continues to be one of the world's leading coal exporters, the mine's demand contrasts sharply with the push for greener energy alternatives.
Internal community divisions have emerged from the mine's approval. Following the Queensland government's decision to proceed without unanimous Indigenous consent, some W&J family groups signed agreements with Adani, seeking to negotiate benefits from the project. Others, like Coedie, lament the rift caused by the agreement, stating, "Mining is God in this country. One mine has divided a whole nation."
Historical injustices continue to shape the landscape of land rights for Indigenous Australians. The 1915 Aboriginal Protection Act forcibly removed many W&J members from their land and disrupted cultural practices. The Native Title Act of 1993 gave limited rights to Aboriginal people, including negotiation capabilities with industries that affect their ancestral lands. However, the W&J people's 2004 Native Title claim was eventually dismissed, depriving them of essential consultation power over mining activities.
Currently, Adrian is pursuing a judicial review in Queensland's Supreme Court, claiming that the Carmichael mine violates the human rights of his community by threatening their sacred site. His fight is bolstered by Section 28 of the state's Human Rights Act, which affirms Indigenous rights to cultural practices and land connection. This high-profile case may establish important legal precedents for protecting Indigenous cultures across Australia.
Despite the turmoil of bankruptcy, prior legal defeats, and community tensions, Adrian and Coedie remain steadfast in their commitment to defend their water and land. As Adrian powerfully asserts, "Without the water, we're all dead. Without land, we've got nothing." As tensions mount, the verdict on their human rights challenge remains pending, with significant implications for Indigenous rights and environmental conservation in Australia.
