On Wangan and Jagalingou territory in central Queensland, the battle to protect Doongmabulla Springs from the controversial Carmichael coal mine intensifies. The local Indigenous community fights for their cultural integrity and environmental security, prompting significant legal and ecological discussions.
Indigenous Australians Stand Firm Against Carmichael Coal Mine Threats to Sacred Springs
Indigenous Australians Stand Firm Against Carmichael Coal Mine Threats to Sacred Springs
A persistent protest led by Indigenous Australians in Queensland highlights the cultural and environmental conflicts surrounding coal mining and sacred sites.
In central Queensland, a small ceremonial fire has been continuously burning on Wangan and Jagalingou (W&J) Country for over 1,300 days, marking a vigilant protest against the Carmichael coal mine, one of Australia’s most contentious mining projects. Owned by the Indian conglomerate Adani, operating locally as Bravus, the mine threatens the Doongmabulla Springs, a sacred water source tied to the identity and culture of the W&J people.
Adrian Burragubba, a community leader, alongside his son Coedie McAvoy, has vehemently opposed this mining venture, perceiving it not only as a fight for land rights but also as a spiritual struggle for cultural preservation. “This country is my history and knowledge,” Adrian states, emphasizing the deep connection between his people and the land.
The Doongmabulla Springs are part of a vast underground water system vital for sustaining the local ecosystem, and there are growing apprehensions about hydrocarbon traces detected in the spring waters, potentially linked to mining operations. Renowned hydrogeologist Prof Matthew Currell, who has studied the area, has raised alarms over these findings which indicate that the ecological impact of the mine could be worse than initially predicted, thereby threatening the quality of spring water.
Following these concerns, the Queensland government has enacted a ban on underground mining operations in the area; however, Adani is challenging this ban in court, asserting compliance with environmental regulations. Despite Adani’s claims, the situation epitomizes a divided community, with conflicts over the mine exacerbating existing rifts among the W&J people.
The approval of the mine has polarized opinions across Australia, serving as a significant flashpoint in the ongoing climate debate, while also raising concerns about Indigenous rights and environmental justice. The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples insists on the necessity of obtaining free, prior, and informed consent for projects affecting Indigenous lands—a framework that has been notably contentious in this case.
Adrian Burragubba’s family maintains that they embody a guardianship role over the water, showcasing a connection that transcends mere resource extraction. Despite facing a legal battle and internal community discord, their resolve remains unyielding. Adrian has taken his fight to the Queensland Supreme Court, arguing that the mining project infringes on the human rights of Indigenous peoples, leveraging Section 28 of the Queensland Human Rights Act to assert their right to cultural practice.
As this case unfolds, it stands as a potential landmark for Indigenous rights and environmental advocacy, echoing across similar struggles faced by First Nations globally. “Without the water, we’re all dead,” Adrian asserts, a poignant reminder of the intimate ties between land, culture, and identity that underpin the community's fight against the Carmichael mine.
