Indigenous Australians Continue Struggle to Protect Sacred Springs Amid Coal Mining Controversy

The Wangan and Jagalingou people have maintained a long-standing protest against the Carmichael coal mine in Queensland, led by Adrian Burragubba and his son against a backdrop of ecological concerns and cultural preservation. As the community grapples with the mine's impact on sacred Doongmabulla Springs and the contentious approval process, they face an uphill legal battle and deep divisions within their ranks.

A small ceremonial fire has been burning continuously for over 1,300 days on the Indigenous lands of the Wangan and Jagalingou (W&J) people in central Queensland, Australia. This flame represents a protest ongoing for more than four years against the controversial Carmichael coal mine project, owned by India's Adani group, now operating locally as Bravus. Situated on the ancestral territory of the W&J people, the site has become a focal point of determination for Adrian Burragubba and his son, Coedie McAvoy, who are engaged in a struggle not only for cultural preservation but also for their spiritual existence.

At the center of their opposition is the Doongmabulla Springs, a sacred water source linked to the mythic creation stories of the W&J that signify their connection to the land. The region above the Galilee Basin harbors one of the largest untapped coal reserves globally, containing approximately 30 billion tonnes of coal, and the springs are critical to the ecological health of the wider landscape. Some scientists, including Prof. Matthew Currell of Griffith University, have raised alarms about the ecological vulnerability of the springs amid mining activities, particularly with emerging evidence of hydrocarbons in the water.

Prof. Currell's research, which has undergone peer review, has triggered concerns regarding Bravus's ground and water assessment models. In 2023, a government review led to a ban on the proposed underground mining operations due to uncertainties about its potential impact on the springs, prompting Adani to contest this decision in court. The company maintains that it adheres to environmental regulations and insists there has been no detrimental impact on the sacred site.

The Carmichael mine has polarized public opinion in Australia for nearly a decade, reflecting broader discussions about Indigenous rights and environmental sustainability. While the Queensland government backs the mine for its job creation potential, it has faced criticism for bypassing crucial Indigenous consultations. In a nation where the depletion of sacred sites for resource extraction continues to divide communities, both the historical injustices tied to land rights and contemporary battles remain deeply entwined.

Despite internal divisions within the W&J community—with some family groups having accepted agreements with Adani for community funds—others, like Jackie Broderick, express deep regret over environmental loss. Coedie emphasizes the cultural ramifications, stating, "One mine has divided a whole nation." Adani has countered allegations of unsafe working conditions and employee dissatisfaction, insisting on a commitment to high standards.

The W&J people's journey has also involved legal complexities. Following a 2014 tribunal ruling denying their native title claim, they were stripped of their right to negotiate mining agreements, culminating in a historical decision by a judge in 2021. Yet Adrian and his family have not lost hope, now seeking judicial review under the state’s Human Rights Act aimed at protecting their traditional connection to the land and water.

Facing bankruptcy after previous legal attempts and amidst ongoing court battles, Adrian asserts, “Without the water, we’re all dead. Without the land, we’ve got nothing.” His ongoing case may set a crucial legal precedent for Indigenous communities throughout Australia looking to defend their cultural heritage against increasing industrial encroachment. The Queensland government's request to dismiss Adrian's human rights suit is pending a court decision, as the saga of the W&J people’s fight for their sacred lands continues.