Conservationists challenge Qld coal mine

A new open cut mine in southwest Queensland proposed by Xstrata Coal is facing legal action from environmentalists.

Conservation group Friends of the Earth lodged its objection with the Land Court late on Friday, saying the mine at Wandoan will "contribute to significant and irreversible damage to Queensland's iconic natural heritage".

The mine was granted approval by the Queensland government on February 8, 2011 and will cover 32,000 hectares west of the town.

Dr John Mackenzie from Friends of the Earth said the proposed coal mine will have a negative impact on the state's economy and employment, especially in regions that rely on tourism.

Dr Mackenzie said the recent severe flooding and cyclones should also have raised a red flag about the contribution coal mines have on the environment and on the increasing severity of natural disasters.

"We have only just begun to assess the costs of these events in economic terms," he said.

"Severe storms and freakish weather events such as the 2011 Brisbane floods and severe tropical cyclone Yasi are expected to become more frequent due to warmer ocean waters and the warmer atmosphere caused by human caused climate change, thereby damaging Queensland's infrastructure, cities and towns."

Dr Mackenzie said the proposed mine will be almost double the size of Queensland's current largest coal mine.

"At 30 million tonnes of coal per year, it is among the largest in the southern hemisphere," he said.

Friends of the Earth said it's taking the legal challenge against Xstrata to send the message that it was time to say no to the mine, and prevent further environmental damage to Queensland and the world.

The Environmental Defender's Office, which is acting for Friends of the Earth, has acknowledged it will be a difficult battle.

Solicitor Jo-Anne Bragg said on Monday that it would be a "David and Goliath battle", but one well worth fighting.

"Our small team is proud to support Friends of the Earth Brisbane to make this objection, helping to point the need to transition to an economy based on renewable energy, rather than approving another massive coal mine," Ms Bragg said.

The case will be heard before the Queensland Land Court at a date to be fixed.