A small ceremonial fire has been alight for over 1,300 days in the Wangan and Jagalingou (W&J) Country of central Queensland, symbolizing a protest against the Carmichael coal mine, a project mired in controversy for more than four years. This mine, owned by Indian energy company Adani (locally known as Bravus), is located on traditional lands and threatens the sacred Doongmabulla Springs, which are considered vital to the community's cultural identity and survival.
Leading the movement are Adrian Burragubba and his son Coedie McAvoy, who argue that the mine jeopardizes their land's sacredness and their ancestral heritage. “That country is the roadmap to my history,” Adrian states, highlighting the spiritual significance of the land.
Scientists, including hydrogeologist Prof Matthew Currell, have voiced concerns about environmental impacts, noting hydrocarbon detection in spring waters that seems linked to the mine's operations. His studies suggest that mining activities could affect groundwater sustainability more severely than anticipated, prompting calls for a reassessment of the mine’s approval.
The Australian government previously imposed a ban on underground mining due to these concerns but Adani is contesting this in court. Despite accusations from Adani regarding bias against coal, an independent review deemed the company’s groundwater models unreliable.
The mining project has polarized the community, with some families accepting deals from Adani while others feel their cultural rights have been overshadowed. Jackie Broderick, a W&J woman, expressed her pain over how division has torn families apart.
The historic struggle for land rights comes into play with past injustices such as the 1915 Aboriginal Protection Act, which led to forced removals. Though the W&J filed Native Title claims, they faced challenges in asserting their rights, leading to a dismissal in 2021 regarding their connection to the land, a ruling they are now seeking to appeal.
Adrian is now pursuing legal action under the state's Human Rights Act, believing that the mining activities violate his community's rights to maintain their cultural practices. This ongoing legal battle, he hopes, may pave the way for other Indigenous communities seeking to protect their cultural heritage.
His persistence is evident even in the face of bankruptcy due to previous court battles. "Without the water, we're all dead. Without land, we've got nothing," Adrian emphasizes, as the W&J community continues to fight for their sacred springs against the looming operations of the Carmichael coal mine.
