Doongmabulla Springs case proceeds to civil trial in Queensland's Supreme Court

Doongmabulla Springs case proceeds to civil trial in Queensland's Supreme CourtBy Liam O'Connell and Yasmine Wright GrittinsABC Tropical NorthTopic:Sacred SitesWed 11 MarWednesday 11 MarchWed 11 Mar 2026 at 5:00amAdrian Burragubba and fellow Wangan and Jagalingou men on traditional lands near a Carmicheal mine site. (Supplied: Nagana Yarrbayn Wangan and Jagalingou Cultural Custodians)In short:Claims the Queensland government failed to adequately protect a sacred site in Central Queensland will be heard in the Supreme Court.The Nagana Yarrbayn Wangan and Jagalingou Cultural Custodians started legal action against the state government in 2024.What's next:A trial date is yet to be set.abc.net.au/news/doongmabulla-springs-trial-proceeds-to-qld-supreme-court/106440126Link copiedShareShare articleA legal stoush over the Queensland government's role in protecting a sacred site in Queensland's Galilee Basin will proceed to trial in the Supreme Court.The Nagana Yarrbayn Wangan and Jagalingou Cultural Custodians began legal action against the state government two years ago, alleging the Environment Department had not done enough to protect the Doongmabulla Springs.The springs, between Mackay and Winton in central Queensland, form a group of wetlands near the Carmichael River and are regarded as a sacred site.The Doongmabulla Springs are an artesian springs complex. (Supplied: Tom Jefferson (Lock the Gate))The custodians were concerned work at the Carmichael coal mine had impacted the water level and quality at the springs, and called for the alleged damages to be investigated.In January, the full bench of Queensland's Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the cultural custodians' appeal, giving the government 28 days to decide if it would seek leave to appeal to the High Court.That deadline has now passed.Next fight looms after Qld government loses appeal in battle for sacred springsWangan and Jagalingou peoples await the state government's next move after a win in their fight to have alleged damage to a sacred site near a mine in Central Queensland investigated.In a statement, senior cultural custodian Adrian Burragubba said the traditional custodians were pleased the matter would be heard in court.He alleged the state government failed to uphold its environmental responsibilities."They issued the environmental protection conditions on the mine, they refused to act on the evidence of harm, and spent two years trying to shut us down," Mr Burragubba said.Queensland's Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation declined to comment.Bravus Mining and Resources — the owner of the Carmichael coal mine — is not a party to any legal proceedings and the ABC is not alleging any wrongdoing.'Huge breakthrough' for human rights recognitionWith no further appeal sought, the cultural custodians said the Court of Appeal's judgment had confirmed Aboriginal cultural rights were enforceable under Queensland law."This is a huge breakthrough," Mr Burragubba said.The traditional owners of the land are concerned work at the Carmichael coal mine has impacted the water level and quality at the springs. (Supplied)After the judgment, the Queensland Human Rights Commission, an intervener in the appeal, said the decision provided clarity on when and how human rights should be considered.Under the Queensland Human Rights Act, the commission can present independent advice in a court case that concerns human rights issues."The Court of Appeal's decision recognises that human rights protected by the Human Rights Act are real and enforceable," Queensland Human Rights Commissioner Debbie Platz said."There should be greater legal clarity and fewer technical legal barriers in similar matters."The trial will proceed in the Supreme Court, with hearing dates yet to be confirmed.Posted Wed 11 Mar 2026 at 5:00amWednesday 11 Mar 2026 at 5:00amWed 11 Mar 2026 at 5:00amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesTrump warns Europe of 'very bad future' as US demands help with shipping crisisTopic:Unrest, Conflict and WarNetwork hit with licence conditions after Kyle and Jackie O breachesTopic:RadioSydney Swans take responsibility for Bondi tribute script changeTopic:Royal CommissionsPaul Keating says Defence is trying to 'vandalise the national estate' as many fight land saleTopic:Defence IndustryDavid Speirs says he is 'owning' his drug conviction as he chases a return to officeTopic:Political CandidatesRelated storiesNext fight looms after Qld government loses appeal in battle for sacred springsTopic:Sacred SitesAdani launches attack on scientists who revealed evidence of mining risks to protected ancient springsTopic:Mining Environmental IssuesTraditional owners of Adani mine site take legal action against Queensland government over sacred springsTopic:Indigenous PolicyRelated topicsClermontMackayRockhamptonSacred SitesTownsvilleTop StoriesTrump warns Europe of 'very bad future' as US demands help with shipping crisisTopic:Unrest, Conflict and WarNetwork hit with licence conditions after Kyle and Jackie O breachesTopic:RadioSydney Swans take responsibility for Bondi tribute script changeTopic:Royal CommissionsPaul Keating says Defence is trying to 'vandalise the national estate' as many fight land saleTopic:Defence IndustryDavid Speirs says he is 'owning' his drug conviction as he chases a return to officeTopic:Political CandidatesJust InTrump warns Europe of 'very bad future' as US demands help with shipping crisisTopic:Unrest, Conflict and War55m ago55 minutes agoMon 16 Mar 2026 at 3:41pmTeenager pleads not guilty to murder over alleged role in fatal stabbingTopic:Courts7h ago7 hours agoMon 16 Mar 2026 at 8:51am'We don't talk about it enough': Mum makes emotional return to Super NetballAnalysis by Brittany Carter8h ago8 hours agoMon 16 Mar 2026 at 7:58amFar North Queensland father jailed for 14 years for killing five-year-old sonTopic:Child Abuse8h ago8 hours agoMon 16 Mar 2026 at 7:41amMore Just InBack to top