It is reported that environmentalists are concerned about the impact of proposed coal mines in Queensland's central west.

The Mackay Conservation Group said that mining leases cover the entire Galilee Basin, north of Alpha and Barcaldine. The group is holding a public meeting in Alpha to discuss the concerns.

Ms Patricia Julien of Mackay Conservation Group said that mining puts many woodland species at risk. She added that "If we have extensive clearing, if you have clearing of up to 70% of an area, and that could happen over time, in this region, you'll see extinction of most of your bird species, and that's happened down in Victoria. We want to get some regional studies done by the Government so that doesn't happen."

Ms Julien said that land owners may be reluctant to turn their properties into nature refuges if they do not have certainty of protection. She added that "Bimblebox Nature Refuge in particular has mining exploration permit over the whole of it, it's totally underlain by coal within 30 metres of the surface. So if that happens people don't really have surety over their property, they're reluctant to put money into it, those kinds of things, they need to know that our protected areas really are protected."

(Sourced from www.abc.net.au)