A RIFT has been exposed in Ipswich City Council's opposition to planned coal mining on the city's outskirts.

The division came to light during discussion in Wednesday's council meeting with Mayor Paul Pisasale saying he was wasn't opposed to the controversial Ebenezer mine reopening.

The mine, near Amberley, is the subject of a legal challenge in the Supreme Court in Brisbane.

The Mayor said that "I don't have an objection to the small Ebenezer mine because it's important to finish the rehabilitation work. It's an eyesore out there and it shouldn't have been left looking like that. But I'm against opening new mines."

Councillor David Pahlke said the reason for the legal action was the fact that mining lease had lapsed for three years before it was renewed.

Cr Pahlke said that "If you got picked up by the cops and they found your driver's licence had expired three years ago they'd throw the book at you.”

"What should have happened is the process should have gone back a few steps to community consultation. I was under the impression Ebenezer was a working mine and I supported it because of that but now I know this I've changed my position."

Meanwhile, councillors are being encouraged to oppose more mining in Rosewood and for the council to be consulted on mining plans.

Planning and development committee chairman Paul Tully said that "We submit that we be involved in every mining application in the city. So there would truly be local community involvement in every decision."

He also said his committee has recommended the council object to the renewal of Mining Development Licence 357 in Rosewood.

(Sourced from www.qt.com.au)