Approval of Queensland coal mine sparks protests

Australian environmental groups have raised concerns following the Queensland state government's decision to approve mining leases for Adani's Carmichael coal mine.

Protesters gathered outside Queensland state parliament on Monday in response to the approvals being granted.

Australian activist group GetUp organizer Ellen Roberts told AAP the government was exaggerating the mine's economic benefits, while playing down the damage it would cause to the Great Barrier Reef.

"We know that the jobs figures for the Adani mine are exaggerating, we know they keep saying 10,000 (or) 5000, but it's much, much less than that and it's been tested in court," Roberts said.

"And yet the lies proliferate."

Queensland state Premier Annastascia Palaszczuk said in a statement on Sunday the move is a major step forward for the project after extensive government and community scrutiny.

"This is a major step forward for this project after extensive government and community scrutiny,"the premier said.

"Some approvals are still required before construction can start, and ultimately committing to the project will be a decision for Adani," Palaszczuk said.

"However, I know the people of north and central Queensland will welcome this latest progress for the potential jobs and economic development it brings closer for their communities.

"At the same time, stringent conditions will continue to protect the environment, landholders'and traditional owners'interests, and our iconic Great Barrier Reef."

The 21.7 billion Australian dollar (16.56 billion U.S. dollar) project in the state's Galilee Basin, operated by Indian company Adani, is the largest in Australian history. Endit