Indian mining giant Adani has cleared a major hurdle for its controversial Carmichael coal mine, with the Queensland government issuing the project with a final environmental permit.
The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) said it had vigorously assessed the environmental authority application and acted on recommendations made by the Land Court.
It has attached about 140 conditions to the approval, including nine conditions relating to the endangered black-throated finch, which environmentalists had argued would be significantly affected by the mine's construction
Environmentalists have already labelled the latest approval a "terrible" decision.
"Climate change will kill the Great Barrier Reef, putting at risk the tens of thousands of local tourism jobs," said Ellen Roberts, Queensland Lead Organiser for GetUp.
Greenpeace also accused the Queensland government of selling out the reef.
"This environmental authority waves through a project that threatens the health of the Great Barrier Reef, which is already suffering from climate change and pollution," Greenpeace Australia's Shani Tager said.
Environmental Defenders Office Queensland Principal Solicitor Sean Ryan said the decision was disappointing given the environmental risks and reduced economic benefits outlined during the Land Court hearing.
But the EHP said it was confident strict conditions, including extra requirements based on the Land Court's recommendations, would ensure the mine didn't pose an unacceptable risk to the environment.
It also said any potential impacts would be closely monitored.
Adani still needs to obtain a mining lease from the Queensland government for the $16.5 billion mine slated for the coal-rich Galilee Basin.
In December, the Land Court found mining leases should be granted when it rejected a legal challenge brought by lobby group Coast and Country.
Although the mine has cleared a number of legal hurdles, Adani is still facing a native title challenge in the federal court.
Wangan and Jagalingou cultural leader Adrian Burragubba has appealed a National Native Title Tribunal decision that allowed the state to issue mining licences for the project without traditional owners' consent.
