Queensland's Liberal National Party opposition has accused the state government of jeopardising the multi-billion dollar Carmichael coal mine by "opening the door" to further environmental legal challenges.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirmed on ABC Radio on Thursday that the government would require Adani to comply with Labor's new groundwater approval laws.
Shadow minister for mines and northern development Andrew Cripps said that would expose Adani, which has already faced numerous legal challenges, to likely further court action.
"Annastacia Palaszczuk has opened the door to green activists and third parties launching further rounds of legal challenges and appeals that will jeopardise the delivery of much-needed jobs and investment to the region," he said.
Outgoing QRC chief executive Michael Roche said he was sure Adani would pass the requirements in the new laws, but was worried the laws may allow green groups to hold up the project further.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"(This legislation) would provide opportunities for motivated activists, and we know that they have a track record of using those legal opportunities," he said.
Mr Cripps said the legislation would create uncertainty in the sector.
"Labor has reluctantly declared Adani Carmichael mine as a 'critical infrastructure project', yet they continue to shift the goal posts, fuelling further uncertainty in the region and the wider resources sector by subjecting the project to a double-jeopardy assessment and approvals process." Mr Cripps said in a statement.
It comes after revelations the group behind court action over Adani's $21 billion Carmichael mine was receiving funding from US-based philanthropic groups.
The project has been held up several times due to court challenges, and has five current actions before various courts.
