The Bimblebox Nature Refuge in central Queensland is an idyllic forest in the Desert Uplands that provides a home for 141 bird species and provides an example of how cattle production and environmental protection can co-exist.

In 2000, the 8000ha area was purchased by individuals with assistance from the Australian National Reserve System program, and in 2003 a nature refuge agreement was signed with the Queensland Government in order to protect the conservation values of this land in perpetuity. It should be a happily ever after story, but sadly, the people who have invested so much money, love and care into protecting and restoring this conservation area are now facing the prospect of watching it be destroyed by a coal mine.

You can help protect this nature refuge by writing a submission to the Queensland Government.

Nature Refuge agreements are voluntary agreements, entered into by landholders who want to ensure the long-term survival of environmentally significant areas, and yet they are currently not protected from mining. Bimblebox's future is hanging in the balance, and the approval of this mine will not only destroy 8000 ha of important habitat, it will also set a dangerous precedent for allowing mining on nature refuges across Queensland.

Write a submission to the Coordinator General today to voice your support for the protection of Bimblebox and other Nature Refuges in Queensland. Submissions close December 19th.