FARMERS in the Emerald-Springsure 'golden triangle' smell a rat in a surprise decision to approve coal mine projects on strategic cropping land.
The surprise green light from the government provides coal mine proponent Bandanna Energy with terms of reference allowing progress in the development of the Springsure Creek and Arcturus Downs mines.
"The Government dilly-dallied," local landowner Ken Sullivan said.
"And the Bandanna Energy people went hell for leather. Me and a few others, we feel they knew exactly how long they had to get their approval."
Member for Gregory, Vaug-han Johnson agrees.
"Given the aggressive way Bandanna Ener-gy pressed on, they clearly felt they had tacit government ap-proval at a very high level," he said.
Just three weeks ago, a relieved Mr Sullivan welcomed the announcement by Environ-ment Minister Kate Jones of proposed laws to protect strategic cropping land.
Now he is dismayed that the company planning two massive ventures on his land has been given what it calls 'a key piece' in its quest for two mines expected to produce a total of 16 million tonnes of coal a year.
Mr Sullivan challenged the minister to visit the properties affected by her decision.
"She is signing people's lives away," he said. "This land is the best of the best. She should be interested in what is happening."
Mr Johnson accused Ms Jones of playing a two-faced game at the expense of farmers. "The Minister loves to pander to the green vote," Mr Johnson said.
"When I heard the initial ann-ouncement I thought the government might be sincere. Then I read that strategic cropping protection could be lifted in 'exceptional circumstances'. I don't think it is cynical to see the Bandanna decision as the first of many similar 'exceptions'."
The golden triangle had achieved the highest long-term average wheat yields in Queensland.
"They grow a wide variety of crops all year round," Mr Johnson said.
"In Australia, such reliable, premium farming land is rare. In 2008, this area supplied the entire eastern seaboard north of Sydney, when the wheat crops failed on the Downs and in NSW."
Local landholders are planning a meeting to discuss the announcement.
"I had thought the minister was going to do the right thing," Mr Sullivan said.
"So I hope she will accept my invitation."
He said Bandanna Energy did not have the money to build the projects.
"They're planning to sell both projects, so what Bandanna says it will do may not matter to the buyers," Mr Sullivan said.
Plans for an underground longwall mine as part of the Springsure Creek project also raised concerns about land subsidence.
"Parts of three properties are affected, he said.
"About 1000 hectares of land around the mine is irrigated. The company admits that there will be subsidence and this is a real threat as far as we are concerned.
"There are ring tanks within 100m of homes.
"If they collapse because of subsidence the families in those homes will be in danger."
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