Queensland Mining Minister Stirling Hinchliffe says the Bligh government's ban on gas and coal exploration near urban areas could be expanded to include larger population centres.
In an interview with The Australian Financial Review, Mr Hinchliffe defended the government's proposed laws banning exploration near towns of 1000 people or more, denying they were a publicity stunt.
"I think it sends a pretty clear signal to industry about being sensible and careful about what they do in and around urban areas," he said.
The mining industry has accused the government of a knee-jerk reaction, especially given the minister already has "call-in" powers on mining developments near towns.
Legal action has been threatened when 285 exploration permits, or those parts near urban centres, are revoked by the end of the year.
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