Hydrocarbon tracesThe Doongmabulla Springs are connected to a bigger underground water system that helps keep the dry land alive. Land rights claimIn 1915, Queensland's Aboriginal Protection Act allowed the forced removal of Aboriginal people from their land. However, in 2012 and again in 2014, no agreement could be reached, so Adani sought approval through the Native Title Tribunal without Indigenous consent. In 2021, after 17 years, a judge dismissed the W&J Native Title claim, removing their right to consultation or compensation for future mines under the law. "A judge ultimately made a determination that the native title did not exist in the claim area, and it's now subject to application to the High Court of Australia for special leave to appeal," says Tim Wishart, head of the Queensland South Native Title Service.