A billion dollar mining project on Cape York’s been scrapped and the company behind it is blaming Queensland’s Wild Rivers Legislation.

But the State Opposition says Queenslanders are the ones losing out with jobs and economic development being lost, along with the proposed mine.

Amy Stewart reports.

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TRANSCRIPT

They said it wouldn’t stop any projects on the Cape.

But it seems there was one exception.

Cape Alumina’s proposed $1.2 billion bauxite mine at Pisolite Hills has been scrapped.

The company’s blaming the State Government’s 500 metre wide buffers around the Wild Rivers.

But the government’s offering no apology.

Stephen Robertson, Queensland Resources Minister: “We do not want to see our environment damaged at the expense of industrial development or mining development.”

Cape Alumina says the buffer zone should be reduced to 300 metres.

But Mr Robertson’s not up for negotiations.

Stephen Robertson, Queensland Resources Minister: “My intention is certainly not to budge on that.”

State Opposition Leader John Paul Langbroek says the cancellation of the project has consigned hundreds of indigenous jobs to the unemployment scrap heap and that it’s a sign for the labor government to immediately overhaul the legislation.

But Premier Anna Bligh says her Government’s legislation won’t and hasn’t affected economic growth.

Anna Bligh, Queensland Premier: “We’ve approved 100 development applications so the suggestion that development is being stymied doesn’t bear scrutiny.”

Meanwhile, Queensland’s got another wild fight on its hands with this summer’s looming storm season.

The Premier today met with the state’s top weather forecaster in the wake of last week’s deluge.

Jim Davidson, Bureau of Meteorology: “We’ll more than likely see enhanced tropical cyclone activity in the coming season and there’s an increased likelihood of heavy rainfall and flooding.”

Mr Davidson isn’t ruling out a repeat of Brisbane’s 1974 floods.

But he says Queensland is better prepared.

Jim Davidson, Bureau of Meteorology: “With the dams in place now, it will require more rainfall than it did in ’74 and 1893.”

Queenslanders are urged to prepare for up to six cyclones this coming summer.

Amy Stewart, QUT News.