Adani is just one step away from starting construction on one of the country's largest coal mines, after the Queensland Government approved a crucial environmental plan to protect an endangered bird.

Key points: The black-throated finch was one of two outstanding environmental approvals being decided by the Government

The black-throated finch was one of two outstanding environmental approvals being decided by the Government The second is related to the groundwater management plan — due in a fortnight

The second is related to the groundwater management plan — due in a fortnight The Opposition says the approval should have been given 18 months ago

The Indian mining giant had been waiting on a ruling for its plan to conserve the black-throated finch, which survives at the site of its proposed Central Queensland mine.

The Government had a self-imposed deadline of May 31 to accept or reject Adani's plan, giving it the green light a short time ago — with conditions.

But the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) condemned the decision, saying nothing changed the fact that the habitat of an endangered species was being destroyed.

The black-throated finch plan was one of two outstanding environmental approvals to be judged by the Government — the second, related to groundwater management, is due within a fortnight's time.

The deadlines were imposed by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk days after Labor's federal election wipe-out in Queensland, earlier this month.

If given the green light on the remaining approval, Adani could begin breaking ground at its Carmichael mine site within weeks, after more than eight years of planning.

The mining company had been negotiating with the Environment Department to satisfy concerns about its finch protection plan, including requests for better habitat preservation and seed availability, with Adani's mining CEO Lucas Dow welcoming the decision.

"We're obviously encouraged to have that in our hands," Mr Dow said.

"We obviously appreciate that the Queensland Department of Environment and Science has met their self imposed timing to be able to conclude this.

"It's been the subject of rigorous scientific examination.

"We now look forward to the department meeting the next deadline that it's imposed upon itself, for the 13th of June, to finalise the groundwater dependent eco systems management plan."

Adani mining CEO Lucas Dow said the black-throated finch plan had undergone rigorous examination. ( ABC News: Jessica Rendall )

The black-throated finch population at the site in the Galilee Basin represents the largest known population of the endangered southern species.

Approvals process 'stinks': ACF

Christian Slattery from the ACF said the decision to approve the management plan was deeply flawed.

"This process is the result of Adani and their mates in the mining industry pressuring the State Government, and rather than stand up to these corporate bullies, the Queensland Government has rolled out the red carpet for them," he said.

"Frankly, the whole process of approvals for this mine stinks."

Mr Slattery said Adani's extra measures to protect the endangered species did little to ease his concerns.

"All of the monitoring and surveying in the world doesn't avoid the fact that the bird habitat is being destroyed — extinction is forever," he said.

In a statement, the Environment Department said Adani met numerous conditions to ensure the preservation of the bird and its habitat.

"Assessment of this plan has been a rigorous process, informed by the best available science," a spokesperson said.

"[The Department] has met regularly with Adani to ensure that the plan is robust and is well-placed to deliver the best outcomes for the protection of the black-throated finch."

The Department said it had asked Adani to ensure additional protections for the bird, including population studies and limited grazing on the site.

"[The Department] is also satisfied that Adani will engage appropriately qualified ecologists to undertake the company's survey and monitoring work in relation to the black-throated finch."

'This should've happened 18 months ago'

Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington said the approval was a long time coming.

"This should have happened 18 months ago but Annastacia Palaszczuk has put obstacle after obstacle in its way," she said.

If given the green light on the remaining approval, Adani could begin breaking ground at its Carmichael mine site within weeks. ( Twitter: Matthew Canavan )

"We will welcome jobs for regional Queensland, that is exactly what regional Queensland has been screaming out for.

"It beggars belief that Annastacia Palaszczuk continually puts obstacles in the way of resource companies in Queensland."

The Opposition has also continued criticising the Government over the proposal to ask coal mining companies to voluntarily contribute to a $70 million regional infrastructure fund.

Ms Frecklington wrote to the Crime and Corruption Commission saying the proposition was similar to "extortion" — a suggestion Treasurer Jackie Trad has dismissed.