The Queensland government has approved Adani's plan to protect the endangered black-throated finch, putting it a step closer to beginning construction on its controversial coal mine.

The QLD department of environment and science said Adani's updated version of the finch plan now includes commitments after they were requested by the department.  

"We obviously appreciate that the Queensland Department of Environment and Science has met their self imposed timing to be able to conclude this," said Adani's mining CEO Lucas Dow.  "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."

Environmental campaigners say the plan doesn't go far enough and could send the species into extinction.

"The black-throated finch has already lost 88 percent of its historical range and recent analysis shows six of the coal mines planned for the Galilee Basin would completely clear nearly 35,000 hectares of the finch’'s best remaining habitat," said Christian Slattery of Australian Conservation Foundation.  "The black-throated finch is already endangered and this decision by the Queensland government - which comes after months of pressure.. by Adani and the mining lobby – may have sealed its fate."