The Queensland Government may be preparing for a land-grab to buy properties near the coal-heavy Galilee Basin.

About 74 properties have been affected by the declaration of the Galilee Basin as a ‘state development area’ (SDA).

The declaration was foreshadowed last year, as Queensland continues to get the most out of its large inland coal reserves by expanding its infrastructure.

The new Galilee Basin State Development Area (GBSDA) will feature two major coal train corridors from the region out the port of Abbot Point, near Bowen.

Proposed mining projects within the Galilee Basin would have the potential to attract billions in investment and thousands of jobs, but the Queensland Government is anxiously trying to ramp up digging while the coal price continues to drop.

Locals say there was not enough communication about the routes the rail lines would take, the possibility of compensation, or a range of other questions for families who may not want leave properties they have tended for generations.

The local residents have also warned of water supply and flooding risks along the proposed rail route, which do not appear to have been factored in the mining company or government plans.

Queensland's Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney says the government wants to know of any effects on property values, and will consider compensation.

A Queensland Government liaison officer has reportedly contacted those landholders in recent days.

More details are available here.