Although the federal government has ticked off necessary approvals for construction of the Carmichael coalmine, two research plans must be approved before mining can start.

Adani has to identify the source aquifer for the Doongmabulla Springs, which is a wetland area southwest of the mine that is at risk of drying up if mining starts.

"This is part of one of the research plans that is yet to be approved by me," Ms Ley told ABC News on Wednesday.

"The conditions have been set, they're quite stringent.

"Those water triggers, the careful management and observation of what happens with the springs, the examination of the clay barrier ... between the mine operation and the stream flow, they are all under close consideration."

Ms Ley says both herself, as federal environment minister, and the state minister, will have an ongoing role in compliance and monitoring for Adani.

"I want to reassure people, this is not set and forget when it comes to environmental approvals," she said.

But the minister says the ball is firmly in the Queensland state government's court, with it's decision on Adani's groundwater management plan due next week.

Adani also needs to overcome hurdles including the development of a rail line, finance and insurance.

Australian Associated Press