Water legislation impacts for Acland Stage 3 expansion

IN a major blow to the region, jobs are likely to be axed at New Acland mine as a result of water licencing laws, with catastrophic flow-on effects.

Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise executive chairman Shane Charles said the result of passing water licencing laws in Queensland Parliament on Wednesday was devastating to Oakey and the region.

“This is a disappointing outcome for employees and contractors in the region,” Mr Charles said.

“It’s now apparent that New Hope will more than likely have to start shedding employees in mid-2017 commensurate with the mine plan. I call on the Premier to come and pick which families won't have one of their parents employed at the mine this time next year. That shouldn't have to be a job for New Hope.”

“This decision is a kick in the guts for all of the employees and contractors living at Oakey… Oakey doesn’t need another kick in the guts and this is exactly what the Palaszczuk Government has done.”

“It’s disappointing in Queensland when an existing mine can’t get an approval to extend and we’re not talking about 100 million tonnes, we’re talking about increase from about 5 million to 7.5 million tonnes.”

“It’s like moving the goalposts after the ball has already been kicked. To do this at the eleventh hour is just unbelievable.”

Mr Charles said New Acland mine workers were not fly-in fly-out, but residents in the region.

“We’ve heard from a range of businesses from Toowoomba and the Darling Downs recently who have come out in support of Acland, who have been able to establish themselves or grow their business from work for the mine.”

“They are Toowoomba and Oakey-based residents that spend their money here. They’re families raising their children here and building their futures.”

“Oakey will be economically devastated by the loss of workers coming through the town, at a time where the area is trying to rebuild its image and welcome business. Those workers will be forced to relocate, taking their families with them.”

For the period October 15 – September 16, the Port of Brisbane recorded 461,000 tonnes of chickpeas, wheat and barley was transported in bulk through the site. This is equivalent to around 22,000 truck movements.

If New Hope was to leave the system now, the ability of agricultural product to secure spots on rail at competitive rates (without serious increase in subsidies) is in jeopardy.

“The reality of 22,000 truck movements on our road network is also unpalatable.”

The passing of the Environmental Protection (Underground Water Management) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 (Qld) essentially means the approval for the mine is again delayed.