Decision makers prioritising green lawfare over jobs creation

Toowoomba’s peak economic development organisation is disappointed the recent Supreme Court announcement will delay the creation of vital jobs for Stage 3 of the New Acland Mine expansion.

TSBE CEO Ali Davenport said that last Wednesday’s Supreme Court of Queensland’s decision by Justice Davis to adjourn proceedings until the Oakey Coal Action Alliance’s (OCAA) High Court Appeal has been heard will put local jobs at risk. 

New Hope Group had applied to wind up the OCAA based on the $735,000 that the Court of Appeal has ordered them to pay.

“The Supreme Court agreed that OCAA owes a substantial debt to New Acland Mine and they appear to be insolvent,” Ms Davenport said.

“It is disappointing that an insolvent organisation is permitted to continue accruing debt while delaying a much-needed project.”

“New Hope Group has been fighting to get New Acland Mine Stage 3 approved for more than 13 years in order to save the jobs of existing workers and create further jobs for the region.”

New Acland Stage 3 will create 187 new jobs within six months and generate $7 billion in economic activity over the lifetime of the project.

There remains no impediment to the Queensland Government granting the necessary approvals to enable this shovel ready project to proceed.