New Acland Mine saga continues

Following the High Court’s recent decision to allow Oakey Coal Action Alliance’s (OCAA) special leave application New Hope Group plan to meet with the Queensland Government to discuss the future of New Acland Stage 3.

The High Court gave no indication of when an appeal would be heard.

Regardless of the outcome, Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) urge the State Government to approve the mining lease and associated water licence, as they have all the information needed to decide on the project's outstanding approvals.

New Hope Group are seeking a commitment from the State Government on the outstanding approvals as there is nothing stopping the State Government from granting the approvals for the project.

It’s important to note that the Queensland Government gave approval to Adani Carmichael coalmine while it was still in the court.

With New Hope Group confirming they will start advertising for hundreds of new workers the moment Stage 3 is approved, an approval would not only mean major economic benefits, but would also provide a lifeline to those who have recently lost their jobs and livelihood due to COVID-19.

In particular, approval would ensure more than 450 new jobs at the mine, a $7 billion boost to the Queensland economy, and help New Hope Group protect 150 current jobs.

TSBE CEO Ali Davenport said, “there will be immediate positive economic impacts when the mine is approved and we have been working with New Hope Group to identify local capable companies to undertake work as soon as they receive the final go ahead.”

“With Toowoomba recently announced as having the highest unemployment rate in the nation, according to the latest figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics following COVID challenges, our region needs the Government’s approval so we can start creating new jobs, kickstart our economy and get Queenslanders back to work,” said Ms Davenport.

“An approval from the Queensland Government has never been more important, especially in the current climate.”