Acland expansion plans progressing

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the Co-ordinator-General’s approval was subject to 137 strict conditions to manage the project’s impact.

“This mine expansion is set to create over 250 jobs during construction and another 435 operational jobs, as well as providing business opportunities in the nearby towns of Dalby, Oakey, Pittsworth and others," Mr Seeney said.

The $900 million project has been revised from its initial application in 2007, reducing the project's footprint by close to 60 per cent, preserving the course of Lagoon Creek and moving the rail load-out facility eight kilometres away from Jondaryan.

New Hope managing director Shane Stephan said the approval would provide a further boost of $12 billion to the local, state and national economies over the life of the mine.

"The New Acland Stage 3 Project ensures that the current employment and economic benefits are not lost to the Darling Downs and that New Hope continues to be a major employer in the region,” he said.

Oakey Coal Action Alliance president John Cook questioned whether the timing of the approval was deliberate.

Mr Cook said they were all disappointed but not surprised by the announcement.

“Queensland has a blatantly pro-coal government intent in looking after their mining mates, at the expense of good farmland and water supplies, rural communities, human health and biodiversity," he said.

The New Acland Coal Mine Stage 3 Project will now be considered by federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt, under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

If approved by Mr Hunt, the proponents need to seek State government approval for a mining lease under the Mineral Resources Act 1989 and an Environmental Authority under the Environmental Protection Act 1994.