THE Palaszczuk government’s decision to refuse an environmental authority for the New Acland mining project near Oakey is the likely death knell for up to 600 local jobs.
Liberal National Party leader Deb Frecklington said she was incredibly disappointed on behalf of the people of Oakey and the Darling Downs.
“The Palaszczuk Government hasn’t done what it said it would do and respected the judicial process underway for the Acland project,” Ms Frecklington said.
“Despite a judicial review still being before the courts, Labor decided to unilaterally kill off a mine expansion before that legal process has been allowed to run its course.
“When the LNP asked the premier in state parliament today why she had broken her promise to the people of Acland to abide by this legal process, she refused to back away from her Environment Department’s decision to kill the EA.”
Ms Frecklington said given the project provided up to 600 full time jobs and contributed almost $500 million to the Queensland economy, the company and its employees should have having their day in court.
“Unlike Annastacia Palaszczuk, I know this mine provides critical off-farm employment for so many local primary producers and I’m really worried about what happens to those farming families now,” she said.
“Out of respect for those families, the LNP would have respected the court process.
“Labor’s knee jerk reactions and backflips are hurting business confidence, killing investment and costing Queenslanders jobs.
“Whether it’s the Gold Coast resort, the Carmichael project or Aquis in Cairns, who would do business with the Palaszczuk Labor Government when they keep changing the goal posts.”
