‘Nothing stopping’ New Acland coalmine getting government’s environmental tick of approval

The embattled New Acland coalmine has “cleared every legal and technical hurdle” the Queensland government has demanded of it in its expansion bid, its boss has declared.

The owner of the New Acland coalmine on the Darling Downs is “hopeful” the project’s expansion will be given the environmental tick-off by the Palaszczuk government before the end of the month.

But the Environment Department is keeping coy about how long the process will take, saying it will need to consult with Deputy Premier Steven Miles and Resources Minister Scott Stewart before making a call.

It comes after the Co-ordinator-General signed off on the mine expansion a fortnight ago in a move that was hailed as a landmark development by New Hope Group.

It will now be up to the government to issue the final approvals needed for New Acland Stage 3 to get off the ground, including the environmental authority (EA) and the necessary Mining Leases.

New Hope Group chief executive Rob Bishop told The Sunday Mail the company was “hopeful” that the Department of Environment and Science (DES) would issue the EA by the end of June.

Resources Minister Scott Stewart. Picture: Shae Beplate

“New Acland Stage 3 is the most reviewed, assessed and scrutinised resources project in Queensland’s history,” Mr Bishop said.

“There is nothing stopping the Queensland government from finalising New Acland Stage 3’s remaining approvals including the project’s Mining Leases and Associated Water Licence.

“New Acland Stage 3 has cleared every legal and technical hurdle.”

DES would not say last week how long it would take for it to decide on the EA.

A spokesman for the department said “a number of legislative steps” had to be taken before a decision could be made.

“This includes DES seeking advice from the Minister Resources and the Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning,” he said.

“Once these steps are complete, DES will decide whether or not to approve an amendment to the EA for the mine.

“DES must have regard to the Land Court objections decision; any advice from the Resources and State Development Ministers and the draft EA.”

The mine has effectively been shuttered since November, with hundreds of workers made redundant in recent years as operations were forced to slow down.