New Acland: One thing now needed for controversial Qld coal mine expansion to be approved

The contentious New Acland coal mine expansion has cleared another significant hurdle – but will still need one more sign-off before being given the final green light.

The contentious New Acland coal mine expansion near Oakey has cleared another significant hurdle – but will still need one more sign-off before being given the final green light.

Resources Minister Scott Stewart announced on Friday that he had approved mining leases for Stage 3 of the New Acland project following “careful consideration”.

Mr Stewart said the project would still need an associated water licence from the state’s Water Department.

In a statement on social media, New Hope Group – which owns the mine – described the development as a “key approval” in their arduous 15 year quest for approval.

The New Acland Mine. Picture: Josh Woning

“The granting of New Acland Stage 3’s mining leases is a watershed moment in the long running approvals process,” the company said in its statement.

“Minister Stewart’s decision to grant New Acland Stage 3 its mining leases is proof the Queensland government believes the project makes sense environmentally, socially and financially.”

The latest approvals comes after the Environment Department gave the tick-off to the project’s environmental authority in June.

The site – which is about 190km west of Brisbane – has been operating in care and maintenance mode after mining had to be halted in November last year.

The company says close to 600 jobs are expected at the peak of the mine’s construction – should the expansion get the go ahead – with a permanent workforce of about 400 full time roles during the life of the project.