Queensland Resources Council calls for Palaszczuk Government to approve New Acland stage 3 expansion

The chief executive of the Queensland Resources Council has called on the state government to ‘not be held to ransom by minority activist groups’ over New Hope Group’s plans to expand New Acland mine.

The Queensland Resources Council has called on the Palaszczuk Government to approve plans to expand the New Acland mine west of Toowoomba.

Last week the Oakey Coal Action Alliance aired claims that Department of Environment and Science staff were unduly influenced by personal relationships with New Hope Group staff, a suggestion that has been dismissed by QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane.

Calling on the state government to “not be held to ransom by minority activist groups”, Mr Macfarlane said DES took more than six months to make its decision for an amended Environmental Authority.

Queensland Resource Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane. Picture: Contributed

“No resources project in Queensland history has been more scrutinised or assessed than New Acland Stage 3,” Mr Macfarlane said

“New Hope Group, its workers and the local community have been stuck on a never-ending roundabout for more than 15 years.

“If the relevant government departments and Ministers Stewart (Mining Leases) and Butcher (Associated Water Licence) believe New Acland Stage 3 should go ahead, then they should back themselves.

“If the Palaszczuk Government believes in its processes and people it needs to declare New Acland Stage 3 a prescribed project.

“Otherwise, it is giving an indefinite green light to groups like OCAA, which is backed by the taxpayer-funded Environmental Defenders Office, to challenge every decision.”

Last week Resources Minister Scott Stewart said he would give “careful consideration” to any mining lease application for the proposed stage 3 expansion when he received it from the Department of Resources.

“We’ve always said we will let the legal process finish before any decision was made about New Acland,” he said.

“Any resources project must stack up environmentally, socially and financially.”