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New Acland Coal Mine: Result of water licence review confirms decision

A state government department has released its review into the licence granted for the New Acland Coal Mine, sealing the fate for a potential workforce of 600 people over the next decade.

Acland mine workers return

The Department of Water has confirmed its decision to grant a water licence for the controversial expansion of the New Acland Coal Mine.

In a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, a spokesperson from the department said an internal review of the licence for New Hope’s Stage 3 expansion confirmed the initial decision.

“I have reviewed all relevant materials as they relate to the decision and have decided to confirm the original decision,” the spokesperson said.

“Following this review I am satisfied that the decision is the appropriate decision in accordance with the Water Act 2000.”

The department approved the water licence back in October 2022, which was challenged by Oakey Coal Action Alliance and Lock The Gate.

Dave O'Dwyer General Manager and workers. New Acland Mine Stage 3. Thursday, March 16, 2023. Picture: Nev Madsen.
Dave O'Dwyer General Manager and workers. New Acland Mine Stage 3. Thursday, March 16, 2023. Picture: Nev Madsen.

The mine, situated near the town of Oakey, was mothballed in 2021 after years of opposition to the expansion from green groups.

The project had been caught in a minefield of legal battles since New Hope applied for an expansion to the mine back in 2007.

The Land Court ruled the mine should be given approval with conditions in December 2021.

A mining licence was awarded to New Hope in August 2022.

The water and mining licenses paved the way for work to resume on the site late last year.

More than 100 employees have now returned to work.

OCAA secretary Paul King said the group would “review its options” following the decision.

“This is a disappointing, but not unexpected, decision by the Queensland Palaszczuk Government. Queenslanders expect better from their government,” Mr King said.

“We will be reviewing our options. Farmers and their allies are committed to fighting new Acland Stage 3.

“It speaks volumes about the government’s attitude to those who are trying to protect the water relied on by Queensland farmers that a media release was issued before applicants the Oakey Coal Action Alliance and Lock the Gate Alliance were informed of the decision.”

A New Hope spokesman said it was the correct decision for what they believed was “the most reviewed and scrutinised resources project in Queensland’s history”.

“The ... outcome means groundworks and operations can now be fast-tracked with the first shipment of New Acland Mine Stage 3 coal likely to leave site in October 2023,” he said.

New Hope predicted the fulltime workforce to reach 400 workers in two years, and 600 workers at the peak of construction.

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Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/toowoomba/new-acland-coal-mine-result-of-water-licence-review-confirms-decision/news-story/485848ebacadf3ccb0bcd021eac0c143