Oakey set for economic growth thanks to New Acland coal mine expansion, increase in population

The massive coal mine project underpinning a small town’s growth has been officially launched, and business owners says their community is ready to expand.

After facing an uncertain future until the revival of the controversial New Acland coal mine, Oakey is now ready for a new era of economic growth.

That’s according to the president of the Oakey Chamber of Commerce Andrew Langton, who said his community had breathed a “sigh of relief” after the massive fossil fuel project’s expansion was officially opened.

New Acland stage three, which had been in development hell for more than 15 years, was launched by State Resources Minister Scott Stewart on Wednesday.

Andrew Langton, owner of Bi-Rite Oakey. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Mine owner New Hope has already hired more than 100 workers, and CEO Rob Bishop said the first coal would be extracted before the end of the year while it continued recruiting for the 400 positions required.

“With the Queensland Government’s endorsement, the long-awaited expansion of operations into stage three is now being realised,” he said.

“The first shipment of stage three coal is likely to leave site in August 2023.”

Mr Langton, who also owns a small business in Oakey, said the return of workers to the town had been felt on the ground.

“We have actually seen guys coming in who have got their jobs back,” he said.

“They’ve started buying goods around Oakey, because they can do it now more with a secure job.”

03/05/2023: Cutting the opening ribbon, L-R New Acland Mine General Manager Dave O’Dwyer, Queensland Minister for Resources, Scott Stewart and New Hope Group CEO Rob Bishop, at the official opening of the New Acland Mine, Stage 3. Pic Lyndon Mechielsen

Mr Langton said the town was well placed to take advantage of the mine’s expansion thanks to domestic migration following Covid-19.

“We had a lot of people moving during Covid, which is one way we stayed prosperous,” he said.

“Now with the mine going ahead, we want to see expansion, the development of blocks on the edges of town,” Mr Langton said.

“Oakey has got all the facilities and structure to support more families.

“We’d love to see more development of these blocks — you don’t have to have a small-sized block like in Toowoomba, most of these new ones will be quarter of an acre to a full acre.”

03/05/2023: Aerial view of the New Acland mine at official opening of the New Acland Mine, Stage 3, about 2 hours west of Brisbane. pic Lyndon Mechielsen

Mr Langton said the recent investment by the Toowoomba Regional Council into Oakey’s CBD, worth about $150,000, was the start of what he hoped was increased attention from local and state governments.

“The council has come along to our chamber meetings and they’re listening, so that’s great, but it’s another thing to act on it,” he said.

“The streetscape especially, it’s long overdue — it will make the street look more appealing, to showcase what a wonderful town we have.”

The opening of the New Acland Mine’s third stage was attended by politicians and lobbyists.

It comes a month after the state government reaffirmed its decision to grant a water licence to New Hope – the final hurdle.

Activists and farmers in the area have vowed to continue the fight against New Acland stage three.