Queensland Govt invites public comments on New Acland project in Oakey

The Queensland Government is inviting public to comment on the environmental impact of New Hope Coal’s proposed expansion of New Acland project in North-west of Oakey.

New Hope Coal said that the Stage 3 of New Acland will allow it to operate the mine until 2029, while creating around 435 jobs at peak, up to 260 construction jobs, in addition to a number of indirect jobs.

Mr Jeff Seeney deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning said that "The Queensland Government is committed to growing the state's 4 pillar economy and ensuring successful co-existence between the agricultural and resource sectors."

Mr Seeney said that new Acland Coal's expansion plan in 2007 was not supported by the government due to its impact on agricultural land and proximity to local townships.

Since 2012, the project's footprint has been slashed by around 60% and the company has confirmed plans to abandon 1,401 hectares of the mining lease area, including the Acland town.

New Hope Coal in a statement said that "The revised Project would attract construction costs of around USD 896 million and would contribute almost USD 19 billion to the local, regional, state and federal economies."

The company said that if the project does not proceed the mine will be closed by 2017 as the coal reserves within the current lease area will be depleted.