The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) hailed the State Government’s approval of New Acland Stage 3 as a triumph for the Oakey community and the Darling Downs area.
New Acland Coal Mine is owned and managed by New Acland Coal Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of the New Hope Group. The New Hope Group has spent the last 13 years campaigning and battling for the advancement of New Acland Stage 3.
QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said it took a while, but process ultimately prevailed over politics when an Associated Water Licence for Stage 3 of the open-cut coal mine owned by New Hope Group was granted.
“This project is one of the most heavily scrutinised and assessed resources projects in Queensland history and we congratulate New Hope Group on this long overdue news,” Macfarlane stated.
Macfarlane added that with the announcement, comes new job prospects, business opportunities, and life to the community.
According to him, the world requires high-quality energy commodities from Queensland today more than ever to ensure energy security and stability.
“Queensland’s coal and LNG exports have a crucial role to play as nations work towards achieving their net zero emissions goals. Countries all around the world need time to transition and implement new technologies – including renewables and carbon capture and storage – and further develop the potential for hydrogen to be a green energy source,” Macfarlane added.
Macfarlane said that as reported in the press this week, some of Australia’s most significant trading partners, such as Japan, are growing concerned about a lack of investment in new coal projects and the implications for their future energy security.
“Queensland is well positioned to provide energy security to our trading partners with coal and LNG produced under the strictest environmental and rehabilitation standards in the world,” he stated.
Macfarlane highlighted the need for the Queensland Government to ensure that the evaluation and approval processes for new energy projects are solid and can be completed in a timely manner.
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