The multimillion-dollar New Acland Coal Mine Stage 3 project is one step closer to kicking off, after the Queensland government finalised the development’s terms of reference this week.
Announcing the milestone today (March 26), deputy premier Jeff Seeney said New Hope Coal is now free to prepare an updated environmental impact statement (EIS) for the project, which has been downsized for sustainability issues.
“The revised expansion of the existing New Acland open-cut coal mine will significantly reduce its impact on agricultural land and local communities,” Mr Seeney explained.
“It differs from the original proposal in that mining over the town of Acland is no longer proposed, Lagoon Creek would not be diverted, the Jondaryan rail load-out facility would be moved eight kilometres from the town, and mining would move ten kilometres from Oakey.”
If given the final go ahead, the $700 million mine expansion is expected to generate 220 construction jobs and 570 operational positions, while opportunities for apprenticeships in Toowoomba may also receive a boost.
Mr Seeney said New Hope Coal is now required to address the terms of reference in the new EIS before it receives state and federal government approval.
