Late last month, the chief executive of the Department administered by Queensland Minister for Water, GlennButcher, granted New Acland Stage 3 an Associated Water Licence.
New Acland Mine General Manager, Dave O’Dwyer said after 15 long years, on the groundwork has commenced on the Stage 3 expansion area.
“It’s another historic moment for the entire team at New Acland Mine, and the local community who stood by us throughout the entire approvals process,” Mr O’Dwyer said.
“I was always confident the Queensland Government would approve the project, but it’s special to see workers on site and New Acland Stage 3 officially underway.
“There is a lot of hard work ahead of us and that starts with workers mapping out the area, surveying the mine site, hammering in key markers and using drones to capture aerials.
“The heavy machinery will move in early next year, but there is a lot of planning and essential work which needs to be completed first.”
The Queensland Government’s decision to critically assess the project and approve New Acland Stage 3 means hundreds of local, well-paid jobs are now a reality for the Darling Downs region.
Since launching an online portal in mid-September, New Hope Group has received 1,231 expressions of interest for jobs at New Acland Mine.
Roles:
- 1064 expressions of interest for roles at New Acland Mine;
- 667 expressions of interest from the Darling Downs;
- 259 expressions of interest from the 4350 postcode (includes Toowoomba);
- 225 expressions of interest from the 4352 postcode (includes Highfields, Kulpi, etc.);
- 112 expressions of interest from the 4401 postcode (Oakey);
- 1026 expressions of interest from Queensland;
- 229 expressions of interest from past New Acland Mine workers.
Suppliers:
- 167 expressions of interest from suppliers to supply goods and services
- 81 expressions of interest from Darling Downs postcodes (includes Toowoomba, Oakey, etc.);
- 63 expressions of interest from Brisbane postcodes;
- 157 expressions of interest from Queensland.
“We need truck drivers, engineers, electricians, operators, administration staff and mechanics,” Mr O’Dwyer said.
At the peak of construction, there will be close to 600 local workers on site at New Acland Mine.
“Throughout the life of the project, the permanent workforce will be approximately 400 full-time roles.
“Unlike a lot of other mines in Queensland, New Acland Mine does not engage fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers, with more than 90% of our previous workforce living within 50km of the site.”
Workers and local businesses can register their interest in a job at New Acland Mine by visiting https://newhopegroup.com.au/current-expressions-of-interest/
Local workers, contractors and local businesses will benefit to the tune of $1 billion over the life of the New Acland Stage 3 project.