New Acland Stage 3 is the most reviewed and scrutinised resources project in Queensland’s history.
The exhaustive approvals process was overseen by multiple Queensland Government Ministers, countless, hardworking public servants and most recently independent experts who evaluated every aspect of the project and found New Acland Mine Stage 3 stacks up environmentally, socially and financially.
The Land Court process, the Coordinator General’s extensive consultation process, the separate independent assessments of the Queensland Department of Environment and Science and the Minister for Resources, the thorough examination by the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water and most recently the independent, Internal Review has allowed everyone, including the mine’s objectors, to be heard.
Operations recommenced at New Acland Mine Stage 3 in November last year with more than 100 workers now onsite, with the permanent, fulltime workforce forecast to reach 400 workers within the next two years. At the peak of construction there will be close to 600 local workers on site at New Acland Mine.
The independent, Internal Review outcome means groundworks and operations can now be fast-tracked with the first shipment of New Acland Mine Stage 3 coal likely to leave site in October 2023.
Preparations are being finalised for heavy machinery to return to work, while the installation and upgrade of dozens of noise, dust and water monitoring stations have been completed.
New Acland Mine has also issued expressions of interest for major capital works projects, with a view to working in partnership with local contractors and suppliers to build key Stage 3 infrastructure, including a materials handling facility, train load out facility, rail lines, roads, bridges and dams.
The independent, Internal Review which found the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water made the correct decision in granting New Acland Mine Stage 3 an Associated Water Licence has also been warmly welcomed by the local community, including neighbouring farmers, landholders and business leaders who believe New Acland Mine Stage 3 will reinvigorate Oakey and communities throughout the Darling Downs.