Late last week, the Coordinator General issued her Change Report which states the conditions to be incorporated into New Acland Stage 3’s Environmental Authority.

The landmark development in the approvals process, which stretches back 15 years, allows the Queensland Government to implement the Land Court’s recommendation that approvals be granted.

The Department of Environment and Science can now incorporate the Coordinator General’s stated conditions and issue the Environmental Authority. This will then allow New Acland Stage 3’s Mining Leases and Associated Water Licence to be granted.

New Hope Group CEO, Rob Bishop said the Queensland Government can now approve New Acland Stage 3.

“New Acland Stage 3 has been extensively reviewed, assessed and scrutinised,” Mr Bishop said.

“The Land Court process and the Coordinator General’s consultation process has allowed everyone to have their say about the project.

“This historic development is a green light for finalisation of the approvals process and means we can now focus more on plans to re-open the mine and recruit our workforce.

“Local workers, contractors and local businesses will benefit to the tune of $1 billion over the life of the project.

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, made up of Darling Downs locals.”

New Hope Group would like to thank local workers, farmers, business leaders, community members and their families for their continued support of New Acland Stage 3.