The historic development follows eight months of extensive consultation with New Hope Group and key stakeholders and means the chief executive of the Department administered by Queensland Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher, can now grant New Acland Stage 3 an Associated Water Licence.

“The granting of New Acland Stage 3’s Mining Leases is a watershed moment in the long running approvals process,” Mr O’Dwyer said.

“Minister Stewart’s decision to grant New Acland Stage 3 its Mining Leases follows the Land Court review process, the Coordinator General’s review and consultation process, and the independent assessment of the Queensland Department of Environment and Science.

“The Queensland Government has stated mining projects seeking approval must stack up environmentally, socially and financially. We see the approvals received to date, especially the Queensland Government’s decision to grant New Acland Stage 3 its Mining Leases as confirmation the project satisfies all the critical tests.

“We’re focused on securing the remaining primary approval from Minister Butcher’s Department required for Stage 3 as soon as possible, which would enable a restart of operations and employment opportunities for hundreds of local workers.

“Groundwater, the subject of the Associated Water Licence application, has been subject to exhaustive reviews, comment and assessment by independent experts, peer reviewers, objectors, State regulators and Commonwealth agencies, in advance of, or during, the Associated Water Licence Application process.

“Groundwater is regulated by existing Water Act management area conditions and conditions established by the Coordinator General, the Department of Environment and Science and the Federal Minister for the Environment.

“It’s also essential to understand that the New Acland Mine does not rely on groundwater bores for any of its mining operations.

“The New Acland Mine purchases all its water requirements from the Wetalla Wastewater Reclamation Facility under an existing long term supply contract with the Toowoomba Regional Council,” Mr O’Dwyer said.

Once approved, local workers, contractors and local businesses will benefit to the tune of $1 billion over the life of the New Acland Stage 3 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.