The new to industry roles are the first entry level intake since the Queensland Government approved New Acland Mine Stage 3 in October 2022. New Acland Mine General Manager, Dave O’Dwyer said experience in mining is not a prerequisite to be considered for the roles.

“We’re eager to meet with candidates who live locally and are enthusiastic about a successful career in the mining industry,” Mr O’Dwyer said.

“The new to industry roles will play an important role in ensuring safe coal production and delivery, with trainees working both days and nights on site.

“No mining experience is necessary to be considered for the roles, with comprehensive training provided to the successful candidates.

“The entry level positions will control some of the biggest machines and drive some of the largest vehicles on site, including the fleet of CAT haul trucks.

“The number of expressions of interest in the past month for entry level positions proves there is a thirst for well paid, local jobs.

“The applications also reinforce the fact the overwhelming majority of the local community, including residents, families, farmers, small business owners and community organisations support the expansion of New Acland Mine.”

New Hope Group re-opened its Job Assessment Centre in Oakey last week and held a series of sessions with potential New Acland Mine employees, including new to industry candidates to determine their suitability for roles on site. The sessions included one-on-one interviews, aptitude tests and group activities.

There are now more than 150 employees at New Acland Mine.

At the peak of construction, there will be approximately 600 local workers 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.

Unlike a lot of other mines in Queensland, New Acland Mine does not engage fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers, with more than 90 per cent of the current workforce living within 50 kilometres of the site.

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