Call for action on Acland
Senator says mine has federal support, calls on state to move on review process
FEDERAL Minister for Natural Resources Senator Matthew Canavan has called on the State Government to move on its decision regarding the New Acland Mine stage three expansion.
Speaking outside the National Energy Summit, Senator Canavan said the mine had the support of the Federal Government to give certainty to hundreds of workers and secure Oakey’s future.
Despite being greeted by anti-coal activists arriving at the summit, Senator Canavan – wearing a New Acland Mine support badge – urged the state to “resolve the issues” identified by the Queensland Land Court which recommended against the expansion.
“Without the Acland Mine, the town of Oakey would be heavily, heavily impacted,” he said.
“The expanded mine has all its approvals at a federal level, ready to go.
“They’ve got the federal tick here on the badge.
“We’re just waiting for the state to give its tick and I just ask the State Government to please do this as soon as you can because we need those businesses in Oakey, those jobs in Oakey, to have the certainty that they know they can continue to have a job in many years to come.”
Member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts said the mine expansion had his full support.
Senator Canavan said while the expansion had secured federal approvals, he indicated it would not interfere with the state’s processes.
“The state approval processes are obviously a matter for the State Government,” he said.
“What I am calling on for the State Government to do is resolve these issues as soon as possible.
“I accept that yes there has been a court decision.
“There now has to be a review of that decision and I believe New Hope would possibly launch a judicial review of that decision.
“What I ask is that these processes at the state level be facilitated as quick as possible.”