Albo’s Acland views

Federal Opposition says mine process gone on too long

THE Federal Opposition leader says the New Acland Coal Mine stage three expansion project has dragged on for too long.

But in an interview with Brisbane-based radio station 4BC Anthony Albanese stopped short of calling for the project to be approved.

“It seems to me, common sense tells you that 13 years is an extraordinary long period of time,” Mr Albanese said.

“The matter is before the courts at the moment, before the High Court.

“It is a matter for the Queensland Government of how they deal with that, and I can understand that they’re in a difficult circumstance.”

Mr Albanese said politicians needed to do better at ensuring environmental safeguards are in place, while making sure approval processes aren’t dragged out for a prolonged period.

Meanwhile, Oakey Coal Action Alliance Secretary Paul King has praised the State Government on holding firm on pressure to approve the mine.

“Darling Downs farmers commend the Palaszczuk Government for standing firm and respecting the court process in the face of uninformed attacks from a small group of coal-obsessed Federal MPs,” he said.

“Deb Frecklington meanwhile, came out as a strong opponent of this mine when she was seeking election, but now toes the company line in direct opposition to what farmers want in the district.

“Queenslanders respect a strong leader, and the Premier and her ministers have shown their strength by sticking to their commitment to wait until the court process has concluded before making a decision on the … New Acland expansion.

“Queenslanders respect people who stand up to bullies, and New Acland and its mouthpiece supporter MPs are behaving like the biggest bullies of all.

“Queenslanders also want to support their dairy farmers, and if the New Acland coal mine expansion goes ahead, it threatens three major dairy farms that supply 10 million litres of milk annually, while also employing many workers.”

tobi.loftus@thechronicle.com.au