Big delay expected in Acland decision

THE man tasked with deciding the fate of New Acland Mine said he won’t make a decision until he reviews several “boxes” of documents.

They include files relating to a mining lease application for its stage three expansion along with a detailed breakdown of the decade-long legal battle to kill the project.

Queensland Resources Minister Scott Stewart was questioned about the application during an Estimates Hearing in Brisbane on Tuesday but could give no indication about when he would make a decision.

He said the decision was delayed until June 28 as he waited for the Department of Environment and Science to issue its decision to approve the environmental authority.

“My department has now finalised its submission for my consideration. I will make my decision once I have considered the large amount of information associated with this complex matter, and I can tell you there are thousands of pages,” Mr Stewart said.

Condamine MP Pat Weir accused Mr Stewart of delaying his decision to give environmental groups time to launch a legal challenge, to further delay the project.

“The concern that is held by the proponents and the previous workers is that the government’s position has always been that it will not be approved while there is legal action pending,” he said.

“It is only a matter of time before there is another appeal on whatever.

“The objectors have already stated that. When is the earliest that we can expect you to grant the mining lease?”

Mr Stewart replied that he was giving the matter the “attention that it requires”.

“We received all of the information. It was actually brought in on a trolley, there is that much,” he said.